Pelosi claims gavel vowing focus on gun legislation, Dreamers, 'checks and balances'

Speaker Nancy Pelosi, reclaiming the gavel on Thursday, described her party's majority in the House of Representatives as part of a "new dawn" -- and outlined an agenda that includes expanded gun background checks, protections for some illegal immigrants, and a check on the Trump administration's power.

“Our nation is at an historic moment,” she said moments after being elected. “Two months ago, the American people spoke, and demanded a new dawn.” 

In her address, she said the House would push for “an economic decision for America’s global preeminence in green technology,” and protections for people with pre-existing health conditions.

She called for “commonsense bipartisan background check legislation” and legislation to end anti-LGBTQ discrimination.

She also called for protections for undocumented immigrants who came to the country as children: “We will make America more American by protecting our patriotic, courageous Dreamers!”