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On Capitol Hill This WeekVolume XVI, Number 5
February 2 - 6 2009
February 2 - 6 2009
"The eternal God is a dwelling place, And underneath are the everlasting arms." (Deut. 33:27)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVI, No. 5
SENATOR JUDD GREGG CONSIDERED FOR CABINET POST
ERIC HOLDER CONFIRMED AS ATTORNEY GENERAL
JOSHUA DUBOIS NAMED TO HEAD FAITH- BASED OFFICE
TAX TROUBLES ARISE FOR SECOND CABINET NOMINEE
BILL INTRODUCED IN HOUSE WOULD RESTORE "MEXICO CITY POLICY"
LARGEST SPENDING BILL IN AMERICAN HISTORY PASSES HOUSE
PRO-LIFE MEMBERS REMOVE $300M FROM H.R. 1 FOR "FAMILY PLANNING"
FBI CUTS TIES WITH ISLAMIC GROUP
POLLS CLOSE IN IRAQ; NO MAJOR VIOLENCE REPORTED
OBAMA HAILS "ANTI-ISRAEL" ARAB PLAN
NETANYAHU: OBAMA WILL TRY TO INTERNATIONALIZE JERUSALEM SITES
ISRAELI ELECTIONS: FEARS OF ARAB FIFTH COLUMN
JEWS CAUTIONED AGAINST WORLDWIDE HIZBULLAH ATTACK
1. SENATOR JUDD GREGG CONSIDERED FOR CABINET POST
Obama May Appoint Gregg as Secretary of CommerceVarious media reports indicate that Senator Gregg is being considered by the Obama White House to be Secretary of Commerce. It would be a win-win for President Obama, but a devastating setback for the country. President Obama would get a smart, pro- business individual at Commerce at a time when we need more business-friendly voices in government. He would also get a lot of plaudits from the pundits in Big Media for bi-partisanship, adding another Republican to his Cabinet. But here's the kicker: The governor of New Hampshire is a Republican. Assuming Al Franken ultimately prevails in Minnesota, then Democrat Gov. John Lynch, in replacing Judd Gregg, would appoint the 60th Democrat senator to the United States Senate. That would give Senate Democrats a filibuster-proof majority to ram through the worst of Obama's radical, socialist agenda. If asked, I hope Senator Gregg will just say, "No." If he did accept the offer, not only would it be a major betrayal of his party just as the GOP is finding its voice, but, far worse, he would be committing America's future to the tender mercies of Senate liberals like Harry Reid, Ted Kennedy and Barbara Boxer. (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day; Friday, Jan. 30, 2009)
· We, too, pray that, if asked, Senator Gregg would decline this offer, so that the balance of power between all three branches of government might be retained. Our republic was designed with a built-in system of checks and balances -- another example of the divinely inspired wisdom of our Founding Fathers. Pray that the new president would look elsewhere for his Secretary of Commerce. Pray!
· "The heart of the king is in the hand of the Lord, and He directs it, as a watercourse, wheresoever He desires." (Proverbs 21:1)
2. ERIC HOLDER CONFIRMED AS ATTORNEY GENERAL
Former federal judge Eric Holder won Senate confirmation Monday as the nation's first black attorney general after supporters from both parties spoke of his ideal resume and easily overcame some Republican objections over what they considered his insufficient commitment to fight terror and his support for gun control. The vote was 75-21.Holder becomes the only black in President Barack Obama's Cabinet. Three other African-Americans were named to top administration positions but are not Cabinet secretaries.(AP)
· Lift up the new Attorney General in prayer, asking our Lord to grace him with unusual skill, wisdom and insight as he serves our nation in these unusual times. Thank our Lord that, as we ask, He will answer. Amen.
· "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)
3. JOSHUA DUBOIS TO BE NAMED TO HEAD FAITH-BASED OFFICE
President Barack Obama has chosen Joshua DuBois to lead his White House-based effort to steer federal social service dollars to religious charities and get them more involved in government anti-poverty efforts. DuBois, a political strategist who was religious affairs director in the Obama campaign, will head the President's Council for Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships, a senior administration official said. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the announcement had not yet been made by Obama.He has changed the name of the White House effort from its original Office of Faith-based Initiatives to display a broader focus. Obama has promised to increase spending on social services, increase training for charities applying for funding and make that a grass-roots effort, and to elevate the program's status within the White House.And while Bush supported allowing all religious groups to make any employment decisions based on faith, Obama has proposed allowing religious institutions to hire and fire based on religion only in the non-taxpayer-funded portions of their activities - consistent with current federal, state and local laws. Where there are state or local laws prohibiting hiring choices based on sexual orientation in the federally funded portion of the programs, he has said he would support those being applied.(USA Today)
· Ask our Father the Redeemer to grant His wisdom, grace and knowledge to the new head of the Office of Faith-Based Initiatives and Neighborhood Partnerships, Joshua DuBois. Ask that his eyes of understanding would be enlightened, to bring forth the Lord's righteousness, truth and justice to be known and implemented through this office. We also ask, in agreement, that the Lord's perfect will be done in and through this office. In Jesus' Blessed Name, amen.
