In This Issue· On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVI, No. 1
· NEWS LINKS FOR ISRAEL
· This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
· Who We Are
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This WeekVolume XVI, Number 1
* * * SPECIAL EDITION: SWEARING IN OF THE 111TH SESSION OF CONGRESS * * *
January 5 - 9, 2009
"Lord, Your word is forever; it is firmly fixed in heaven. Your faithfulness is for all generations; You established the earth and it stands firm." (Psalm 119:89-90)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVI, No. 1
111TH SESSION OF U.S. CONGRESS WILL BE SWORN IN TOMORROW
SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST FOR NEW MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATES DOMINATE HOUSE GOP LEADERSHIP TEAM
FRANKEN WINS MINNESOTA SENATE RACE; LAWSUIT LOOMS
REID, MCCONNELL TO MEET ON BURRIS APPOINTMENT
NEXT FEDERAL BAILOUT MAY GO TO STATES
HOUSE PLANS TO FAST-TRACK OBAMA PLAN
ANOTHER LOOK AT THAT STIMULUS PACKAGE
CONGRESS TO REPORT ELECTORAL COLLEGE RESULTS ON THURSDAY
PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNS TRAFFICKING VICTIMS PROTECTION ACT
ANTI-ISRAEL HACKERS WREAK HAVOC WITH ISRAELI WEBSITES
U.S. BLOCKS U.N. STATEMENT CALLING FOR GAZA CEASE-FIRE
1. 111TH SESSION OF U.S. CONGRESS WILL BE SWORN IN TOMORROW
At 12:00 p.m. noon, tomorrow (Tuesday, January 6, 2009) the 111th Session of the United States Congress will be sworn in, in both the House and in the Senate. Following 12 years under Republican control, the Democratic Party becomes the majority in both houses, regaining control of the House for the first time since 1994 and the Senate for the first time since 2002.The House now has 435 members, including 236 Democrats and 198 Republicans. The Senate retains its 100 members, now including 48 Democrats, 49 Republicans and 2 Independents. In the Senate, the Governors of Illinois, Delaware, New York, and Colorado respectively will appoint those who will fill the seats of President-elect Barack Obama, Vice President-elect Joe Biden, Secretary of State- Nominee Hillary Clinton, and Secretary of the Interior- Nominee Ken Salazar.For a listing of current members of the House of Representatives, go here. For a listing of the current membership of the U.S. Senate, go here. (CHPP)
· Pray for . . . all in authority. Ask God to grant them wisdom to act with integrity. Ask that each member be graced with the fear of the Lord, bringing wisdom.
· "The fear of the LORD is the beginning of wisdom; all who follow his precepts have good understanding." (Psalm 11:10)
2. SPECIAL PRAYER REQUEST FOR NEW MEMBERS OF CONGRESS
Tonight, we would invite you to go to this website from Wikipedia, for a complete listing of the names of all new members of the House and the Senate. Any new member has much to learn when he comes to Capitol Hill; let's give each one the prayer support he or she will need to do the job they have been called to do, with decency, integrity, and skill. (CHPP)
· Ask our Lord to grace each new member of the House and the Senate with His wisdom, anointing, and skill to be able to serve our people with excellence in this session of Congress. Remember to pray for "all in authority," for many have asked for and are depending upon our prayers!
· "I urge, then, first of all, that requests, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for everyone- for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all men to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth." (I Tim. 2:1-4)
3. CONSERVATIVE CANDIDATES DOMINATE HOUSE GOP LEADERSHIP TEAM
House Republicans held their leadership elections for the 111th Congress today, and I'm pleased to report that most members of the new GOP leadership team are solid conservatives supported by the Campaign for Working Families. Rep. John Boehner of Ohio will continue in his role as the House Republican Leader. Rep. Eric Cantor of Virginia has been elected as the House Republican Whip. Rep. Mike Pence, a long time friend, will assume the post of Conference Chairman. Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers will be Conference Vice- Chairman and Rep. John Carter will be the Conference Secretary. These men and women certainly have their work cut out for them as they try to hold back the worst of the liberal agenda in the House, but I look forward to working with them in defense of faith, family and freedom. (Gary Bauer; Campaign for Working Families)
· Ask our Lord to strengthen all who are working to uphold the Biblical, pro-life agenda on Capitol Hill. These members can actually be found in both parties, and our Lord knows them all. Praise Him!
