On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVII, Number 3

In This Issue
PRESIDENT OBAMA CHANGES TONE AHEAD OF STATE OF UNION ADDRESS
BROWN VICTORY GIVES REPUBLICANS SECOND WIND
SENATOR-ELECT BROWN MAKES ROUNDS IN SENATE
OBAMACARE’S MASSACHUSETTS FALLOUT ON CAPITOL HILL
PELOSI: HOUSE LACKS VOTES FOR HEALTH CARE BILL
CONGRESS MAY STILL TRY A RECONCILIATION MOVE TO PASS OBAMACARE
SUPREME COURT OKs UNLIMITED CORPORATE SPENDING ON ELECTIONS
REID SAYS HE’LL BACK BERNANKE, AS OBAMA FACES SOME DEM OPPOSITION
OBAMA TAKES ON GIANT FINANCIAL FIRMS
JUSTICE TASK FORCE RECOMMENDS 50 DETAINEES BE HELD INDEFINITELY
FAILURE TO CLOSE GUANTANAMO COULD HAUNT OBAMA
IN CONGRESS: BIPARTISAN TALKS A THING OF THE PAST

On Capitol Hill This Week
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net

On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVII, Number 3
January 25 - 30, 2010

* PART ONE: DOMESTIC ISSUES *

In that day you will say: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.” (Isaiah 12:4)

In This Issue
PRESIDENT OBAMA CHANGES TONE AHEAD OF STATE OF UNION ADDRESS
BROWN VICTORY GIVES REPUBLICANS SECOND WIND
SENATOR-ELECT BROWN MAKES ROUNDS IN SENATE
OBAMACARE’S MASSACHUSETTS FALLOUT ON CAPITOL HILL
PELOSI: HOUSE LACKS VOTES FOR HEALTH CARE BILL
CONGRESS MAY STILL TRY A RECONCILIATION MOVE TO PASS OBAMACARE
SUPREME COURT OKs UNLIMITED CORPORATE SPENDING ON ELECTIONS
REID SAYS HE’LL BACK BERNANKE, AS OBAMA FACES SOME DEM OPPOSITION
OBAMA TAKES ON GIANT FINANCIAL FIRMS
JUSTICE TASK FORCE RECOMMENDS 50 DETAINEES BE HELD INDEFINITELY
FAILURE TO CLOSE GUANTANAMO COULD HAUNT OBAMA
IN CONGRESS: BIPARTISAN TALKS A THING OF THE PAST

1. PRESIDENT OBAMA CHANGES TONE AHEAD OF STATE OF UNION ADDRESS

On the eve of President Obama's State of the Union address and the end of his first year in office, Republican Scott Brown's astonishing win in the Massachusetts special Senate race not only reset politics in that state, but reset politics for the entire nation.

"The entire political community was caught a little bit unawares on that one," White House senior adviser David Axelrod said today on ABC's "This Week" of Brown's win.

"I think the reason that you had the victories in Virginia and New Jersey and most improbably in Massachusetts of all places was the American people are saying, 'We want to go in a different direction.' I hope the president will get the message and change direction , and we'll begin to see that next Wednesday night," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said.

"The people are telling us, 'Please don't pass this health care bill.' Now, if they get past this arrogant phase that they've been stuck in for about a year that, 'We know best. We don't want to listen to public opinion here, we want to 'make history,' if they can work their way past that and concentrate on the real problem, which is the cost, we're willing to look at it." McConnell said on NBC.

"We see it all over the country in tea parties and town halls. People are alarmed and angry about the spending, the debt, the government takeovers," said Sen. Jim DeMint, R-S.C., on ABC. (AP)

- Only God knows if this president can save himself and his administration with one
Speech, but we do know that God does not want anyone to be hurt in the process. Begin
to pray now for the safety, the protection, and the security of all who will be assembled
in the House Chamber on Wednesday night for the State of the Union Address. Ask our
Lord to dispatch His own “heavenly security guard” round about the premises, keeping
all of the leaders of our civil government safe and alive to serve another day . . . Amen.

- “For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways . . . “ (Psalm 91:11)

2. BROWN VICTORY GIVES REPUBLICANS SECOND WIND

Hope Renewed on Capitol Hill, Campaign Trail

Republican Scott Brown's win in the Massachusetts Senate race kicked off what may be the best week yet -- a week that happened to mark the end of President Obama's first year in office -- for a minority party thought to be lost in the wilderness in Washington. One election night was enough to jolt the balance of power in Washington, giving Republicans access to the brake pedal on Democrats' policy agenda. And it put wind in their sails going into the midterm elections in November.

