Bob’s Blog: Sochi Security and Washington Weariness

(CBS News) -- Russia’s big moment has finally arrived and the 2014 Winter Olympics are underway in Sochi.

The Games have begun, but not without last-minute jitters over bomb-making materials that could be stored in toothpaste tubes. The Transportation Security Administration even temporarily banned passengers on Russia-bound flights from bringing liquids in their carry-on luggage.

Coming up this Sunday on “Face The Nation,” we’ll first hear from our man in Sochi, longtime CBS News correspondent Mark Phillips. He’ll have the latest news about the security situation on the ground for American athletes, coaches and trainers, as well as the families and friends there to cheer them on.

We’ll also talk to Rep. Peter King, R-N.Y., who sits on the House Intelligence Committee. There are few on Capitol Hill who know more about national security and foreign affairs than King. He’ll join me to talk about the new terrorism threats against the Olympics, which he recently said are “very concerning.”

While we all cheer on Team USA, there are still some pressing issues in Washington to address.

For one, the United States is going to reach the debt ceiling any day now. The Treasury Department is currently using what it calls “extraordinary measures” to keep paying the bills, but that will run out soon. Republican leaders in the House of Representatives are trying to draw up a plan that would raise the debt limit and also satisfy rank-and-file conservatives before the U.S. starts defaulting on its loans.

Also, hopes are now dimming that Congress can pass some comprehensive immigration reform this year. After a flurry of optimism last week, House Speaker John Boehner threw cold water on the idea Thursday.

And for millions of Americans, the debate over extending unemployment benefits is a top concern. The Senate on Thursday came one vote short of breaking a Republican filibuster against the bill, which would extend unemployment insurance for three months while lawmakers negotiate a long-term agreement.

I’ll talk to two key senators on Sunday. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill., is the second-ranking Democrat in the chamber and was a member of the original “Gang of Eight” that tackled immigration reform. Also on the show we have , Sen. Kelly Ayotte, R-N.H., a pivotal swing vote on unemployment insurance. 

On Sunday, we also have our weekly panel to discuss the news of the week. We’ll hear from Jeffrey Goldberg of The Atlantic and Mark Mazzetti of The New York Times, as well as CBS News State Department correspondent  Margaret Brennan and CBS News political director John Dickerson.