· "The God of Israel spoke, the Rock of Israel said to me: 'When one rules over men in righteousness, when he rules in the fear of God, he is like the light of morning at sunrise on a cloudless morning, like the brightness after rain that brings the grass from the earth.' (2 Samuel 23:3,4)
4. TAX TROUBLES ARISE FOR SECOND CABINET NOMINEE
Former Senator Tom Daschle Expected to Still Be Confirmed as Health SecretaryFormer Sen. Tom Daschle's failure to pay his taxes on time isn't expected to derail his confirmation as health secretary for the Obama administration, Republicans and Democrats say.Daschle, the South Dakota Democrat chosen to lead President Obama's health reform efforts, recently filed amended tax returns to report $128,203 in back taxes and $11,964 in interest, according to a Senate document obtained by The Associated Press.Republicans grudgingly acknowledged that any serious damage to Daschle's chances for confirmation in the Democratic-controlled Senate are unlikely given that Timothy Geithner's nomination for treasury secretary, held up after it was revealed that he had failed to pay more than $34,000 in taxes, eventually was confirmed by a 60-34 vote. (AP)
· What is so disturbing about these nominees is the assumption that the American people will agree with the new president and fail to question the matter of properly paying taxes. Call your senators to express any displeasure at the quality of the nominees being picked for important policy-making positions in the executive branch of the federal government. Ask the Lord for the sake of the American people to divinely guide the president into making proper choices for his cabinet.
· "He [the Lord] rules by His power forever; His eyes observe the nations; Do not let the rebellious exalt themselves." (Psalm 66:7)
5. BILL INTRODUCED IN HOUSE WOULD RESTORE "MEXICO CITY POLICY
"Just 5 days after Barack Obama abolished President Ronald Reagan's Mexico City Policy prohibiting funding for international groups which perform abortions or promote abortions, the "Dean of pro- lifers" in the United States Congress, Congressman Chris Smith, R-NJ, was joined by Democrat Congressman Bart Stupak from Michigan, and Republican Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner from Wisconsin and Republican Congresswoman Ileana Ros-Lehtinen from Florida in introducing H.R. 708, which is aimed at restoring the abortion-neutral Reagan Mexico City Policy.
This 25-year old guideline establishes a wall of separation between abortion and family planning by ensuring that U.S. international family planning funds directed to foreign non-governmental organizations (NGOs) could not be used to actively promote or perform abortion as a method of family planning. Congressman Chris Smith, a long time champion of the Mexico City Policy defended the policy in the House during the Reagan and both Bush administrations and introduced Amendments to restore the policy throughout the Clinton administration. On the other side of the U.S. Capitol Building on Wednesday, the United States Senate voted by a margin of 60-37 to defeat the amendment introduced by Senator Mel Martinez, R-FL, to restore President Reagan's Mexico City Policy. Shamefully, only one Democrat, Senator Ben Nelson, from Nebraska, voted with all the Republican Senators (except 4: Senators Snowe and Collins from Maine, Specter from Pennsylvania, and Murkowski from Alaska) for the Martinez Amendment. Read more. (Christian Coalition of America)
· Offer praise for the men and women in both the Senate and the House who value LIFE, and who choose to uphold legislation that would protect the life of the unborn, both here and around the world. Stand in the gap for those of opposite opinions, asking our God to forgive them and to help them understand His priorities . . . for He died that we all might have new life in Him. Amen.
· "Thou shalt not kill." (Exodus 20:13 KJV)
6. LARGEST SPENDING BILL IN AMERICAN HISTORY PASSES HOUSE
Senate to Vote Next on $1.1 Trillion Stimulus PackageRepublicans and other fiscally-responsible Americans were overjoyed on Wednesday night when 100% of Republicans and 11 fiscally-responsible Democrats opposed the gargantuan $1.1 TRILLION Obama "stimulus" bill (includes interest payments according to the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office) in the United States House of Representatives. Unfortunately, the Obama bill passed by a margin of 244-188. (Read more) [Christian Coaltion of America]
· In a time when massive prudence is what is needed, pray that our leaders would use thrifty measures from the top down, that printing more money and hiking taxes would not be our only options. Father we ask for Your great wisdom to show up in the plans being made to revive our economy.