But it was no miracle that put Brown over the top in the Tuesday special election. Rather, it was a coalition of Republicans, independents, disaffected Democrats and conservative "tea party" activists that flocked to Brown's message. There was a coordinated effort, not necessarily by the party establishment but the new grassroots, to beat Democrat Martha Coakley. On Election Day, tea party activists who've rallied across the country were all over the Bay State, whipping up votes.

"Democrats got run over by a pick-up truck, literally and figuratively, and in my view it's the best thing that could have happened to the president and the Democrats in Congress," said Democratic strategist Dan Gerstein. "This was a wakeup call. This was an unavoidable signal that their governing style was not working," he said. Democrats seem disoriented and dazed, and now admit health care reform is on life support. And Republicans have been revived. "I don't think it's possible to pass the Senate bill in the House," House Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday, in a back-to-the-drawing-board moment.

Larry Sabato, director of the University of Virginia Center for Politics, said the election was a "booster shot" for Republicans that will help them recruit, raise money and energize the base. "It couldn't have been better timed, it couldn't have been a better result for the Republicans," he said. However, Republicans still face two very big hurdles before they can take over Congress. They still need 40 seats in the House and 10 seats in the Senate, a tough challenge in any year and one that will surely lead to trench warfare for the more than 40 weeks before Election Day. (AP)

- As we, too, are seeing this dramatic shift in the balance of power on Capitol Hill, we must respectfully disagree with one statement in this article, for it WAS a true miracle that Scott Brown “roared out of nowhere” and won this election. Let’s praise the Lord together tonight; and let’s covenant to never lose sight of our calling as believers in our nation, ever again. Let’s ALWAYS remain “true to the true.” Amen!

- Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things; let this be known to all the world.” (Isaiah 12:5)

3. SENATOR-ELECT BROWN MAKES ROUNDS IN SENATE

Senator-elect Scott Brown swept into the Capitol on Thursday morning, met by a sea of reporters and cameras and the open arms of his party’s former presidential candidate, John McCain.

Arriving at McCain’s office for the first of four meetings this morning, including one with Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), outgoing Massachusetts Sen. Paul Kirk and Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, Brown played the part of heralded hero, smiling and waving as he walked briskly into the Russell Senate Office Building. "Glad to be here," Brown said as aides rushed him inside.
Walking to his appointment with the senior senator from Massachusetts, Brown said his priorities would be getting taxes and spending in line.

McConnell is pushing to have Brown sworn in as quickly as possible, and the senator-elect is meeting with Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid around noon today. “Senator-elect Brown has captured the attention of the entire country, but he captured the attention of Massachusetts voters first,” McConnell said. “And the people of Massachusetts sent a strong message. They were looking for someone who could help change direction in Washington. And they put their hope in the candidate whose views best reflected the kind of change they were looking for.”

Moments before Brown walked into McCain's second floor Russell office, Rep. Mark Kirk (R-Ill.) — the GOP front-runner for President Barack Obama's old Senate seat — came through the crowd of reporters booming, "Illinois is next!" and entered the Arizona senator's reception room.
Kirk's presence in Brown's first official meeting on the Hill is yet another sign of the Republican's excitement over Tuesday's results, which they hope they can parlay into larger gains in 2010.
(Politico, Jan.21, 2010)

- We rejoice with the voters of the State of Massachusetts at the victory won last week by
Senator-elect Brown. It is wonderful to know that once again, a two-party system will be in
place on Capitol Hill -- at least in the Senate. Pray now for the new senator from Massachusetts,
For his strength, health, wisdom and protection as he moves into his new office on Capitol Hill.
Pray, too, for his family. May Scott Brown reflect the core values of his home state in every vote
he now casts in the United States Senate: values that go back to the time of the Mayflower
Compact. Praise God!

- “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.” (Psalm 32:8)

4. OBAMACARE’S MASSACHUSETTS FALLOUT ON CAPITOL HILL

After a gutsy goal-line stand against the most vicious policy offensive in modern history, the entire country is waiting to see whether or not Democrats will punt on a year-long drive for universal health care. In the two days since Scott Brown's improbable win, House liberals have mumbled about "moving forward" on the reform bills but give no reasonable strategy for doing so. Today, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) did rule out the possibility of rushing to approve the Senate plan, admitting that there just aren't enough votes in the House to do so. . .

“Even President Obama is getting in touch with his populist side by hinting to ABC News that he would scrap key parts of his plan to "coalesce around those elements in the package that people agree on." He even showed a sudden concern for "cost containment," suggesting that Congress be fiscally responsible else "our budgets are going to blow up."

