In This IssueThe Daily Brief
The Middle East in Focus
The Daily Jot
Update: Abortion in Health Care Plan
"Gag Order" on Insurers Dropped
Reid between the Lines
"Good News" for Marijuana Users
The Senate Will Vote to Silence You!
The Good News Corner
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Wednesday, October 21, 2009
"We do not know what to do, but our eyes are upon you." (2 Chronicles 20:12)
The Daily Brief
1. House healthcare bill under $900 billion: Pelosi - Reuters
House of Representatives Speaker Nancy Pelosi said on Tuesday new estimates showed a healthcare overhaul drafted by Democrats would reduce the U.S. budget deficit over 10 years and cost less than $900 billion.
- Father, with much fair speech and flattering lips is a people deceived. Nine hundred billion dollars taken from citizens of the United States to support a healthcare bill that is packed full of lies is no small ticket. Simply said, it is a heist. Lord, this new bill is laid out before innocent victims who would face the consequences when the time comes for their need of sound medical coverage.
God, we cry out for mercy upon the sick and the elderly. We ask You, our God in heaven, to stretch forth Your hands of compassion upon our country that You have blessed so abundantly. We plead for Your favor on the innocent. Their cries will be heard in heaven when they come face to face with the reality that they will not be medically covered by this heinous bill should it be passed. We ask this in Jesus' Name. Amen.
- "Thus speaks the Lord of hosts, saying, 'Execute' true judgment and show mercy and compassions every man to his brother: And oppress not the widow, nor the fatherless, the stranger, nor the poor; and let none of you imagine evil against his brother in your heart."(Zechariah 7:9-10)
2. Senate Approves Plan to Transfer Gitmo Detainees to U.S. for Trial - Fox News
The plan to permit terrorist suspects held at the facility to be shipped to U.S. soil to face trial passed the Senate by a 79-19 vote as part of a larger $44.1 billion budget bill for the Homeland Security Department.
- Father, we bring this teeter-totter proposal to You, who sits on Your throne in heaven overseeing all these plans and we ask that the significance be fully understood of the intents of leaders in the United States. Lay bare every thought and intent in their minds and hearts. Reveal any travesty. Lord, we ask that the verdict of each and every detainee be under the watchful eyes of our God, that nothing be allowed that You do not guide. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
- "These six things does the Lord hate: yea, seven are an abomination unto Him: a proud look, a lying tongue, and hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked imaginations, feet that be swift in running to mischief, a false witness that speaks lies, and he that sows discord among brethren." (Proverbs 6:16-19)
3. Obama Trying to Boost Party Money, Morale - AP
Including Tuesday's events, Obama will have headlined 23 fundraisers so far in his nine-month presidency, according to Mark Knoller of CBS News, who keeps a detailed log of presidential activities. This compares with six for President George W. Bush's first year in office, though his efforts were cut short because of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks. Two weeks before off-year elections, Democrats are facing the prospect of losing hard-fought gubernatorial races in Virginia and perhaps New Jersey, contests that depend on the Democratic base and that to a certain degree are shaping up as a test of Obama's political strength.
- Lord, we pray that godly men and women will win the elections and that any corrupt candidates will not win. We pray for holiness and righteousness for our leaders and our nation!
- A highway shall be there, and a road, and it shall be called the Highway of Holiness. The unclean shall not pass over it, but it shall be for others. Whoever walks the road, although a fool, shall not go astray. (Isaiah 35:8)
4. US spies invest in internet monitoring technology - London Telegraph
American spies are investing in technology designed to monitor websites including blogs, Twitter, YouTube and even reading habits on Amazon.
- Father, we ask that You endow our people with intelligence and power who are involved in protecting our national security. Grant each one grace to discern between true "enemies of the state" and those who simply hold differing political beliefs. Lead them Lord with meticulous accuracy. May their fine technology become finer. Take them over the top in their abilities to refine the highest standard of technology for the security of our country. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
- "I will guide thee with mine eye." (Psalm 32:8b)
5. Abdullah accepts Afghan vote run-off, says he'll be ready - USA Today
President Hamid Karzai's chief political rival agreed Wednesday to stand in the Nov. 7 run-off election, setting the stage for a high-stakes showdown in the face of Taliban threats and approaching winter snows.
- Father God, we ask for a miracle. We ask for stability for the nation of Afghanistan, and for angelic protection for her citizens and her leaders as they prepare for this critical runoff election. We ask You to restrain the Taliban from any violent acts on November 7th throughout the nation of Afghanistan, and for wisdom for the voters as they go to the polls. Finally, we ask for a good, clean election with results that cannot be questioned in the end. In Jesus' Name, amen.
- "The LORD is far from the wicked but he hears the prayer of the righteous."
