More specifically, other senators said last week they want the bill to include tax credits for small businesses that expand their workforces, an additional extension of unemployment benefits and COBRA subsidies, a lending program to generate capital for small businesses and a plan to help cash-strapped states dealing with severe budget shortfalls.

In addition to jobs, the House and Senate will take up half a dozen items in committees or behind closed doors on issues that, in some cases, fell by the wayside as health care dominated the agenda last year. The week's* hot topics include:

* Terrorism. The Christmas Day attack put terrorism front and center on Capitol Hill's agenda, so even though Secretary of State Hillary Clinton will be on Capitol Hill to testify about the State Department's budget Wednesday, expect her to be asked why the government did not revoke the attacker's visa. Clinton will also likely be asked about her recent statements that Islamist extremism represents the single greatest threat to the United States today. House and Senate hearings Wednesday.

* Don't Ask Don't Tell. The Senate Armed Services Committee will hold its second hearing on the law banning gays from serving openly in the military. Last week's blockbuster hearing featured the top brass of the armed forces saying they personally want the law scrapped. Part II of the hearing will feature testimony from people from outside the active duty military. Senate hearing Thursday.

* Putting the Brakes on Toyota. The House Oversight Committee will call the CEO of Toyota America in front of its panel, make him swear to tell the truth, and then ask him if it's safe to drive a Toyota. Also testifying will be Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood, who suggested last week that Toyota drivers ought to "get off the road," but quickly backtracked on his dire warning. House hearing Wednesday.

* Airport Screenings. The Senate Commerce Committee will examine how closely the TSA should scrutinize people traveling through airports before their flights. Privacy experts have balked at the latest and greatest screening machines that render travelers nude to airport inspectors, while budget hawks say a good frisking would be cheaper and more reliable. Senate hearing Thursday.

So what about health care? President Obama announced Sunday that he will hold a televised meeting in two weeks with Democrats and Republicans, asking them all to bring their best ideas to the table to get health reform passed, but by Monday, Republicans were already balking at the notion of being invited to discuss only the Democratic proposals.

"If the starting point for this meeting is the job-killing bills the American people have already soundly rejected, Republicans would rightly be reluctant to participate," Reps. John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Eric Cantor (R-Va.) wrote to White House Chief of Staff Rahm Emanuel in letter released Monday.

But before he refocuses on health care, the president will meet with Democratic and Republican leaders Tuesday at the White House, including Harry Reid, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Speaker Nancy Pelosi and Boehner. The topic: Jobs.

* The schedule for the week could be thrown into chaos by a second massive snow storm, now predicted to hit late Tuesday.