In This Issue• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 13
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On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVII, Number 13a
May 24 - 28, 2010
May 24 - 28, 2010
- - DOMESTIC ISSUES - -
"Because you have kept My command to persevere, I also will keep you from the hour of trial, testing which shall come upon the whole world, to test those who dwell on the Earth. Behold, I AM coming QUICKLY! Hold fast what you have, that no one may take your crown." (Rev. 3:10,11)
1. PARTY ESTABLISHMENTS GET PRIMARY WAKE-UP CALLS
2. SENATE PASSES MASSIVE BANK REFORM BILL
3. SENATORS EXPRESS CONCERN ABOUT KAGAN'S MISSING DOCUMENTS
4. OBAMA APPOINTS PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION TO EXAMINE BP DISASTER
5. CONGRESS TURNS ITS ATTENTION TO FEDERAL ROLE IN GULF COAST LEAK
6. NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE DIRECTOR, DENNIS BLAIR, RESIGNS
7. SENATORS PRESS FOR NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS ON BORDER
8. SENATORS REBUKE STATE DEPT FOR APOLOGIZING TO CHINA ON ARIZONA LAW
9. HOUSE PANEL OKS PROBE OF GITMO LAWYERS
10. U.S. REVERSES STANCE ON U.N. ARMS TREATY; SECOND AMENDMENT ENDANGERED
11. UPDATES ON ENDA (EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT)
1. PARTY ESTABLISHMENTS GET PRIMARY WAKE-UP CALLS
Tuesday's primary elections signaled a general mood that voters are unhappy with the establishment in Washington from both parties. Candidates favored by the leadership of both Republicans and Democrats were convincingly defeated by upstart challengers.
In Kentucky, Tea Party favorite and first time candidate Rand Paul, son of Texas Congressman Ron Paul, won the Republican nomination to the Senate, soundly trouncing the establishment candidate, Secretary of State Trey Grayson. The Democratic leadership suffered its own major defeat in Pennsylvania, where five-term Senator Arlen Specter lost the Democratic nomination to two-term Congressman Joe Sestak. Sestak's victory was a blow to the Democratic leadership, since both President Obama and Governor Ed Rendell had endorsed Specter. The anti-establishment sentiment also struck in Arkansas, where Democratic Sen. Blanche Lincoln will head to a primary runoff with Lt. Governor Bill Halter. Lincoln failed to win a majority of the vote, getting 45 percent to Halter's 43 percent, while conservative businessman D.C. Morrison gathered 13 percent.
The establishment losses follow similar results earlier this year. Republican Senator Bob Bennett lost his party's nomination at the Utah Republican Convention this month, and Democratic Congressman Allan Mollohan lost his primary in West Virginia. The early upsets of the establishment could just be the beginning. (Intercessors for America)
- Give thanks to the Lord that Americans are remembering the Constitution and its guiding principles. Pray that none of thwe new candidates are "closet" leftists but are revealing their true beliefs to their constituents. Pray that the Lord is cleaning out the Congress and the White House and the State Department.
- "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way." (Psalm 37:23)
2. SENATE PASSES MASSIVE BANK REFORM BILL
Prodded by national anger at Wall Street, the Senate on Thursday passed the most far-reaching restraints on big banks since the Great Depression. In its broad sweep, the massive bill would touch Wall Street CEOs and first-time home buyers, high-flying traders and small town lenders.
The 59-39 vote represents an important achievement for President Barack Obama, and comes just two months after his health care overhaul became law. The bill must now be reconciled with a House version that passed in December. A key House negotiator predicted the legislation would reach Obama's desk before the Fourth of July.
The legislation aims to prevent a recurrence of the near-meltdown of big Wall Street investment banks and the resulting costly bailouts. It calls for new ways to watch for risks in the financial system and makes it easier to liquidate large failing financial firms. It also writes new rules for complex securities blamed for helping precipitate the 2008 economic crisis, and it creates a new consumer protection agency.
