Senior House Republicans say they may back a small, interim increase of the U.S. debt limit, a move that would let them deflect the political consequences of the government defaulting on its debt in February or March. "We're discussing the possible virtue of a short-term debt limit extension, so that we have a better chance of getting the Senate and White House involved in discussions in March," said Rep. Paul Ryan, R-Wis., chairman of the House Budget Committee.