Now that the leadership's blank check has bounced, the $2.5 trillion question is how it will proceed. The Senate could switch to a reconciliation process that would only require 51 votes to pass the bill. Considering the country's mood, that option could be too explosive for people on both sides of the aisle. Sen. Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has already promised a full retaliation if liberals try it. Democrats could heed the President's advice and try to salvage some parts of the bill that would crack down on insurance companies, set cost controls, and modestly expand coverage. Or, my personal favorite, they could toss the current bills and start over with legitimate reform that includes a renewed focus on bipartisanship. If Congress wises up and chooses the latter, FRC will urge members to balance the plan on five key concepts: affordability, accessibility, portability, transparency, and conscience protections. . . One thing is clear: Congress and the administration have an opportunity to change course. Let's pray they take it. (Tony Perkins; Family Research Council)

- As suggested in another article, now is not the time to rejoice but a time to pursue those who would work to destroy our country through debt. These workers are terribly deceived, but they have plotted against our nation. Let us cut them off before they can circle their wagons around their agendas. We must lean on the Lord to ascertain that we are following His will

- “Your will be done on earth as it is in heaven.” (Matthew 6:10)

5. PELOSI: HOUSE LACKS VOTES FOR HEALTH CARE BILL

Speaker Nancy Pelosi said Thursday that she lacks the votes to quickly move the Senate's sweeping health overhaul bill through the House, a potentially devastating blow to President Barack Obama's signature issue. Pelosi ( D-CA).made the comment to reporters after House Democrats held a closed-door meeting at which participants vented frustration with the Senate's massive version of the legislation.

Her concession meant there was little hope for a White House-backed plan to quickly push the Senate-approved health bill through the House, followed by a separate measure making changes sought by House members, such as easing the Senate's tax on higher-cost health plans. Such an approach would be "problematic," she said. "In its present form without any changes I don't think it's possible to pass the Senate bill in the House," Pelosi said, adding, "I don't see the votes for it at this time."

Pelosi's remarks signaled that advancing health legislation through Congress will likely be a lengthy process — despite Democrats' desire for a quick election-year pivot to address jobs and the economy, which polls show are the public's top concern. "We're not in a big rush," Pelosi said. "Pause, reflect." AP/Newsmax)

- The American public is finally being heard by the Congress! However, keep praying! When victory is on the horizon, the time is now to pursue the enemy, driving him back into his own land and routing him permanently. Do not rejoice in the enemy’s defeat but rejoice in our Constitution and in the Lord’s mercy on this land. Pray that Speaker Pelosi states the truth and does not distract attention from what the other hand is doing.

- “When you see this, your heart shall rejoice, And your bones shall flourish like grass; The hand of the Lord shall be known to His servants, And His indignation to His enemies.” (Isaiah 66:14)

6. CONGRESS MAY STILL TRY A RECONCILIATION MOVE TO PASS OBAMACARE

In spite of everything that has transpired this week, there are reports that Democrats are maneuvering behind the scenes to force ObamaCare through Congress using the reconciliation process, a tactic they had previously rejected. The radical Left is panic-stricken that it may lose the crown jewel of its agenda. AARP, SIEU, MoveOn.org and other leftwing outfits are pounding liberal Democrats to do whatever it takes to get the job done now.

House Republican Leader John Boehner is warning that the bill may not be “ as dead as I want it.” Rep. Paul Ryan,, warned yesterday that Democrats are laying the groundwork to use the reconciliation process. Despite the warning from Massachusetts, the liberals just won’t give up. Please, if you have not yet done so, click here to tell your elected representatives, “Don’t you dare!” (Gary Bauer; End-of-Day)

Panic brings confusion, a well-tested strategy of the Lord to defeat the enemy. Ask the Lord to surround members of Congress with insulation against the pressure of left-wing outfits, who seemingly care only about their agendas and not about the American citizens. Pray that such groups retreat and disperse, befuddled about the turn of events

- “Therefore be careful to observe them; for this is your wisdom and your understanding in the sight of the peoples who will hear all these statutes, and say, 'Surely this great nation is a wise and understanding people.'” (Deuteronomy 4:6)

7. SUPREME COURT OKs UNLIMITED CORPORATE SPENDING ON ELECTIONS

Overturning a century-old restriction, the Supreme Court ruled Thursday that corporations could spend as much as they wanted to sway voters in federal elections.
In a landmark 5-4 decision, the court's conservative bloc said that corporations had the same right to free speech as individuals, and for that reason the government could not stop corporations from spending to help their favored candidates.

