2. House Speaker John Boehner sketched out an agenda for the new all Republican led Congress. He promised approval for the keystone XL pipeline and changes in the healthcare law. And he warned the president not to act unilaterally on immigration reform. 

 

3. Saying it is never too late to do the right thing, President Obama bestowed the medal of honour on a civil war soldier who died in the battle of Gettsyburg in 1863. A distant cousin with on hand to accept the framed medal.

 

4. And the US Postal Service unveiled the new “Rudolf Red Nose Reindeer” stamp and announced the addition of Sunday package delivery in major cities and high volume areas during the holiday season.