· "I wisdom dwell with prudence . . . " (Proverbs 8:12a)
7. PRO-LIFE MEMBERS REMOVE $300M FROM H.R. 1 FOR "FAMILY PLANNING
"The leaders of the Republicans in the United States House of Representatives provided great leadership in working to remove the family planning section (Section 5004) from the so-called "stimulus" bill, the Democrats' #1 priority, H.R. 1, which would have cost American taxpayers up to another $300 million which would have led to many more abortions in the United States . . . (Read More) (Christian Coalition of America)
· Offer praise for this victory for LIFE and pray that this money not be included in the Senate version of this bill. Maintain vigilance in prayer over the funding of any Planned Parenthood initiative that will turn up later in another bill. Pray!
· "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
8. FBI CUTS TIES WITH ISLAMIC GROUP
The FBI is severing its once-close ties with the nation's largest Muslim advocacy group, the Council on American-Islamic Relations, amid mounting evidence that it has links to a support network for Hamas. All local chapters of CAIR have been shunned in the wake of a 15-year FBI investigation that culminated with the conviction in December of Hamas fundraisers at a trial where CAIR itself was listed as an unindicted co-conspirator. The U.S. government has designated Hamas as a terrorist organization. (The Investigative Project) [Read m ore]
· You have been faithful to bring to light all manners of improper and evil behavior in the last few months and we praise You for Your continued grace in exposing those who are wrong-doers. May the government be sensitive to the true motives of those posing as benefactors and may their access and funds be cut off.
· "Whoever will not observe the law of your God and the law of the king, let judgment be executed upon him strictly, whether for death or for banishment or for confiscation of goods or for imprisonment." (Ezra 7:26)
9. POLLS CLOSE IN IRAQ; NO MAJOR VIOLENCE REPORTED
Iraq's provincial elections have wrapped up without any reports of serious violence. Polls closed at 6 p.m. (10 a.m. EST) on Saturday - an hour later than planned - after millions of voters cast ballots for influential regional councils around most of Iraq. There were no reports of major violence.Iraqi authorities imposed a huge security operation around the country that included traffic bans in major cities and extensive checkpoints and surveillance posts. The U.S. military also was out in force but did not take a direct role in the election security. Results from the elections are not expected before Tuesday. (Fox News) [Read more]
10. OBAMA HAILS "ANTI-ISRAEL" ARAB PLAN
Initiative includes massive concessions, erosion of Jewish character Following scores of denials he would trumpet the plan, President Obama today hailed a so- called "Saudi Peace Initiative," which offers normalization of ties with the Jewish state in exchange for extreme Israeli concessions. Defenders of Israel warn the plan would leave the Jewish state with truncated, difficult-to-defend borders and could threaten Israel's Jewish character by compelling it to accept millions of foreign Arabs. According to Arab sources close to the Saudi Initiative, Arab countries are willing to come to an agreement whereby Israel absorbs about 500,000 "refugees" and reaches a compensation deal with the PA for the remaining millions of Palestinians. Some top Obama current and former advisers have recently endorsed the Arab Initiative. The Times referenced a partisan group of senior foreign policy advisers who urged Obama to give the Arab plan top priority immediately after his election victory, including Lee Hamilton, the former co-chairman of the Iraq Study Group, and Zbigniew Brzezinski, a Democratic former national security adviser. Brent Scowcroft, a Republican former national security adviser, also joined in the appeal. (WorldNetDaily) [Read more
· Anyone who cares about Israel and the Bible sees through this Saudi plan as a means of destroying Israel. For a little country to absorb 500,000 people who have been taught to hate Israel is unthinkable. Read Psalm 83 for protection of the sovereignty of Israel, and ask the Lord to impress upon the new president the need for America to continue its support of Israel.
· "Now, therefore, be wise, O kings; be instructed you judges of the earth. Serve the Lord with fear And rejoice with trembling." (Psalm 2:10)
11. NETANYAHU: OBAMA WILL TRY TO INTERNATIONALIZE JERUSALEM SITES
Likud party chairman and Knesset Opposition leader MK Binyamin Netanyahu warned at the Jerusalem Conference Wednesday that the Obama administration and leftist Israeli politicians will try to internationalize holy sites in Jerusalem -- and he vowed to fight the move. Netanyahu told the audience, "Some politicians are trying to blur the importance of the Temple Mount to the Jewish People by referring to it as the 'Holy Basin.' We, as Jews, know who built the Temple Mount."
