In Today’s Times:
Backing off from their tough stance on the nation’s finances, House Republicans said Friday that they would support lifting the debt limit for three months if Congress could pass a budget in that time. The move paved the way for deficit reduction talks and most likely will head off a default by the federal government, Jonathan Weisman reports.As President Obama is sworn in for a second term, the donors who worked hardest to get him there are angling for plum embassy posts, following unspoken rules like preparing to serve for just a short time to make room for others. As many as 300 people are vying for about only 30 positions, Nicholas Confessore and Sheryl Gay Stolberg report.Heading into his inauguration, Mr. Obama holds the approval of a slight majority of Americans, according to a New York Times/CBS News poll. Respondents are deeply polarized by party, Jackie Calmes and Megan Thee-Brenan report.Weekly Address:
Mr. Obama called on Congress in his weekly address to join the White House in taking steps to prevent gun violence by requiring universal background checks, banning assault weapons and strengthening law enforcement. “Like most Americans, I believe the Second Amendment guarantees an individual right to bear arms,” he said. “But I also believe most gun owners agree that we can respect the Second Amendment while keeping an irresponsible, law-breaking few from causing harm on a massive scale.”Representative James Lankford of Oklahoma, the chairman of the House Republican Policy Committee, asked Democrats to pass a budget in the Senate and work with Republicans to address the nation’s spending. “But because government debt really does affect all of us, Republicans will not simply provide a blank check for uncontrolled spending, irrational borrowing and constant nickel-and-dime tax increases,” he said.Washington Happenings:
The Obama and Biden families will begin the weekend of inauguration festivities by participating in a community service project Saturday as part of the National Day of Service.On Sunday, Mr. Obama will be officially sworn in for a second term at the White House and Vice President Joseph R. Biden Jr., the Naval Observatory. Later, they will speak at an inaugural reception at the National Building Museum.