The U.S. Senate voted 63-34 today in favor of S. 5, which would allow federal tax dollars to be used as an incentive to destroy human embryos for stem-cell research. President Bush has promised a veto, and 67 votes were needed to override that veto. “That would be the end of the bill, but not the end of the issue,” said Douglas Johnson, legislative director for the National Right to Life Committee. He said he expects the bill to come up again next year.
In a separate vote of 70-28, the Senate passed another bill, S. 30 (the "Hope Offered through Principled and Ethical Stem Cell Research Act)." This legislation promotes taxpayer-funded research using stem cells from already-dead embryos, as well as "adult" stem cells derived from sources such as bone marrow and placentas. The White House supports S. 30, and it is expected to move next to the House for consideration.
• Lord we thank You that there are not enough votes to override a veto. We ask that S.30 be the answer for this issue. May Your Holy Spirit bring truth and wisdom to Congress to change a pattern of death into life. • "For with Thee is the fountain of life: in Thy light we shall see light." (Psalm 36:9)
2.Democrats W ill Meet With Bush After All - CNSNews.com
Just one day after refusing an invitation to meet with President Bush at the White House next Tuesday, Democrat leaders have changed their minds. They've agreed to meet with Bush on Wednesday.
• Lord we praise You for allowing this meeting to take place! We continue to ask that wisdom and truth guide our legislators rather than political agendas. • "Let them be ashamed and brought to confusion together that rejoice at mine hurt; let them be clothed with shame and dishonour that magnify themselves against Me." (Psalm 35:26)
3. Fred Thompson on Battle With Cancer, Possible Presidential Bid - Washington Post
Former senator Fred D. Thompson of Tennessee, who is actively weighing a campaign for the 2008 Republican presidential nomination, revealed yesterday that he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma 2 1/2 years ago but said the cancer is in remission. Thompson, who is perhaps best known as the tough prosecutor on NBC's "Law & Order," said that he has had no ill effects from the cancer and that it should have no impact on his life expectancy. His doctor said Thompson had been treated with medication but, because the cancer is in remission, is no longer receiving treatment. Former Tennessee Sen. Fred Thompson appeared on Fox News Wednesday morning and revealed that he was diagnosed with cancer more than 2 years ago.
• Offer praise that the former senator's cancer is in remission, and pray that he be granted "wisdom from above" concerning a possible presidential bid in 2008. • "But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)
4. Blast Rocks Iraqi Parliament - AP
Terrorist attack targets politicians on lunch break in cafeteria of building inside heavily fortified Green Zone. At least two lawmakers died in the attack. In another incident yesterday, terrorists targeted a Baghdad bridge killing at least 10 after a homicide truck bomb attack sent cars plummeting into Tigris River.
• Father we take authority over the spirit of murder in Iraq. We bind it and command that all plans of murder be stopped. We pray that Your Holy Spirit would begin to blow throughout the region, bringing peace and heart change in the love of Christ. • "Violence shall be no more heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders . . ." (Isaiah 61:1-18)
5. Don't Leave Iraq Too Soon, Jordan's King Warns US - CNSNews.com
Jordan, a key U.S. ally in the Middle East, is warning the U.S. against a premature troop withdrawal from Iraq. "Withdrawal from Iraq without setting a timetable and without preparing the necessary conditions that would ensure a strong central government able to run the affairs of the state and an Iraqi force able to ensure security and stability, may only worsen the problem and contribute to increasing violence and conflict among Iraqis," Jordanian King Abdullah II said in an interview with the Jordanian news agency Petra. "The increased threat of violence, tension and sectarian strife, which already claims hundreds of lives daily, makes it very important to address the critical situation in Iraq," the king was quoted as saying. Jordan, which shares a border with Iraq, has already become a temporary home to thousands of Iraqi refugees.
• Lord thank you that these leaders are requesting that no timetable be set for withdrawal. Father may our own legislators heed their voices and refuse the plans of our enemies. • "Deliver me, O my God, out of the hand of the wicked, our of the hand of the hand of the unrighteous and cruel man." (Psalm 71:4)
6. Israel Almost Fires On U.S. Airliner - AP
Fighter pilots came close to shooting down Continental flight that lost communication with air controllers, security officials said. The Continental passenger plane was flying in from the U.S. when it lost contact. Following anti-terror procedures, two Israeli warplanes intercepted the plane and guided it back over the Mediterranean Sea until communications were restored, Channel 10 TV reported. When it was determined that there were no problems on board and the pilot was in control, the plane was allowed to land at Israel's international airport, the officials said, speaking on condition of anonymity because of the sensitive nature of the incident.
• Lord we thank you that a terrible tragedy was averted in this incident. We pray that You correct whatever caused the pilot to lose contact. We ask for peace in all who must deal with the consequences of this incident and declare that there will be no further problems from it. • "For the Lord is good; His mercy is everlasting; and His truth endureth to all generations." (Psalm 100:5)
