State Dept. condemns arrests, repression in Russia

It called for the release of protesters and opposition leader Alexey Navalny.

This is the fifth day of the administration of President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Top headlines:

Here is how events are unfolding. All times Eastern.
Jan 22, 2021, 1:35 PM EST

Austin administratively sworn in as secretary of defense

After being confirmed by the Senate, Lloyd Austin was administratively sworn in as secretary of defense by Tom Muir, acting director of the Washington Headquarters Services, Friday afternoon. 

Incoming U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin arrives at the Pentagon as Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Mark Milley looks near Washington, D.C. on Jan. 22, 2021.
Brendan Smialowski/AFP via Getty Images

Austin was greeted outside the Pentagon by Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Mark Milley around noon before heading inside to be sworn in and begin his first day as the head of the department. On his way in he made very brief remarks to press:

"Hello everybody. Good to see you guys, and thank you for being here. I look forward to working with you. See you around campus," said Austin, who did not take questions.

-ABC News' Matthew Seyler

Jan 22, 2021, 1:17 PM EST

Some Republicans not prepared to split Senate time during impeachment

Several Republicans say they are not prepared to allow the Senate to conduct other business during the hours the impeachment trial is not going on, something that would require unanimous consent.

If a bifurcated approach cannot be agreed on, other Biden administration priorities -- like confirmation of nominees and COVID-19 relief -- will be on pause during the trial, however long it takes. 

Negotiations behind the scenes are still ongoing but the trial will start Tuesday barring an agreement between Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer and Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

By threatening to put other Democratic priorities on ice for the trial, Republicans are putting some pressure on Schumer to agree to McConnell's proposed delay of the trial start date.

-ABC News' Allison Pecorin

Jan 22, 2021, 12:14 PM EST

Biden, Harris mark anniversary of Roe v. Wade ruling

Biden and Harris said in a statement marking the 48th anniversary of the Roe v. Wade ruling that their administration “is committed to codifying Roe v. Wade and appointing judges that respect foundational precedents like Roe.”

"In the past four years, reproductive health, including the right to choose, has been under relentless and extreme attack. We are deeply committed to making sure everyone has access to care – including reproductive health care – regardless of income, race, zip code, health insurance status, or immigration status," their statement said.

-ABC News' Ben Gittleson

Jan 22, 2021, 11:42 AM EST

Pelosi confirms impeachment article will be delivered to Senate by House managers on Monday

House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., confirmed plans for the House impeachment managers to deliver the impeachment article to the Senate on Monday. 

Absent an agreement between Senate Democrats and Republicans on the contours of the trial, the delivery of the article would trigger a start to formal proceedings the following day. 

Pelosi, pushing back on GOP claims that the timeline doesn't provide former President Trump with enough time to prepare his defense, said in a statement that he "will have had the same amount of time to prepare for trial as our Managers."

“Exactly one week after the attack on the Capitol to undermine the integrity of our democracy, a bipartisan vote of the House of Representatives passed the article of impeachment, which is our solemn duty to deliver to the Senate,” Pelosi stated. 

-ABC News’ Benjamin Siegel

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