The House has adopted Republican-written rules for the chamber as partisan differences surfaced on the first day of the 113th Congress.
The Senate put off discussion of its rules so that the Democratic leader could develop a proposal to curb filibusters, and try to win support from minority Republicans.
Traditionally, the House rules package reflects the majority party's legislative positions and is opposed by the minority. The package passed Thursday in a mostly party-line vote of 228-196.
Members from each party debated many of the issues that divide them. The rules package included support for cutting spending, opposing same-sex marriage and stopping government regulations.
Democrats tried unsuccessfully to include provisions against corporate political donations, and assuring that voters don't wait in long lines.
Copyright 2013 The Associated Press.