Tuesday: They're back ...

The House finally returns for a few easy days this week, then will adjourn for one last long weekend before President Obama's State of the Union speech next week.

Members will convene at 2 p.m. today, but are then expected to recess immediately until 6:30 p.m. for votes. A call will be held to establish a quorum for the second session of the 112th Congress, and the only bill up for consideration is a resolution electing Paul Irving as the 36th sergeant at arms.

At 5 p.m., the House Rules Committee meets to approve a rule for a GOP resolution of disapproval that signals opposition to President Obama's request to increase the debt ceiling by another $1.2 trillion. Approval of the rule in committee will set up Wednesday debate in the House on the rule and the resolution itself.

But again, House passage of the resolution will not affect the debt-ceiling debate, as the Democrat-led Senate would have to approve a similar resolution.

The Senate remains out until next week.