It would impose new restraints on the largest, most interconnected banks and demand proof that borrowers could pay for the simplest of mortgages. (Washington Times)
- Pray in the Spirit over every aspect of this massive bill, so it will be applied only in the manner that will be a blessing to the people.
- Finally brethren, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may run swiftly and be glorified, just as it is with you. And that we me be delivered from unreasonable and wicked men for not all have faith. But the Lord is faithful, who will establish you and guard you from the evil one. (2 Thessalonians 3:1-3)
3. SENATORS EXPRESS CONCERN ABOUT KAGAN'S MISSING DOCUMENTS
Senate Judiciary Committee to Begin Nomination Hearings on June 28
It looks like the woman who called confirmation hearings a "vapid and hollow charade" will get to take part in a farce all her own. The Elena Kagan of 1995 reamed the Senate for filling Supreme Court vacancies through an "empty process" that serves no "function, except perhaps to reinforce [the citizens'] cynicism . . ." Fifteen years later, the Solicitor General may still be open to "serious discussion" -- but Sen. Pat Leahy (D-Vt.) is doing everything he can to protect her from it. The Senate Judiciary Chairman is sticking by his June 28 hearing date without the benefit of 160,000 pages of documents from Kagan's time in the Clinton White House. Archivers at the William J. Clinton Presidential Library and Museam are scrambling to de liver the materials, which they say will be "very difficult" to do by next month's deadline. Terri Garner, the center's director, said, "These are legal documents and they are presidential records, and they have to be read by an archivist and vetted for any legal restrictions. And they have to be read line by line."
Of course, the White House could have expedited the process weeks ago, but regardless, the Senate Chair has a responsibility to postpone the hearings until the paperwork is delivered to Committee members. Not surprisingly, the Vermont Democrat doesn't see it that way. Taking a page from Sen. Carl Levin's (D-Mich.) "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" book, Leahy is pushing for a "pass now, evaluate later" approach. Of course, that's even more ridiculous when you consider the Supreme Court's fall term doesn't even kick off until October. What will a few extra weeks matter? A brief delay won't affect anything but Sen. Leahy's attempt to hide her radical record.
Maybe Democrats are worried that more articles will surface like this one, in which Kagan "hopes for a future 'marked by American disillusionment with conservative programs and solutions, and that a new, revitalized, perhaps more leftist left will once again come to the fore.'" This impatience with Kagan's confirmation was deeply troubling to the Senators I met with this week. They all expressed concern about the missing documents. Even if the records do appear, there's no guarantee that the Committee will have time to review them. This probably won't matter to congressional liberals, who, as we learned from the stimulus and health care debates, aren't big readers anyway. (Family Research Council)
- Pray that all hidden documents and data about this very important candidate will come to light. Bind the powers of darkness that are keeping them hidden; loose the light of Christ to reveal all hidden matters.
- "He reveals mysteries from the darkness And brings the deep darkness into light. " (Job 12:22)
4. OBAMA APPOINTS PRESIDENTIAL COMMISSION TO EXAMINE BP DISASTER
The White House has tapped former Florida Sen. Bob Graham and ex-EPA Administrator William K. Reilly to lead a presidential commission investigating the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Graham served in the Senate from 1987 to 2005 and previously served two terms as Florida governor. Reilly served as EPA administrator under President George H.W. Bush. The commission's inquiry will range from the causes of the spill to the safety of offshore oil drilling and the functioning of government agencies that oversee drilling.
The Obama administration questioned BP's competence Sunday, when Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar told reporters he was "not completely" confident that BP knows what it's doing. "If we find they're not doing what they're supposed to be doing, we'll push them out of the way appropriately," Salazar said. (Huffington Post; AP)
- This oil spill is a HUGE topic for prayer . . . One wonders what measures the administration may have in mind, in stating that they are prepared to "push them out of the way" if BP's strategies to contain the leak fail. Praise the Lord -- no matter how the facts look, He is still in control. Pray for this commission, that its members hear and Do he will of God, and serve to bless and to protect our people.