(Prov. 15:29)
6. Cuban Pastors Detained After Distributing American Aid - Worthy News
Two Cuban Baptist leaders are detained in Cuba on charges of "illicit financial activity," after distributing financial aid from American Christians to needy churches in the island's Guantanamo province, an international advocacy group said Monday, October 19.
- Father, we ask that you look upon the Cubans who arrested these Baptist leaders with fraudulent charges. They have stepped into the godly flow of the Lord to help the needy by putting up obstacles in their path. Woe be to the man who stands against the work of God. We seek You, Lord, for the release of these Baptist leaders; enable them to complete this mission of bringing aid to the oppressed and needy. Send angels to stand beside them and open the prison doors. In Jesus Name, amen.
- "The just Lord is in the midst thereof; He will not do iniquity: every morning does He bring His judgment to light, He fails not: but the unjust knows no shame." (Zephaniah 3:5)
7. Last Bosnian Refugees Return Home From Hungary - Worthy News
Mental patients who fled the war in Bosnia-Herzegovina in the 1990s have returned home after years in a refugee facility in Hungary.
- Lord, we plead your mercy and love to cover each and every refugee that has been brought back to their homes in Bosnia. Visit them with Your presence and gently lead them to their Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. In Jesus Name, amen.
- "The Lord your God in the midst of you is might; He will save, He will rejoice over you with joy: He will rest in His love, He will joy over you with singing." (Zeph.3:17)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem." (Zech. 14:2a)
1. Israeli general's meeting with Adm. Mullen gives rise to speculation - World Tribune
Israel's army chief, Lt. Gen. Gabi Ashkenazi, recently flew secretly to France for meetings with U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Adm. Mike Mullen and Gen. Jean-Louis Georgelin, chief of the French Defense staff, fueling speculation about ongoing military plans for a strike against Iran.
2. IDF, US forces launch major joint drills - Jerusalem Post
The US and Israeli militaries will launch their biggest joint missile defense drill yet on Wednesday, in the shadow of mounting missile threats from Iran, Hizbullah and Syria, and growing regional tension over Teheran's nuclear program.
3. 'CIA, FBI paranoid about Mossad' - Jerusalem Post
Charges of espionage against US Defense Department scientist Stewart Nozette reflect "extreme views" against Israel that could harm US-Israel relations, former AIPAC staffer Steve Rosen told The Jerusalem Post on Tuesday.
4. Obama: US-Israel ties are 'more than strategic alliance' - Jerusalem Post
With the US continuing to have difficulty putting together a package that would relaunch Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, US President Barak Obama sent some warm words toward Israel on Tuesday night, saying Israeli-US relations were "more than a strategic alliance."
The Daily Jot
Copenhagen Climate Conference Ruse To Establish Global Government
Even To Rule Over American Youth
America's Sovereignty to be Ceded Over to Global Government, if Signed
December 6-18th, the nations of the world will meet in Copenhagen for a so-called "climate change" summit. Nations will sign a treaty, which in the US must be ratified by the Senate, to save the world against global warming, now expanded to climate change, which would take into account both global warming and global cooling. This treaty will establish a global organization called the Conference of Parties, or COP, that has loosely defined taxing and policy authority over all the nations that belong to the COP. The concept of the COP is to tax the rich nations to pay for the poor nation's inability to be good stewards of their environment. This treaty will take from the wealthier nations and give to the poor nations.
Page 8, Section 10 of the treaty states that "an economic transition is needed" to adjust "global economic growth patterns" towards a sustainable low- emission economy based on development of innovative technologies, more sustainable production and consumption, "promoting sustainable lifestyles" and climate-resilient sustainable development "while ensuring a just transition of the workforce." It says, "The active participation of all stakeholders in this transition should be sought, be they governmental, including subnational and local government, private business or civil society, including the youth and addressing the need for gender equity."
Page 9, Section 13 says, "In this context, developed country Parties should demonstrate that they are taking the lead in modifying the long-term trends in emissions reduction consistent with the objective of the Convention and in accordance with its provisions and principles. In doing so, Annex I Parties pledge to meet their targets fully, effectively and in a measurable, reportable and verifiable manner." The United States is considered an Annex I country. And this 179 page treaty commits America to a global socialist redistribution of wealth, ensuring "just transition in the workforce," and active participation on the part of "the youth and addressing the need for gender equity."
This treaty is expected to be signed by the man who occupies the Oval Office. It commits the United States, its states and local governments, its private businesses and its youth to an unconstitutional worldwide socialist governance under the guise of saving the world from the climate. This unprecedented abrogation of US sovereignty could ultimately do away with your Constitutional rights to free speech and freedom of religion. Revelation 13:7 speaks of the antiChrist in a world government, saying, "And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations." The prophecy clock will tick forward when this treaty is signed.
