(Washington, DC) -- Rhode Island Congressman Jim Langevin presided over the U.S. House for the first day of its new session. Langevin was chosen by newly-elected House Speaker Nancy Pelosi to serve as Speaker pro tempore. He received a standing ovation from his colleagues and it was noted that the speaker's podium was altered in 2010 to allow for wheelchair access. Langevin is the first quadriplegic elected to Congress.