Don't even think about lighting up

New House Speaker Nancy Pelosi extended her power this week by declaring "No Smoking" in the Speaker's Lobby, an ornate room behind the House chamber where lawmakers - most notably, House Minority Leader John Boehner - typically light up.

In a statement, Pelosi, D-Calif., said: "The days of smoke-filled rooms in the United States Capitol are over."

That's bad news for Boehner, a West Chester Republican known for his permanent tan and the Barclay cigarette often holds in one hand.

"Medical science has unquestionably established the dangerous effects of secondhand smoke, including an increased risk of cancer and respiratory diseases," Pelosi said. "I am a firm believer that Congress should lead by example."

Lawmakers still will be able to light up on the balcony of the Speaker's Lobby, although the last couple of days in Washington have been mighty cold. Lawmakers also will still be allowed to determine whether to allow smoking in their personal offices, as is tradition.

A no-smoking ban went into affect in Ohio on Dec. 7 while Washington went smoke-free Jan. 2.