Bill Wilson
Word of Life Ministry
www.dailyjot.com
Update: Abortion in Health Care Plan
Taxpayer-Funded Abortion Key in Health-Care Debate
by Kim Trobee, editor
Focus on the Family; CitizenLink
SUMMARY: As health-care reform moves forward, pro-lifers aren't backing down from their fight to exclude abortion funding from the bill.
The Senate Finance Committee has sent a health-care proposal to its colleagues, but the legislation includes language that would mean taxpayer funding for abortions.The majority of Republicans are holding fast to their resolve to reject any bill that does not contain specific language denying abortion coverage.
Rep. Doug Lamborn, R-Colo., held a town-hall meeting in Colorado Springs today and said a Hyde-type amendment needs to be added to the legislation. The Hyde Amendment says no federal funding can pay for abortions through the Health and Human Services appropriations bill. Current health-care legislation falls outside of that budget. "Abortion funding is going to be something that's going to be outside the annual appropriations process," Lamborn said, "so if that language isn't in the bill, then it's a disaster as far as abortion goes." Lamborn predicted it would come down to a few votes. "Some of these Blue Dog Democrats, they're going to have to face the choice of whether they follow the people of their district or whether they follow their leadership," he said, "because they can't really satisfy both."
Pro-life groups are also keeping up the pressure for exclusion of abortion from the final draft. President Barack Obama told a joint session of Congress in September that there would be no federal funding of abortion in health-care reform. But David Bereit, national director of 40 Days for Life and co- founder of the Stop the Abortion Mandate Coalition, told LifeSiteNews.com the current law before the Senate violates that promise. "Regrettably, abortion industry lobbyists have successfully hijacked the health-care reform debate," he said, "convincing these bureaucrats to move one step closer to handing the abortion industry a multi-billion-dollar, government-subsidized bailout that could jeopardize the prospects of real health- care reform for the American people."
The Rev. Frank Pavone, national director of Priests for Life, told LifeSiteNews.com a grassroots effort is the only way to stop the legislation. "If people have already contacted their members of Congress, now's the time to contact them again," he said, "because what matters in government is the perseverance of the communication. Send another letter; make another phone call."
TAKE ACTION:
Ask your representative and senators to oppose any government-mandated health-care plan that does not specifically exclude abortion coverage. Go here.
"Gag Order" on Insurers Dropped
Obama Administration Drops 'Gag Order' on Private Health Insurer
U.S. health officials announced Friday that private insurers can send seniors information on health-related issues as long as they allow their members to opt out of receiving the communications, effectively ending its probe of Humana.
The federal government, in the face of allegations it was trampling on free speech, has closed its investigation of a major insurance company for allegedly trying to scare seniors with a mailer warning they could lose important benefits under President Obama's health reform plan. U.S. health officials announced Friday that private insurers can send seniors information on health-related issues as long as they allow their members to opt out of receiving the communications, apparently ending its probe of Humana.
Republicans, who had slammed Obama officials for launching the probe, welcomed the news but still expressed concerns. They argued that the federal government was seeking to silence a health provider that disagrees with the administration.
"I am relieved that the administration is no longer misusing its regulatory authority to prohibit plans from communicating to seniors factual information about the Medicare cuts in health care reform," Rep. Dave Camp, the senior Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, said in a written statement. "However, I remain concerned that CMS overstepped in issuing its gag order as a result of undue political pressure to penalize anyone who dare speak out against the Democrats' health care bill," he said. "We still need to get the answers to how and why this gag order was issued." (Fox News).
- Thank God for this victory as you intercede. Even though the Founders' truths on the First Amendment are being challenged on a daily basis, we are continually affirmed of the truths therein, namely "Free Speech". Pray for balance in this administration's regulatory authority and for those crying "wolf" to practice what they preach. Praise God for those who continue to stand up for the Bill of Rights and sound the alarm when these Rights are confronted. Intercede for peace and protection in the lives of the seniors that Humana was trying to inform, and all others who are concerned about the future of their Health Care issues and the changes that could come, that the goodness of God will prevail in all of our lives.
- Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, Because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass. Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; Do not fret-it only causes harm. (Psalm 37:7-8)
Reid between the Lines
Senator Max Baucus (D-Mont.) will need more than political muscle to pass his bill! The new legislation weighs in at over 18 pounds, thanks to 1,502 pages of language that takes more than three reams of paper to print. Unfortunately for America, taxpayers will be doing most of the heavy lifting under this plan. To cover the uninsured, Sen. Baucus would expand Medicaid and SCHIP--meaning that the states would be forced to pick up some of the tab. Although the federal government would absorb about 90% of the costs, Uncle Sam will just recoup that money by raising taxes on people living in the states. It's a double whammy for taxpayers, many of whom already have insurance.