The ruling, which will presumably apply as well to labor unions and other organizations, is likely to have an effect on this year's congressional elections. Many political analysts and election-law experts predict that millions of extra dollars will flood into this fall's contests, much of it benefiting Republican candidates. (LA Times)

- Lord, may our use of money for politicians be as an offering to You, given with prayerful consideration and with a heart of humility. May those in government be virtuous and if they are working to seize money or power, may they be exposed for that.

- "You shall not distort justice; you shall not be partial, and you shall not take a bribe, for a bribe blinds the eyes of the wise and perverts the words of the righteous." (Deuteronomy 16:19)

8. REID SAYS HE’LL BACK BERNANKE: WHITE HOUSE FACES SOME DEM OPPOSITION

The White House is standing by Ben Bernanke, saying President Obama is confident he will be confirmed for a second term as Federal Reserve chairman despite emerging opposition. The Senate majority leader is giving Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke a "conditional" yes to Bernanke's confirmation for a new term, as the White House tries to beat back growing opposition among Democrats. . . Between 10 and 15 Senate Democrats are thought to be opposed to Bernanke's confirmation, according to Senate aides.

A Senate confirmation vote has been pushed off until later this week at the earliest. Aides said they still think Bernanke will squeak by, but acknowledge that could change. Democrats' loss in the Tuesday Senate special election in Massachusetts has given Democrats the jitters. Bernanke needs 60 supporters to win approval for another four-year term, meaning the White House will have to rely on at least some Republican senators.

"A few Democrats have publicly said they won't vote for Mr. Bernanke's appointment, so you need Republican support," said Senate Majority Whip Richard Durbin, D-Ill. Democratic Sens. Byron Dorgan of North Dakota, Jeff Merkley of Oregon, Barbara Boxer of California and Russ Feingold of Wisconsin are among those who say they plan to vote against the nomination. Sen. Bernie Sanders, a Vermont independent who votes with Democrats, has led the charge from the left against Mr. Bernanke and also plans a "no" vote. In an interview, Sanders said other Democratic senators-who haven't indicated their intent publicly-also planned to vote against the nomination to signal displeasure with the Fed's handling of the financial crisis and Wall Street. (AP)

Again, dissension has arisen in Congress. We need the Lord to expose much more information about Bernanke’s maneuverings and behind-closed-doors conversation to be able to judge the man and his attitudes fairly. Pray that the vote for his re-confirmation will be delayed. The Federal Reserve Board has a shady past!

- “A little that a righteous man has Is better than the riches of many wicked.” (Psalms 37:16)

9. OBAMA TAKES ON GIANT FINANCIAL FIRMS

President Obama ratcheted up his offensive against Wall Street Thursday, outlining new limits on the size of the nation's largest banks and the extent of their risk-taking in a bid to prevent the failure of one financial giant from threatening the entire economy.
( Washington Times)

- All wealth is ultimately Yours and is distributed by You. May we not be greedy and seize from others the money that they have earned and may corporate heads recognize that their blessings come from You and pass on their blessings as an act of worship.

- "Who has given to Me that I should repay him? Whatever is under the whole heaven is Mine." (Job 41:11)

10. JUSTICE TASK FORCE RECOMMENDS 50 DETAINEES BE HELD INDEFINITELY

A Justice Department-led task force has concluded that nearly 50 of the 196 detainees at the U.S. military prison at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, should be held indefinitely without trial under the laws of war, according to Obama administration officials. (Washington Post)

-Your hand of protection has allowed the capture of these men who are seeking to kill innocents and we thank You for that protection. Please grant understanding to those in the administration who would set the dangerous free in order to kill again.

- "Deliver me from my enemies, O my God; Set me securely on high away from those who rise up against me." (Psalm 59:1)

11. FAILURE TO CLOSE GUANTANAMO COULD HAUNT OBAMA

President Obama's inability to follow through with his pledge to close Guantanamo Bay by January may stand as the most glaring failure of his first year in office. "I don't know when the process will be done," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Thursday.

So far, 44 detainees have been released from Guantanamo Bay under the Obama administration. Those detainees are heading to the maximum security prison in Thomson, Ill., a facility that won't be ready for months, if not a year. Once they arrive, those suspects could come back to haunt the president. There are 196 still in custody, about 50 of which are being held indefinitely without trial. Thirty-five are heading to U.S. trials and 110 will be transferred to other countries.

But Obama's decision to keep some detainees without trial contradicts his pledge in May to work with Congress on a new indefinite detention law. That reversal puts him right where Bush was -- asserting that war powers in Afghanistan allow for indefinite detention of terror suspects.

- Lift up Mr. Obama in prayer during this time of humbling. May he soon “come to the end of
himself” (much as did King Nebuchadnezzar) and find Jesus Christ as his own Savior and Lord.
May this king live to serve the King of Kings . . and soon! Amen.

