US lawmakers voted today to retain congressman Paul Ryan as speaker of the House of Representatives, making him a critical player in Congress as Donald Trump prepares to assume the presidency.<br/>'<br/>House members voted 239 to 189 to re-elect Ryan to the key post over the top Democrat, former speaker Nancy Pelosi. Five lawmakers voted for other figures.<br/>'<br/>Ryan will lead the 115th Congress, which gaveled into session today 17 days before Trump's inauguration.<br/>