- "The LORD spoke to me with his strong hand upon me, warning me not to follow the way of this people. . . do not fear what they fear, and do not dread it. The LORD Almighty is the one you are to regard as holy, he is the one you are to fear, he is the one you are to dread. " (Isaiah 8:11-13)
5. CONGRESS TURNS ITS ATTENTION TO FEDERAL ROLE IN GULF COAST LEAK
Congress turns its focus to the federal role in the ongoing Gulf oil leak this week after an initial round of hearings probed the culpability of oil companies tied to the spill. Four Senate committees will hold hearings on the Gulf spill on Monday and Tuesday, to be followed by the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee on Wednesday.
Oil-industry executives testified before three congressional panels on Tuesday and Wednesday last week, largely blaming each other for the accident, which may pose more of an environmental threat than originally believed. Friday reports said the rate of the spill could be three or four times higher than the 5,000-barrels-a-day estimate that had been thought to be pouring into the Gulf.
Although the congressional investigation has just begun, a House panel has uncovered a number of potential equipment problems on the Deepwater Horizon drilling rig that could have contributed to the spill. Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman Henry Waxman (D-Calif.), meanwhile, said the well failed a critical pressure test prior to the massive explosion, which killed 11 workers and led to the leak. (The Hill) Read more.
- Lift up Congressman Henry Waxman and all others who will be involved in these hearings taking place this week on the Hill and on site in Louisiana and elsewhere. Ask the Lord to grant them his wisdom in questioning witnesses; and ask that all hidden things be revealed, so both immediate and long-term solutions can be found to this growing crisis. Pray!
- "He reveals deep and secret things;
He knows what is in the darkness,
And light dwells with Him." (Daniel 2:22)
6. NATIONAL INTELLIGENCE DIRECTOR, DENNIS BLAIR, RESIGNS
National Intelligence Director Dennis Blair said Thursday he will resign in the wake of a series of successful and attempted attacks that critics said pointed to U.S. intelligence failures -- from the Fort Hood shooting to the failed Christmas Day bombing plot to the attempted Times Square bombing. "It is with deep regret that I informed the president today that I will step down as director of National Intelligence effective Friday, May 28th," Blair said in a written statement. "I have had no greater honor or pleasure than to lead the remarkably talented and patriotic men and women of the Intelligence Community."
A retired Navy admiral, Blair is the third director of national intelligence, a position created in response to the 9/11 attacks.
Republican lawmakers blamed the Obama administration for Blair's resignation. "Blair deserves this nation's thanks for his long service to our country," said Sen. Kit Bond of Missouri, the ranking Republican member on the Senate Intelligence Committee. "It must have been challenging to be forced on the sidelines by the attorney general but still catch all the blame for failings."
Rep. Pete Hoekstra of Michigan, the top Republican on the House Intelligence Committee, said Blair's resignation "is the result of the Obama administration's rampant politicization of national security and outright disregard for congressional intelligence oversight." "Blair's resignation is disturbing and unfortunate," he said in a written statement. "The concerns I have come from how the Obama administration conducts national security, not over the director of national intelligence, who they never allowed to do it." (Fox News)
- Please pray that this resignation ultimately will be good for America. Pray also that President Obama's choice of successor for Blair's position will be a person whom the Holy Spirit can reach and can shed the reins of the Obama administration. We need a righteous man to bring together the various agencies of the intelligence community so that crucial information is shared.
- "I was forty years old when Moses the servant of the Lord sent me from Kadesh Barnea to spy out the land, and I brought back word to him as it was in my heart." (Joshua 14:7)
7. SENATORS PRESS FOR NATIONAL GUARD TROOPS ON BORDER
In a letter to Obama this week, McCain and Sen. Jon Kyl, R-Ariz., said sending at least 6,000 National Guard to the border - with half focused on the Arizona portion - would immediately improve the safety of Americans there.
