Asked whether President Obama plans to attend the funeral in Hawaii on Sunday for the late Sen. Daniel Inouye, press secretary Jay Carney said he has “no scheduling announcements.”

But Carney did point out the connections between the two men.

“Obviously the president served with Inouye, he was raised — born and raised — in Hawaii,” he said.

The president has had tentative plans to depart on Friday for his traditional Christmas vacation in Hawaii, senior administration officials have told POLITICO. But, as in other years, he may have to delay his trip, depending on what happens with Congress. Still, it would be unusual for Obama to skip the funeral.

—Chad Blair