- “It is my pleasure to tell you about the miraculous signs and wonders that the Most High God has performed for me.

How great are his signs,
how mighty his wonders!
His kingdom is an eternal kingdom;
his dominion endures from generation to generation.” (Daniel 4:2,3)

12. IN CONGRESS: BIPARTISAN TALKS A THING OF THE PAST

Schoolchildren are taught that a bill finally goes to the president after selected lawmakers meet openly to forge a compromise, and the House and Senate approve their accord. But in today's Congress, formal conference meetings are rare, the minority party is usually shut out and the public has little or no access to the process.

That trend has been on display this month as Democrats and the White House engage in closed-door talks on how the government is going to change the delivery of health care that have effectively excluded the public and the media.

Dating back to 1789, the House and Senate have dealt with differences in bills by convening conference committees to thrash out a unified approach that the chambers can pass and send to the president. For the past two decades at least, some of these bicameral, bipartisan meetings have been open to C-SPAN cameras. But in those same two decades, leaders from both parties have held fewer and fewer conference meetings, or reduced their significance to photo ops.

In the 93rd Congress of 1973 to 1975, Congress filed 190 conference reports, the end product of formal House-Senate negotiations. In the session of 2005 to 2007, the last time Republicans controlled both chambers, that number had fallen to 28. Last year, the first year of the current congressional session, there were only 11 conference reports. Of those 11, eight were annual appropriations bills or the budget bill, measures that lend themselves to the conference committee process because House-Senate differences on spending levels can be resolved by splitting the difference. (NewsMax)

- We pray that our government will return to the practices that are set forth in our founding documents. May we not bring rebuke on ourselves by breaking the laws which were the outline for how our government functions. May the actions of the representatives of the people be brought into the light. We thank You for exposing the deals that are being cut in private in order to gain votes.

- "All my haters are talking secretly together against me; they are designing my downfall." (Psalm 41:7)

* PART TWO: INTERNATIONAL ISSUES *

In that day you will say: "Give thanks to the LORD, call on his name; make known among the nations what he has done, and proclaim that his name is exalted.” (Isaiah 12:4)

PRAYER POINTS: INTERNATIONAL NEWS

SUPREME LEADER CLAIMS IRAN REMAINS UNITED AGAINST OUTSIDE “THREAT”
U.S.: IRAN REPLY TO NUCLEAR DEAL IS INADEQUATE
REVISED NIE: IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM CONTINUING
U.S. SPY AGENCIES SEE IRAN PUSHING ATOM BOMB RESEARCH
SENATOR GRASSLEY PROBES FAILURE IN TERRORIST SCREENING POLICY
SECOND CONGRESS MEMBER CALLS FOR ACTION ON VIVA PALESTINA
BIN LADEN WORDING 'INDICATOR' OF UPCOMING ATTACK: MONITOR
U.S. PREPARES FOR GUANTANAMO BAY INFLUX OF HAITIANS
ISRAEL PREPARES FOR LONG HAUL IN QUAKE-STRICKEN HAITI
IDF ARRESTS FATAH MEN SUSPECTED OF PLANNING TERROR ATTACK
IRAN REPORTEDLY ORDERED BOMB ATTACK AGAINST ISRAELI CONVOY
IRAQ WANTS TO TURN ANCIENT JEWISH TOMB INTO MOSQUE

1. SUPREME LEADER CLAIMS IRAN REMAINS UNITED AGAINST OUTSIDE “THREAT”

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei warned the opposition to distance itself from the Islamic Republic's Western enemies. The statement comes as anti-government protesters are expected to try to take to the streets again on February 11, when Iran marks the 31st anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution. (Voice of America)

- God, we ask You to protect and strengthen the force of the godly who will stand in harm’s way to declare freedom to Your people in Iran from the tyrannical rule of this ungodly leader. Father, stand like an immovable wall of power in this land declaring its deliverance and salvation to the souls of men. In Jesus Name.

- "For the Lord God will help you; therefore shall you not be confounded: therefore have you set your face like a flint, and you shall know that you shall not be ashamed." (Isaiah 50:7)

2. U.S.: IRAN REPLY TO NUCLEAR DEAL IS INADEQUATE

Iran has formally rejected key parts of a deal to send abroad for processing most of its material that could be used to make nuclear arms, diplomats said, a response the United States rejected as inadequate. (Ha'aretz)

- God, it appears that this is a “no deal” proposal. Therefore we ask that You take all of Iran's nuclear program, activity and scientists and scramble them so that one will be unable to agree or comprehend the other. By Your power deplete all resources and materials that have gone into the making of nuclear arms. In Jesus Name.