"If you'll indulge me, we think we have another crisis on the border," Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., told Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano at a hearing this week. "I want to know about whether you're going to send the Guard to the border or not." When she tried to explain other DHS improvements along the border, McCain cut her off. "People's homes are being violated, and their families can't take kids to the bus stop," the senator fumed. "And you are very familiar with the issue, because you yourself asked for the Guard to go to the border back in 2006."
Napolitano, a former Arizona governor, responded that the request involves the White House as well as the Pentagon and the Homeland Security Department, and is still in the interagency process. While she said she would like the decision to be made as soon as possible, she added she could not say when she would have an answer.
Pentagon officials, worried about perceptions that the U.S. was militarizing the border, argued that the Guard could only be used for particular duties. Military leaders said they did not want Guard troops to screen vehicles at border points or perform any law enforcement duties, and said the program should be temporary and not tied to any existing program that could get extended.
"The president is firmly committed to ensuring that our Southwest border is secure," Shapiro said. "The administration continues to evaluate additional law enforcement options as well as the use of the National Guard, as needed, along the Southwest border." (AP)
- It certainly is reassuring that "The president is firmly committed to ensuring that our Southwest border is secure," isn't it? Pray that action will follow these words, and that the request of these two senators be honored. Also, please stand in repentance for our nation, as our civil authorities have attempted to force Israel to "change her borders," too. May God yet have mercy upon America.
- "The day of the LORD is near for all nations. As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head." (Obadiah 1:15)
8. SENATORS REBUKE STATE DEPARTMENT FOR APOLOGIZING TO CHINA ON ARIZONA LAW
ABC News reports that last week State Department officials engaged in talks on human rights abuses essentially apologized for Arizona's new anti-illegal immigration law - to the communist Chinese. Yes, you read that right.
According to Assistant Secretary of State Michael Posner, "We brought it up early and often. It was mentioned in the first session and as a troubling trend in our society, and an indication that we have to deal with issues of discrimination or potential discrimination. And these are issues very much being debated in our own society."
Again, all Arizona did was incorporate existing federal law into state law. Federal law mandates that all legal immigrants carry documentation of their immigration status "at all times." Arizona simply passed a state version of that law. If you break the law in Arizona, get caught and can't provide identification or proof of residency, then Arizona law enforcement officials are permitted to check your immigration status.
But in trying to get the communist Chinese to stop sending political activists to the gulags, and to stop suppressing religious freedom and free speech, the Obama Administration offers a full confession for the "sins" of Arizona? This pathetic attempt at moral equivalence says a lot about the "blame America first" mindset of the current administration.
I'm pleased to report that it drew a swift rebuke from Arizona's Republican senators, Jon Kyl and John McCain. Senators Kyl and McCain demanded an apology from Michael Posner, writing, "To compare in any way the lawful and democratic act of the government of the state of Arizona with the arbitrary abuses of the unelected Chinese Communist Party is inappropriate and offensive." (Gary Bauer)
- Praise the Lord for the boldness and the concern of Senators Kyl and McCain in scolding the State Department for Michael Posner's remarks to the Chinese about human rights. Obviously someone is leading this leftist agenda to embarrass and destroy the United States' record of human rights. Pray that the Lord will either remove from or renew Posner in his significant position. Ask the Lord to expose all lies that are being uttered about the Arizona law which is less stringent than the federal law about illegal immigration.
- And the Lord passed before him and proclaimed, "The Lord, the Lord God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abounding in goodness and truth," (Exodus 34:6)
9. HOUSE PANEL OKS PROBE OF GITMO LAWYERS
The House Armed Services Committee approved legislation Wednesday that would require the Pentagon's inspector general to conduct an investigation into whether defense attorneys for detainees at the detention facility at U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, acted improperly. The measure is part of a $760 billion defense authorization bill approved by the panel that will fund the military, Energy Department, nuclear weapons programs, the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, and military relief operations in Haiti. The detainee measure was sponsored by Rep. Jeff Miller, Florida Republican, and directs the Pentagon inspector general to investigate whether attorneys may have acted improperly or violated laws related to detainee operations at the Cuban prison. The amendment still faces a full House vote as part of the bill, which then must be reconciled with the Senate version. (Washington Times) Read more.