This week, the biggest negotiations will take place in private (surprise, surprise), as the leadership from the Senate tries to piece together the Finance Committee bill (S. 1796) and the more radical Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions Committee version (S. 1679). The actual merger started last week when the Baucus bill was still a "concept." Combining the bills was a lot easier then, when the language for one plan didn't exist! Today, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid will move ahead with his plan to inject the most controversial elements of the HELP version into the Senate's final draft of ObamaCare. Although the Congressional Budget Office (CBO) gave the Baucus concept a generous score two weeks ago, it will be back to the drawing board for cost estimates once the Senate's reform hits the floor.
One way that Senate Democrats are trying to sidestep a bad score on the final bill is by taking $250 billion out of the health care plan in hopes of voting on it separately. To hide the real price of the plan, Senate leaders are promising doctors that they'll freeze the cuts in Medicaid reimbursements in exchange for their support. This "doc fix," as they call it, is a shrewd political move by a party that knows it can't keep the costs below the $900 billion limit set by President Obama without making this component a stand-alone bill. In the end, it's nothing more than a budget game that helps in the plan's PR but not its expense. At a time when the administration is considering a stimulus sequel, no gimmick--including the "doc fix"--can hide the financial impact of this bill. According to The Hill, "Though the 2008 deficit was a record at the time, it has more than tripled--to $1.4 trillion--in 2009." And with 1,502 pages, there's no telling how much spending the Senate is hiding! (Family Research Council)
"Good News" for Marijuana Users
This is your government. This is your government on drugs.
Employees at the Justice Department must have a lot of time on their hands now that the Obama administration has stopped prosecuting obscenity and marijuana use. Yesterday, Attorney General Eric Holder said that enforcing federal drug laws isn't a "priority" for this President. The debate is over 14 states, which, in contradiction to U.S. law, allow patients to use marijuana for medicinal purposes.
Under the Bush administration, the DOJ didn't target the sick, but it did try to clamp down on "larger operations that were selling marijuana for recreational use." This President has abandoned that approach and made it easier for criminals to sell to anyone--so long as they claim to produce medical marijuana. In states that do allow it, medical marijuana has opened the door to "pot clinics" that prescribe weed for everything from sleeplessness to stress. But despite its so-called benefits, medical marijuana is even opposed by the American Medical Association. After all, what kind of doctor would prescribe smoking as a legitimate treatment for anything? (Family Research Council)
The Senate Will Vote to Silence You!
October 20, 2009
The enactment of so-called "hate crimes" legislation is a long stated objective of the homosexual agenda. It is one step closer to being law and may be voted on this week.
Senate leaders attached the hate crimes legislation to a military funding bill, knowing it would put those who oppose this dangerous bill in a precarious position, vote for giving special protections to homosexuals or vote against funding for the troops. Democratic leaders believe passing their liberal agenda takes precedence over keeping our armed services safe.
The House voted 281 to 146 in favor of extending special federal protection to homosexuals as part of the $680 billion Defense Authorization bill and it is now going to come up for a vote in the Senate-likely this week!
We need your help to stop it.
What "hate crimes" legislation does is lay the legal foundation and framework for investigating, prosecuting and persecuting pastors, business owners, and anyone else whose actions reflect their faith.
The religious liberty protections in the bill are flimsy and when Republicans attempted to strengthen them, they were voted down by Democrats. The act would establish a new FEDERAL offense for so- called "hate crimes" and add "sexual orientation" and "gender identity" as protected classes. It will mandate a separate federal criminal prosecution for state offenses.
The American credo calls for equal justice under the law, not equal justice unless you happen to be homosexual, then you get special treatment. ALL people deserve to be protected from crime, not just certain groups.
Sign our Petition TODAY to say equal protection under the law means equal protection for ALL. Please join the over 80,000 people who have already signed this petition.
Sign the Petition Today!
Sincerely,
Tony Perkins, President
Family Research Council
The Good News Corner
Cord-Blood Clinic to Open in Arizona
The Celebration Stem Cell Centre in Gilbert, Ariz. is nearing completion.
The center will be a cord-blood donation facility, research lab for adult stem-cell treatments and offer genetic counseling. It will also serve as a private storage facility for cord blood.
Dawn Vargo, bioethics analyst for Focus on the Family Action, said adult stem cells derived from cord blood allow researchers to find treatments for diseases without harming a human embryo in the process.
"We're excited to see cord blood becoming a better- known source of stem cells," she said. "These cells can treat patients suffering from a wide range of diseases, without the ethical and technical problems associated with life-destroying embryonic stem cells." (Focus on the Family; CitizenLink)
FOR MORE INFORMATION
Learn more about ethical adult stem-cell research by going here.
http://www.citizenlink.org/FOSI/bioethics/cloning/
Learn more about the Celebration Stem Cell Centre by going here.
http://www.citizenlink.org/content/A000011260.cfm