- "God makes wars to cease unto the end of the earth; He breaks the bow, and cuts the spear in sunder; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth." (Psalm 46:9-10)

3. REVISED NIE: IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM CONTINUING

US spy agencies evaluate that Iran has accelerated its research into creating a nuclear weapon but has yet to restart its program in full, Reuters quoted US officials as saying on Wednesday. (Jerusalem Post)

- God, we ask You to push back the restarting of Iran's nuclear research program regarding this weapon. Weaken its thrust. Gradually let it sift like sand in the cracks. In Jesus Name.

- "Therefore I went about to cause my heart to despair of all the labor which I took under the sun." (Ecclesiastes 2:20)

4. U.S. SPY AGENCIES SEE IRAN PUSHING ATOM BOMB RESEARCH

US spy agencies updating intelligence on Iran see growing evidence that Tehran has pushed forward with nuclear weapons research but has yet to relaunch its atomic bomb program in full, US officials said. (Ynet News)

- God, we ask You to take Iran's nuclear weapon research and atomic bomb program and cause it to waiver at every turn. Stand against their efforts, Lord, and hold back their evil plans to bring destruction and death upon the earth. In Jesus Name.

- "The Lord looked down from heaven upon the children of men, to see if there were any that did understand, and seek God. They are all gone aside; they are all together become filthy: there is none that does good, no, not one." (Psalm 14:3)

5. SENATOR GRASSLEY PROBES FAILURE IN TERRORIST SCREENING POLICY

SEEKS INFORMATION ABOUT FAILURE TO REVOKE VISAS TO "POSSIBLE TERRORISTS"

Senator Chuck Grassley (R – IA) today pushed the Department of State for information about its policy of allowing foreign nationals classified as "possible terrorists" to travel to the United States and expressed concerns about the slow process of implementing Visa Security Units at its embassies around the world. In a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Grassley expressed dismay that the would-be Christmas Day bomber had a valid U.S. visa and that only 14 of the 220 Department of State posts have Visa Security Units. Visa Security Units assist the State Department in screening visa applicants for security concerns.

The 9/11 hijackers entered the country because the State Department approved their visa applications despite answers like "no" or "hotel" in the blank where they were supposed to put their U.S. destination. Grassley is renewing his request for additional information about the Visa Security Units after Umar Farouk Abdulmutallab received a U.S. visa in London and was allowed to retain it even after his father tried to warn U.S. officials in Nigeria. Neither post has a Visa Security Unit. Abdulmutalleb has been charged with attempting to blow up a Detroit-bound airliner on Christmas Day. The senator began requesting information in September 2007. (Iowa Politics)

- Praise the Lord for a watchman sitting in Congress who sees the handwriting on the wall and reports his misgivings to the proper authority – the State Department. Too bad the Healthcare Bill consumed so much attention that no one followed through with Sen. Grassley’s requests. Of course, what the American public is not told is that many Moslems do this security work at our embassies around the world. Christians are denied permission to enter the USA but not Moslems! A very pernicious game is being played! Pray that these underhanded schemes are shut down and that the Lord exposes the truth to our Congress.

- “The eternal God is your refuge, And underneath are the everlasting arms; He will thrust out the enemy from before you, And will say, 'Destroy!'” (Deuteronomy 33:27)

6. SECOND CONGRESS MEMBER CALLS FOR ACTION ON VIVA PALESTINA

Because it has "consistently provided material support" to Hamas, the U.S. Treasury Department should designate Viva Palestina as a supporter of a foreign terrorist organization, a Republican congresswoman said in a letter to Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner. Sue Myrick's letter cites the volume of goods Viva Palestina convoys have delivered to Gaza and the leadership's open acknowledgement of its Hamas support. Such a designation could freeze Viva Palestina assets in the U.S. and put a halt to future support for convoys. The third Viva Palestina convoy in the past 12 months ended in violence last week when clashes broke out at the Egyptian border with Gaza. Dozens of people were injured and an Egyptian officer was killed. Egypt deported Galloway upon his exit from Gaza. The convoy left London in early December and was greeted by Hamas officials in countries throughout the way. In December, California Democrat Brad Sherman sent similar letters to the Internal Revenue Service, the Department of Justice, and the State Department. (IPT News)

• Again, praise the Lord for the “watchman” instincts of another Congressman! Pray for the safety and encouragement of Rep.Sue Myrick (R-NC), for she believes in this country and stands for righteousness. Pray for the determination of Rep. Sherman from California, for he surely has come against much pressure! Call for the death of “political correctness”. We must not fund terrorism! God’s truth must prevail.

