The Republican Party has regained control of the US House of Representatives for the first time in more than four years. The shift in power follows mid-term elections in which the Republicans inflicted heavy losses on President Obama's Democratic Party. The 112th US Congress has convened in Washington, starting a new legislative session in which resurgent Republicans aim to cut the size of the US government and its spending.Republican John Boehner has taken over the key role of House speaker. Mr. Boehner, a Midwestern conservative, was confirmed as House speaker on Wednesday afternoon, replacing liberal San Francisco Democrat Nancy Pelosi.