Inauguration creeps closer, Obama preps

WASHINGTON , D.C. (NBC) - There are just eight days to go until the presidential inauguration. Barack Obama is weighing what he will say to America on that day and what he will do for America afterward, especially when it comes to the economy.

Lawmakers expect some behind-the-scenes action on the economy this week. Preparations for the new administration and the big government turnover are in full view as well.

A weekend run-through of the inaugural parade was a glimpse of this week's festivities. Even the swearing-in ceremony, complete with stand-ins for the key parts.

The real first family to-be visited their new neighbor, the Lincoln memorial, and Obama said he is readying his inaugural address.

"My focus is to try to be able to describe in simple, plain terms what are the challenges we face, but then also to let people know I have every intention of working with the American people so that we meet those challenges," said Obama.

One challenge for Obama is getting Congress to release the second half of the Wall Street bailout, amid concerns banks have not lent the money as promised or been clear about how it has been used.

"I think it would be irresponsible for Congress to release the additional money," said House Minority Leader John Boehner of Ohio.

Some lawmakers demand further funds come with strict conditions.

"That they can't provide bonuses to their executives, that they can't use this money in a way that's simply not effective and that does not assure that there is more credit available to business across America," said democratic Sen. Kent Conrad of North Dakota.

Obama offered his own assurances.

"That it is targeted very specifically at getting credit flowing again to businesses and families," said Obama.

That money is on top of a stimulus plan aimed at spurring jobs. Together, the measures would make more than $1 trillion in spending in Obama’s first months in office.