• “The enemy shall not outwit him, Nor the son of wickedness afflict him.” (Psalms 89:22)

7. BIN LADEN WORDING 'INDICATOR' OF UPCOMING ATTACK: MONITOR

Osama bin Laden's word choice in the latest audio message attributed to him is seen as a "possible indicator" of an upcoming attack by his Al-Qaeda network, a US monitoring group warned Sunday. IntelCenter, a US group that monitors Islamist websites, also said that manner of the release and the content of the message showed it was "credible" that it was a new release from the Saudi extremist.

"The Osama bin Laden audio message released to Al-Jazeera on 24 January 2010 contains specific language used by bin Laden in his statements in advance of attacks," IntelCenter said in a statement. The group said it considered the language "a possible indicator of an upcoming attack" in the next 12 months. "This phrase, 'Peace be upon those who follow guidance,' appears at the beginning and end of messages released in advance of attacks that are designed to provide warning to Al-Qaeda's enemies that they need to change their ways or they will be attacked," the group said.

In a statement carried by Al-Jazeera television, bin Laden praised the Nigerian man who allegedly tried to blow up a US airliner approaching Detroit on Christmas Day. He warned the United States that, "God willing, our attacks against you will continue as long as you maintain your support to Israel."

IntelCenter said the audio statement "appears to be exactly what it purports to be, an audio message from bin Laden. The manner of release, content of message and other factors indicate it is a credible and new release from bin Laden," it said. (AFP)

- When Islam talks about being a “peaceful” religion, it means that peace comes only to those who submit to allah. No submission, then jihad! Ask the Lord to intervene in any attacks any place in the world, especially on the USA. We must not submit but lead those Moslems living in America to salvation in Jesus Christ. Pay attention to any action that could be part of an attack.

- “Nevertheless we made our prayer to our God, and because of them we set a watch against them day and night.” (Nehemiah 4:9)

8. U.S. PREPARES FOR GUANTANAMO BAY INFLUX OF HAITIANS

The U.S. military is gearing up for a possible influx of Haitians fleeing their earthquake-stricken country at an Army facility not widely known for its humanitarian missions: Guantanamo Bay. (CNN)

- Lord, help us to have soft hearts against those who are suffering in Haiti. Please give wisdom to the American government and the American people so that we will know what is the best course of action in this crisis. Thank You that You have given blessings to this nation that allows us to bless other nations.

- "But I am in pain and distress. Let your salvation, God, protect me." (Psalm 69:29)

9. ISRAEL PREPARES FOR LONG HAUL IN QUAKE-STRICKEN HAITI

With praise mounting worldwide for the work of Israel's aid team to the earthquake-stricken island of Haiti, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has announced that the Israeli rescue crew will remain in the Caribbean for at least another month to oversee an Israeli field hospital set up in the wake of the disaster.

A delegation of more than 240 Israelis flew to Haiti on January 15 to offer search and rescue aid and medical help just three days after the disastrous earthquake struck the island-nation last week. Since then, Israeli rescuers have pulled out a number of people from the rubble and treated many more at the field hospital set up in a football stadium in Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince.

A source at the Ministry of Health says that Israel has contributed about US $2 million worth of aid to Haiti, in flying the Israeli teams to the scene, paying their salaries as well as the cost of medical care, and the cost of the team's return. Meanwhile, according to the IDF, its field hospital is now one of the most advanced hospitals in Haiti. Staffed with doctors, nurses and paramedics, it includes a pediatric ward, a radiology department, an ICU, an ER, operating rooms and a surgical department, as well as a medical lab and an X-ray center. By January 18, 25 life-saving operations had been performed there and three babies had been delivered.

(Excerpts from an article by Karin Kloosterman and Nicky Blackburn, ISRAEL21c, January 20, 2010) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]

- Praise the Lord that Israel has risen to this unfortunate occasion and provided tremendous aid to the people of Haiti. Pray that the Lord will sustain and protect the Israeli workers there and allow them to continue as ambassadors to the world on behalf of His chosen land.

- “I, the LORD, have called You in righteousness, and will hold Your hand; I will keep You and give You as a covenant to the people, as a light to the Gentiles.” (Isaiah 42:6)


10. IDF ARRESTS FATAH MEN SUSPECTED OF PLANNING TERROR ATTACK

An Israel Defense Forces [IDF] force operating jointly with the Shin Bet [Israel internal security] in Nablus arrested Sunday [January 17] four Fatah operatives on suspicion that they were planning to commit a terror attack in Israel, Palestinian security sources told Ynet.