· "Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people." (Proverbs 14:34)
4. FRANKEN WINS MINNESOTA SENATE RACE; LAWSUIT LOOMSA
Minnesota board has certified election results showing Democrat Al Franken has won the U.S. Senate recount -- by 225 votes. But that doesn't mean the former Saturday Night Live comedian's race against his Republican opponent, incumbent Sen. Norm Coleman, is over. While FOX News has learned that Senate Democratic leaders will try to seat Franken on Tuesday, a legal challenge probably will keep the race in limbo. The Canvassing Board's declaration started a seven- day clock for Coleman to file a lawsuit protesting the result. His attorney Tony Trimble said the challenge will be filed within 24 hours. The challenge will keep Franken from getting the election certificate he needs to take the seat in Washington. "This process isn't at an end," Trimble said. "It is now just at the beginning." Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell also said he doesn't expect an election certificate to be issued until the litigation is over. Coleman's lawyers have argued that some ballots were mishandled and others were wrongly excluded from the recount. Lead attorney Fritz Knaak said a lawsuit was inevitable after the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled against Coleman earlier on Monday. A lawsuit would extend the fight over the seat for months. But Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid said there's no way Coleman can catch up to Franken. "There comes a time when you have to acknowledge that the race is over," Reid said. "The race in Minnesota is over."
· It's not over 'til it's over. Even as Mr. Franken is seated tomorrow in the Senate, continue to lift up this case as it goes to court, for a judicious and true verdict. Amen.
· "The integrity of the upright guides them, but the unfaithful are destroyed by their duplicity." (Proverbs 11:3)
5. REID, MCCONNELL TO MEET ON BURRIS APPOINTMENT
Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid plans to meet with the chamber's top Republican to determine a bipartisan solution of the Senate appointee Roland Burris from Illinois. Burris is the Democrat picked by Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich to take Barack Obama's seat. The governor has been accused by federal authorities of offering to sell the appointment to the highest bidder. Reid says he will talk to Senate Republican leader Mitch McConnell on Monday in hopes of coming to a bipartisan position on Burris. The chamber swears in new senators on Tuesday. (NBC Meet the Press)
· The media is reporting that Senator Reid has no legal ground on which to stand to prevent the seating of Roland Burris as the temporary senator from Illinois. One wonders what "hitch" is being hidden by Reid's denial of Burris. Please pray for a spirit of truth and honesty to embrace Sen. Reid (D - NV). Pray for Congress.
· "For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry. Because you have rejected the Word of the Lord, He has rejected you from being king." (1 Samuel 19:23)
6. NEXT FEDERAL BAILOUT MAY GO TO STATES DEMOCRATIC GOVERNORS SEEK $1 TRILLION
Governors from Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Ohio are seeking funds to deal with unprecedented state budget shortfalls in 41 states and Washington, D.C. After bailing out Wall Street and the U.S. auto industry amid warnings of a deep recession, Uncle Sam now is being asked to chip in $1 trillion over two years for states facing severe budget shortfalls. Five Democratic governors are pleading the states' case to Barack Obama, seeking a bailout package that would include $250 billion for education and $150 billion in middle class tax cuts. The governors said they had presented their plan to Obama's transition team as well as congressional leaders, arguing that higher level of federal aid is needed to deal with unprecedented state budget shortfalls in 41 states and Washington, D.C., that the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities pegged at $42 billion for the current fiscal year alone.And Obama seems willing to provide help once he takes office as president Jan. 20, though the scope is uncertain. Obama's aides and congressional leaders have been talking about a package roughly half the size of the two-year plan proposed Friday by the governors from Wisconsin, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York and Ohio.
