father coughlin died on christmas day. he donated his body to science so there will be no funeral. the memorial service is set for wednesday at the baltimore chapel. robert kaufman was 78 years old. now to the war on terror. president obama has called on lawmakers to put aside politics this new year. brian moore has the story from washington. >> president obama is winding down an island vacation interrupted by the cold reality of terrorism. >> the sentiment was echoed by top republicans. >> at the beginning of the new year, it is important to remember that we are all united by a common fate that no tragedy is too big for the american people to overcome. >> a contentious fight to the finish on health care. and the battle on terror is going to flow and new after the attempted christmas day bombing of flight to under 53. >> let's make the changes that need to be made. >> meanwhile, the suicide bombing in afghanistan serves as a reminder of the struggle ahead in that area. on an island paradise, the president discussed the challenges they're facing this new year. he vows that those res

the prayer will be offered by our chaplain, father coughlin. chaplain coughlin: almighty god , true humility will not automatically come to us when we choose to bow our heads in prayer or when we acknowledge our since and shortcomings. more often we are most humbled when overwhelming circumstances far exceed our control or natural disasters or human events surprise us. lord, the horrific tragedy of biblical proportions in haiti has deeply touched us all. at the same time, this island community is called forth a flood of compassionate prayer and created a mighty forest of coordinating resources, personal generosity and heroic action. grant wisdom, prudence and fortitude to rescue workers, medical teams and caretakers who deliver aid and supplies. your mighty presence is known, lord, when true poverty casts a fresh light on another's wealth. when the weakness of some brings forth greater strength from the rest. sickness leans on the healthy. the dead are lifted up and buried to protect the living. how noble is this great sacrifice of living and d

the speaker pro tempore: and now the prayer will be offered by our chaplain, father coughlin. chaplain coughlin: as the 110th congress reassembles to meet its constitutional commitments in its second session, may the prophetic cry of israel from the prophet be heard in the hearts of all members and in the attitude of all america's people. as the lord has called you for the victory of justice, i have grasped by the hand. i formed you and set you as a covenant for the people, a life for all the nations. accomplish great deeds in and through us, lord, and make these days a time of great promise and fulfilled blessings . amen. the speaker pro tempore: and now pursuant to clause 12-a of rule 1, the house will stand in recess until approximately 6:30 p.m. today. om the app store. host: will be talking for the next 45 minutes about the 2010 congressional agenda. first off, drew armstrong of congressional quarterly -- you have a headline here. the final version is likely to include a modified version of the senate's tax on high-cost insurance plans that union groups would like to kill

the speaker pro tempore: the prayer today will be offered by chaplain father coughlin. chaplain coughlin: lord god, creator of heaven and earth, eternal shepherd of the living and the dead, as our nation unite -- reunite with other nations of the world and pray for our suffering brothers and sisters in the poverty stricken and earth shaken nation of haiti, have mercy on us all. we beg you to help all the people of haiti and all their needs. come to the aid of the afflicted, take pity on the helpless and the most vulnerable. raise up the fallen as well as the ruins where human life and human remains may still be hidden. restrain the wayward and sustain the broken hearted. bring compassion to those who mourn and eternal life to those who are buried in anonymity. for your people of haiti, we call upon you, lord, as the ever lasting redeemer and resurrection both now and forever. amen. the speaker pro tempore: the chair has examined the journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the house his approval thereof. pursuant pursuant. -- pursuant to clause 1 of rule 1

the speaker pro tempore: the prayer will be offered by our chaplain, father coughlin.cough cough the chaplain: the chaplain: be with our members of government as they work in action. may haiti be a paraable of your redeeming love, lifting your people from slavery to freedom from death to new life. when the media has tired of its story, lord, allow the commitment of liberation and justice to go that the good news of your faithful presence will overcome the shadowy image of death and destruction. so may your people rejoice, lord, in finding the treasure of your kingdom. here, even on earth. for your gospel story will last, forever and ever. amen. the speaker pro tempore: the chair has examined the journal of the last day's proceedings and announces to the house her approval thereof. pursuant to clause 1 of rule 1, the journal stands approved. the chair will lead the house in the pledge of allegiance. i pledge allegiance to the flag of the united states of america and to the republic for which it stands, one nation, under god, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all