The term "Holy Basin" refers to the area of the Temple Mount, the Mount of Olives, Mount Zion and a variety of Christian holy sites which the administration of former U.S. President Bill Clinton recommended be administered under a "special regime." This raises the issue of who would administer the Temple Mount, since at present the Wakf Islamic Authority controls the site, albeit under Israeli sovereignty. Moreover, the Arab neighborhoods surrounding the Temple Mount, home to tens of thousands of Israeli Arab residents, are also a part of greater Jerusalem, and thereby fall into the same discussion.Former prime minister Netanyahu, who will likely return to his old leadership role after the February 10 Israel elections, repeatedly emphasized the Likud's loyalty to the concept of a united Jerusalem. "What would have happened had we not built all those neighborhoods" around the central part of the capital after the Six-Day War, Netanyahu asked.
"Jerusalem would have been choked." Moreover, he said, transferring sovereignty over those areas to the Palestinian Authority is not an option. "Everyone knows what will happen if we were to leave those areas and divide Jerusalem. Someone will enter - and that someone will be Hamas."Dividing the capital, or resurrecting the specter of internationalizing the "Holy Basin", this time at the recommendation of the U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, would cause more problems even for the international community that it would solve, he added. (IsraelNN.com)
· Please continue to ask the Lord to protect the unity of Jerusalem, no matter how other countries and the UN pressure Israel to divide the capital city. Pray also for the election of Netanyahu on Feb. 10 and for the protection of this man. This is the holy city where Jesus will return to rule and reign for a thousand years.
· "Yet I have set My King on My holy hill of Zion." (Psalm 2:6)
12. ISRAELI ELECTIONS: FEARS OF ARAB FIFTH COLUMN
The number of Arab party Members of Knesset will decline from nine to four following the February 10 elections, according to a new poll carried out by Geocartographia for Globes. The survey reflects a growing trend among Israeli Arabs to boycott the Israeli democratic process and ally with radical anti- Israel groups, most notably the Islamic Movement headed by Sheikh Raad Salah. Known Arab terrorist organizations are also getting openly involved in Israel. Police on Friday shut down the Maidan Theatre in Haifa, where the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) terrorist group was planning a rally for Saturday. The event was promoted as a pre-election rally, but police said information indicated that the purpose was to back the terrorist group that was headed by the late George Habash. In response, Issam Mashul, a former MK of the predominantly Arab Hadash party that includes Jewish MK Doc Khenin, called the police move "political terror." (Arutz-7)
· Pray that the upcoming elections on February 10 will be honest in every aspect and will reflect the will of the Lord for the government that He wants chosen for His land Israel. Pray for the safety of all the voters so that none will be scared away from the polls for fear of violence.
· "Hear, my son, and be wise, and guide your heart in the way." (Proverbs 23:19)
13. JEWS CAUTIONED AGAINST WORLDWIDE HIZBULLAH ATTACK
The government's Counterterrorism Bureau has issued a worldwide warning that Hizbullah is planning to abduct or kill Israeli officials towards the anniversary of the elimination of its terrorist mastermind Imad Mughniyeh last February 12.Security officials last week revealed they foiled an imminent Hizbullah attack in an unnamed European city. "Hizbullah is apparently prepared for carrying out a severe attack against an Israeli target, including abroad," the bureau stated. "Such an attack is a threat against any Israeli, especially senior officials.
"Warnings also were issued to tourists and businessmen, who were told to take special precautions. Specific suggestions include not taking gifts from unknown people, refusing rides from cab drivers who volunteer their services and refraining from meetings in dark or secluded places."The Israelis live in fear of our revenge," Hizbullah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in a rare news conference via a video link. "The decision to respond to the killing is still on. We decide the time and place." (Israel National News)
· Come against the forces in the spirit realm that are causing the agents of Hizbollah to continue on their murderous path. We each have the Sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God, in our hand. Let us use it wisely . . . to set the captives free.
· "For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms." (Eph. 6:12)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
LORD GOD OF GODS (Adoni Ehl Ehloheem)
"The LORD God of gods, He knows . . ." (Joshua 22:22 NKJV)
When I stop to think of all the concerns of others, the major events and needs in the world, how comforted I am to know that You care. Just as you know every sparrow, You know the hairs on my head. Thank You for Your Sovereign love and care for me. How I praise Your Name!
(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)