The IDF confirmed the report. An army statement said that a force comprised of soldiers from the Kfir Brigade and the elite Duvdevan unit worked with Shin Bet officers to take the suspects in for questioning. Three explosive devices were found in their possession.

Recently, Fatah officials have begun to fear an Israeli retraction of the amnesty agreement with the PA, as well as setbacks in security cooperation. The fears are linked to suspicion in the PA that Hizbullah operatives have infiltrated their ranks.

(By Ali Waked, Hanan Greenberg contributed to this report, Ynetnews, January 17, 2010) [Reported by BFP]

- Pray that the IDF and other Israeli security forces will continue to intercept those that would bring harm and devastation upon Israel’s citizens.

- “For I will not trust in my bow, nor shall my sword save me. But You have saved us from our enemies, and have put to shame those who hated us. In God we boast all day long, and praise Your name forever. (Psalm 44:6-8)

11. IRAN REPORTEDLY ORDERED BOMB ATTACK AGAINST ISRAELI CONVOY

The failed bomb attack against Israeli diplomats in Jordan last week could have been carried out by a local al-Qaeda cell acting on instructions from Iran, sources close to the Jordanian intelligence community have told the Jerusalem Post. The unnamed sources said that the attack had come in response to the killing of Iranian nuclear scientist Massoud Ali Muhammadi in Tehran.

Ali Muhammadi was killed by a remote-controlled bomb on a motorcycle. The Iranian regime immediately blamed Israel and the United States for perpetrating the attack. Jordanian al-Qaeda supporters had received money and explosives from Tehran to attack the Israeli diplomats’ convoy, the Jordanian sources told the Jerusalem Post. On January 18, the Arab news channel al-Arabiya reported that an Amman taxi driver had been arrested by Jordanian police on suspicion of involvement in the bombing.

Last week, a remote-controlled bomb placed by unknown terrorists was detonated when a convoy with two Israeli diplomats coming from Amman was driving toward the Allenby Bridge crossing between Israel and Jordan. No one was injured in the blast. The bomb was placed on a main highway linking the Jordanian capital with the border area.

(By World Jewish Congress, January 19, 2010) [Reported by: Bridges for Peace]

- Pray that the Lord will open the eyes of law enforcement and government officials worldwide to uncover and dismantle al-Qaeda cells that continue to wreak havoc and destruction on innocent people.

- “Deliver me, O LORD, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their hearts; they continually gather together for war.” (Psalm 140:1-2)

12. IRAQ WANTS TO TURN ANCIENT JEWISH TOMB INTO MOSQUE

Some 2,500 years ago, the prophet Ezekiel presented his prophecy of dry bones [chapter 37], which, according to various interpretations, hailed the salvation of the Jewish people. According to recent reports, Iraq is currently trying to remove the Jewish traces from the prophet's tomb and turn it into a mosque. Tradition has it that he is buried in the village of Al Kilf, south of Baghdad, and followers of the three monotheistic religions continue to visit his tomb to this day.

"I received information from a senior Iraqi scholar pertaining to the local authorities' intention of turning the tomb into a mosque under the guise of 'preservation' of the holy site," says Professor Shmuel Morre, former head of the Arabic Language and Literature Department at the Hebrew University. "The man who provided me with the information stressed that the Iraqi antiquities department has been under heavy pressure to erase any proof of the Jews' connection to Iraq," he notes.

Iraq also contains the tombs of Ezra the scribe, the prophet Jonah, and King Zedekiah. According to Morre, who himself was born in Iraq, his colleague informed him that local authorities have already begun erasing Hebrew inscriptions off Ezekiel's tomb in order to turn the site into a mosque.

For hundreds of years, the tomb has been under the care of leaders of the Jewish community in Iraq. Currently, the country contains only eight Jews. The rest have become Muslim or are in hiding for fear of being murdered by terrorists upon embarking on a Jewish pilgrimage.

Manager of the Justice for Jews organization, Shlomo Alfassa, has approached US government authorities in Washington following the reports and demanded to "stop the Islamization of the Jewish prophet's tomb." An application has also been made to the UNESCO headquarters, which is responsible for maintaining the religious character of holy sites.

(Excerpts of an article by Smadar Peri, Ynetnews, January 18, 2010) [Reported by: BFP]

- Pray that Israel will be successful in forcing the preservation of these sites, maintaining their Jewish character. Pray that the Lord will bring an end to this historical revisionism designed to erase Israel from history. Pray, too, that the U.S. Congress will also take immediate action in this matter.

- “They have said, ‘Come, and let us cut them off from being a nation, that the name of Israel may be remembered no more’.” (Psalm 83:4)