“The American people have humbled us. . . They have reminded us that everything here is on loan from them. That includes this gavel, which I accept cheerfully and gratefully, knowing I am but its caretaker. After all, this is the people’s House. . . What they want is a government that is honest, accountable and responsive to their needs.”

— New Speaker John Boehner, yesterday, in his opening address to the House of Representatives