· Continue to pray for the healing of the American states and for their economies. Pray the corruption within state politics is eliminated and cleansing can be achieved by the Holy Spirit. The states are to support the federal government, not the other way round. Pray that churchgoers heed the Word of the Lord, understanding that it is God who is to be trusted, not the works of governments.
· "Now consider this, you who forget God, Lest I tear you to pieces and there be none to deliver. Whoever offers praise glorifies Me And to him who orders his conduct aright I will show the salvation of God." (Psalm 50:22,23)
7. HOUSE PLANS TO FAST-TRACK OBAMA PLAN
President-elect Barack Obama's record-setting stimulus plan - the biggest special spending bill in history - is getting such astonishingly quick treatment from House Democrats that officials say it could go from draft to final passage in one week. The bill has no text or details yet, but it does have a name: Obama revealed Saturday in his YouTube/radio address that it will be called the "American Recovery and Reinvestment Plan." When asked about the title, Frank Luntz, a Republican consultant who wrote a treatise on political linguistics called "Words That Work," told Politico: "Obama's team are the best linguists I've ever seen. Republicans aren't in his league right now."
The 111th Congress begins Tuesday with the swearing-in of new members. The stimulus plan - with a price tag of up to $850 billion - is likely to be ready for a vote the following week, officials said. No draft or outline or outline was circulating this weekend, but House Democratic officials said they hope to have one by early next week. "We are hoping for a House vote on Week 2 (week of Jan. 12)," a House official said. "It could slip if we decide to hold regular appropriations hearings. But I think a vote is likely the week of Jan. 12."
Republicans are suggesting that's too hasty. Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) issued a statement Friday headlined, "Protect the Taxpayer Against the Rush to Spend Their Money." And House Minority Leader John Boehner (R-Ohio) said in a statement that he was concerned the legislation would get "little debate or public scrutiny." "Congress should have public hearings in the appropriate committees," Boehner said. (Read more.)
· Of course, the simple solution to the economic crisis is repentance on the part of Americans, for as most of us have learned, no one can outgive the Lord. Pray for those politicians who understand the Word of the Lord and can withstand the probable withering attacks of those who follow only the plans and strategies of men. Man can create nothing; God is able to heal our land.
· For America and all involved - "I delight to do Your will, O my God, and Your law is within my heart." (Psalm 40:8)
8. ANOTHER LOOK AT THAT STIMULUS PACKAGE
When Congress convenes tomorrow after its long winter's nap, plenty of work awaits them. The President-elect, who touched down in Washington this weekend, is ready to open the New Year with an economic bang. Topping Obama's to-do list is a near- $1 trillion stimulus plan, which, in part, aims to bail out states from their budget shortfalls by throwing money at local infrastructure and education. The plan, a subject of today's meeting between the 44th President and Democratic leaders, has received mixed reviews from the very governors the proposal seeks to help. Some leaders seem eager to accept Uncle Sam's charity. Others, like Govs. Rick Perry (R-Texas) and Mark Sanford (R-S.C.), believe Obama's stimulus will do more harm to the economy than good. Among other things, Capitol Hill doesn't have the money to cover the roughly $1 trillion expense. Instead, leaders would be forced to grow the national debt, something it simply cannot afford to do after borrowing its way out of the Wall Street crisis. Then, of course, there's the matter of personal responsibility. Despite the recession, state leaders dug themselves into this financial hole by reckless spending.
