President Obama's inaugural planning committee on Friday released the names of several contributors to the president's swearing-in festivities.

The committee decided to accept corporate donations this time, after banning them in 2009.

Companies such as AT&T, Microsoft, biotech firm Genentech, Inc., healthcare company Centene Corp., Financial Innovations, Inc., Whittier Trust Co., and Stream Line Circle, LLC appeared on the committee's web site along with the names of several individual contributors.

Sens. Richard Shelby (R-Ala.) and Dan Coats (R-Ind.) have officially made their bets on the 2013 BCS National Championship.

She’s been in the Senate for barely two days, but Sen. Tammy Baldwin (D-Wisc.) is already engaging in a tradition of sorts between lawmakers — trash talking and making a friendly wager on a sports game.

Baldwin, who was sworn in on Thursday, is teaming up with fellow Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson (R) in a bet against Minnesota Democrats Sens. Al Franken and Amy Klobuchar.

The two political pairs are placing a wager on the outcome of Saturday’s NFL game between the Green Bay Packers and the Minnesota Vikings.

“Intimidating is going up to a growling Rottweiler and having to squeeze his anal glands, or going up to a stallion that weighs 1,200 pounds and telling him you’re going to take his testicles off. ... That’s intimidating. I think I can handle Congress.” 

                  — Freshman Rep. Ted Yoho (R-Fla.), a veterinarian, telling the National Journal in a story published Thursday that he’s not bent out of shape about ticking off his House colleagues. 

ITK hears leadership aides were laughing about Yoho's comment Friday in the Speaker's Lobby.

When it comes to patriotic accessories, Rep. Gerry Connolly and his brother have got it covered.

The Virginia Democrat and his bro, Philip, both sported ties inspired by the American flag on Thursday. 

The desire to wear the stars and stripes must be genetic, because we hear the Connollys actually didn’t plan their coordinated neckwear. While big, bold stripes could be seen on the congressman’s tie, his brother’s tie was more subdued, with rows of small U.S. flags.

It’s not the first time Connolly has whipped out the pro-America piece from his wardrobe. Given to him by a constituent years ago, the lawmaker wears it for every election and primary day and has never lost. ITK hears that Connolly also wears his Old Glory tie for “special” days, such as federal holidays and swearing-in day.

Along with his similarly dressed sibling, Connolly’s family — including his wife, daughter, parents, sister and close friends — were in town as the congressman was sworn in on the first day of the 113th Congress.

Photo (left): Greg Nash

Photo (right): Rep. Gerry Connolly (D-Va.) and his brother, Philip. / Jamie Smith

The stars of a new show spoofing life in the White House are screening the show just blocks from President Obama’s real-life abode.

The cast of NBC’s comedy series “1600 Penn,” including Bill Pullman and Jenna Elfman, will screen the show's pilot episode and do a question-and-answer session at the National Press Club in downtown Washington on Jan 9.

Pullman plays fictional Commander in Chief Dale Gilchrist, while Elfman takes on the role of the first lady. 

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Rep. Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is about to yuk it up on the small screen — she’s poised to appear in the final episode of “30 Rock” later this month.

SPOTTED: Former Sen. John Glenn (D-Ohio) and his wife, Annie, holding hands as they headed from the Capitol toward the Senate subway on Thursday.

The spouse of the four-term senator and famed astronaut donned a midnight blue suit and walked with the help of a cane. Sen. Rob Portman (R-Ohio) was also seen escorting Glenn, 91, at one point in the basement of the Capitol.

A spokesman for Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) says the dark marks seen on the lawmaker's face as he spoke on the Senate floor Thursday are part of a “scheduled treatment for his skin” and “nothing to be concerned about.”

Reid, 73, had several blotches on his face as he delivered remarks at the opening of the 113th Congress.