Republicans get control of US Congress

WASHINGTON - Republicans take charge of the House of Representatives on Wednesday, poised for head-to-head clashes with President Barack Obama as it promises an era of smaller government and less spending.

Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi turns over her speaker's gavel to Republican John Boehner, who plans to quickly stage a vote to repeal President Barack Obama's signature healthcare overhaul, fulfilling promises the party made in the November election that put it back in control of the lower house.

"House Republicans are expected to vote next week - without hearings - that we are delivering jobs for the American people and that we are creating a competitive economy for the 21st century," Obama said on Tuesday on his return flight from a two-week family holiday in Hawaii.