Today, the President-elect is hoping to attract Republican support by sweetening the deal with $300 billion in tax cuts. At this point, we don't know how the tax cuts will be presented--whether in a separate House bill or as a portion of the stimulus package. The details have not been released, and the lack of transparency speaks volumes. To call for such colossal spending without detailing what our tax dollars are funding is completely irresponsible. FRC will forcefully advocate that families are represented in the proposed tax cuts. President Bush did an admirable job promoting pro-family tax policies through his per child tax credit and marriage penalty relief. Easing Americans out of this crisis should include making the Bush tax cuts permanent. (Family Research Council)
· Regarding all aspects of an economic stimulus package: pray that all aspects of the Bush administration that were successful not be abandoned to new, untested methods -- now costing in the billions of dollars. Pray!
· "If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
9. CONGRESS TO REPORT ELECTORAL COLLEGE RESULTS ON THURSDAY
In years past, the report of the Electoral College was always read to the Congress on the date it convened its new session. According to a new law passed last October, this year, Congress will have to wait for two days -- from Tuesday, January 6 to Thursday, January 8 - to receive that report. (That law, Public Law 100-430, was introduced by Michael A. Arcuri [D-NY] and became law on October 15, 2008.)
As of this writing, the National Archives and Records Administration has not yet posted the full count on its website, although they do report by phone that all ballots have been received in their office.
· Pray that there will be NO CONFUSION when this count is announced on Thursday, for the official name of the next President-Elect of the United States of America will determine the course of our history for at least the next four years. Pray!
· "Let all things be done decently and in order." (I Corinthians 14:40)
10. PRESIDENT BUSH SIGNS TRAFFICKING VICTIMS PROTECTION ACT
President George W. Bush signed H.R. 7311, the William Wilberforce Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act, on Tuesday, Dec. 23, 2008, in the Oval Office of the White House. Named for English abolitionist William Wilberforce, who led the Parliamentary movement against the British slave trade in the early 19th century, this bill authorizes appropriations for fiscal years 2008 through 2011 for the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, enhancing measures to combat trafficking in persons.
· Offer praise for the passage of this wonderful bill, and for the president's signing it into law. The victims of global trafficking now have a strong advocate: the government of the United States of America, who will stand with them against their perpetrators. Praise God!
· "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord!" (Psalm 150:6)
11. ANTI-ISRAEL HACKERS WREAK HAVOC WITH ISRAELI WEBSITES
Pro-Hamas hackers rerouted Ynet English and Bank Discount's surfers to a hostile Web page Friday that included messages against Israel and the US, along with a propaganda song in Arabic. The hackers took over an Israeli domain registration server called DomainTheNet for a couple of hours and managed to divert surfers to an alternative server in Japan where the hostile Web page was planted. The hackers, who call themselves Team Evil and are based in Morocco, planted messages on the hostile Web page comparing the Israeli actions in Gaza and the American operation in Iraq to the Holocaust. At the bottom of the page, the hackers described Israel as a "malignant tumor," saying its "demise" would bring peace to all people.
According to Ynet, its English Web site was not hacked but rather the server that hosts their site, as well as those of many other Israeli sites. Yoav Keren, CEO of DomainTheNet Technologies, told Ynet in response that the hackers were able to track passwords used by the on-line customer service system and to access the domain management system, posing as system administrators authorized to change Internet protocol addresses. Keren added that DomainTheNet's staff spotted the security breach, blocked it and thwarted further attempts by Team Evil to make any further changes. (Jerusalem Post)
· Pray confusion into all hackers who would violate the sanctity of websites to spread propaganda about Islam, murder, and hatred.. Ask the Lord to lead these hackers down trails that lead to Jesus Christ and away from the god of violence, murder, and sacrifice of children. Pray a mantle of protection over the news coming from Israel so that we know how to pray and how to stand with Israel.
· "Keep me. O Lord, from the hands of the wicked; Preserve me from violent men, Who have purposed to make my steps stumble." (Psalm 120:4)
· In addition to the report above, we have noticed that a significant number of intercessors -- particularly those that have a heart to pray for Israel -- are encountering computer problems. Let's all be very careful from here on out to be SURE that we have installed a credible antivirus program, as well as at least one firewall on our system. We DO have enemies out there, who would take delight in crippling our communication networks, for the enemy is terrified of our prayers!
· We cover each other, and our equipment, with the Blood of the Lamb. Thank you, Lord.
"No weapon forged against you shall prosper." (Isaiah 54:17a)
12. U.S. BLOCKS U.N. STATEMENT CALLING FOR GAZA CEASE-FIRE
The United States late Saturday blocked approval of a U.N. Security Council statement calling for an immediate cease-fire between Israel and Gaza's Hamas rulers, diplomats said. French U.N. Ambassador Jean-Maurice Ripert, the council president, said the 15 council members could not agree on a statement in closed discussions held after Israel launched a ground invasion into the Gaza Strip on Saturday. But he said there were "strong convergences" among the members to express concern about the deteriorating situation in Gaza and the need for "an immediate, permanent and fully respected cease-fire."Several council members, speaking on condition of anonymity because negotiations were closed, also said the U.S. was responsible for the council's failure to issue a statement. The U.S., Israel's closest ally, has designated Hamas a terrorist organization. U.S. deputy ambassador Alejandro Wolff said the United States saw no prospect of Hamas abiding by last week's council call for an immediate end to the violence. Therefore, he said, a new statement "would not be adhered to and would have no underpinning for success, (and) would not do credit to the council."
Libya, the only Arab nation on the council, called the emergency meeting after Israel sent tanks and infantry across the border into Gaza on the eighth day of its offensive against Hamas militants. The ground attack followed a week of air strikes, which Hamas, whose charter calls for the destruction of Israel, responded to with salvos of rocket fired into southern Israel. Arab nations demanded that the council adopt a statement calling for an immediate cease-fire and expressing "serious concern at the escalation of violence and the deterioration of the situation in Gaza and southern Israel," a view echoed by Secretary- General Ban Ki-moon.A State Department official said the U.S. is working toward a cease-fire but provided no details on how this can be accomplished because the U.S. does not talk to Hamas. Spokesman Sean McCormack said a cease-fire is needed that will not allow Hamas to continue firing rockets into Israel. McCormack said "it's obvious the cease-fire should take place as soon as possible," but it has to be sustainable and cannot allow Hamas to continue to launch rockets out of Gaza. (AP)
· Offer praise that this administration is standing with Israel, in the face of world opinion, as she fights the terrorists who are on her own land. Praise God!
· "I will bless those who bless thee, and I will curse those who curse thee." (Gen. 12:3)
NEWS LINKS FOR ISRAEL
In this time of war, it is important to keep up with the news out of Israel, which is now changing hour by hour. We encourage our readers to visit the sites below for current information in Israel, and to pray as our Lord would direct . . .
In addition, many of these news sources have a daily e-mail update you can sign up for.
1. DEBKAfile www.debka.com
2. Israel National News www.israelnationalnews.com
3. Jerusalem Newswirewww.jnewswire.com
4. Jerusalem Post www.jpost.com
5. Jerusalem Watchman www.stangoodenough.com
6. WorldNetDailywww.worldnetdaily.com
7. World Watch Daily -- Koenig's International Newshttp://watch.org
8. Worthy Newswww.worthynews.com
9. YouTube -- Note: IDF has posted many videos on YouTube. Search "IDF"www.youtube.com
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . . COUNSELOR (Yo-ayts)
"For unto us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government will be on His shoulders. And He will be called . . . Counselor . . ." (Isaiah 9:6 NIV)
Dear Father,Your counsel rules over all earthly machinations. You are Sovereign, and I am so thankful that I can come to You for the best counsel. Thank You for this wisdom from above -- from You. Help me to have ears to hear, and a heart ready to accept. I thank You for being the Best Counselor. Amen.
(Taken from: Intimate Moments with the Hebrew Names of God, by Barri Cae Malin and Shmuel Wolkenfeld; Bridge-Logos Publishers; Gainesville, FL, 32614. ISBN: 0-88270-801-5)