- As believers, we are to bless those who curse us, and to pray for those who despitefully use us; but as American citizens, justice must be served. Offer praise that this amendment is now working its way through Congress, and pray that this language will be included in the final versions of both the House and the Senate bills. Praise God!
- "As you have done, it will be done to you; your deeds will return upon your own head." (Obadiah 1:15)
10. U.S. REVERSES STANCE ON U.N. ARMS TREATY; SECOND AMENDMENT ENDANGERED
The United States reversed policy on Wednesday and said it would back launching talks on a treaty to regulate arms sales as long as the talks operated by consensus, a stance critics said gave every nation a veto. The decision, announced in a statement released by the U.S. State Department, overturns the position of former President George W. Bush's administration, which had opposed such a treaty on the grounds that national controls were better.
U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said the United States would support the talks as long as the negotiating forum, the so-called Conference on the Arms Trade Treaty, "operates under the rules of consensus decision-making. Consensus is needed to ensure the widest possible support for the Treaty and to avoid loopholes in the Treaty that can be exploited by those wishing to export arms irresponsibly," Clinton said in a written statement. (Reuters) Read more
- According to The Citizens Committee for the Right to Keep and Bear Arms, there is a real danger that, if passed, this "treaty" would circumvent our Constitution and prohibit our own Second Amendment right - the right to bear arms. Their press Release follows:
"What it means is that there will be no publicized gun control debates in the media or votes in Congress. We will wake up one morning and find that the United States has signed a treaty that prohibits firearm and ammunition manufacturers from selling to the public. We will wake up another morning and find that the US has signed a treaty that prohibits any transfer of firearm ownership. And then, we will wake up yet another morning and find that the US has signed a treaty that requires US citizens to deliver any firearm they own to the local government collection and destruction center or face imprisonment. This has happened in other countries, past and present!"
- Pray that Obama's overruling of the Bush policy on the right to bear arms be itself overruled by the hand of God. Pray!
- "Devise your strategy, but it will be thwarted; propose your plan, but it will not stand, for God is with us." (Isaiah 8:10)
11. UPDATES ON ENDA (EMPLOYMENT NON-DISCRIMINATION ACT)
For continued updates on the progress of the passage of ENDA in Congress, please visit the website for Traditional Values Coalition by going here. A markup hearing is due any day now in the House Education and Labor Committee; while action on this bill is also ongoing in the Senate.
Also, the Family Research Council has launched www.FightENDA.org where you can find more info about this dangerous legislation, as well as order their new documentary, "ENDA: The End of Religious Freedom in America?" to show in your church.
- Continue to pray that ENDA be ended, once and for all, in both the House and the Senate. It is time to take action and to draw a firm line in the sand against this onslaught of the gay agenda against our schools and our workplaces in our country. Pray!
Ask God to forgive those who promote the gay agenda; they are lost and pitiful souls who need to know our Saviour. Our own acts of forgiveness will release GRACE into their lives, leading to salvation.
- [For the bill] "This far and no further, and here will your proud waves STOP!" (Job 38:11)
- [For homosexuals] "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." (Romans 5:8)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 13b
- - INTERNATIONAL ISSUES - -
1. OBAMA SPEAKS AT WEST POINT; CALLS FOR "NEW INTERNATIONAL ORDER"
2. ROBERT GIBBS: U.S. IS "ON THE HUNT" FOR TERRORIST MOSLEM CLERIC
3. DEPUTY NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR CALLS JERUSALEM "AL QUDS"
4. U.S. CONGRESS APPROVES SPENDING FOR ISRAEL DEFENSE SYSTEM
5. NEW AIR REFUELING SYSTEM GIVES ISRAEL CAPACITY FOR STRIKE ON IRAN
6. ISRAELI, U.S. SIGN AGREEMENT FOR JOINT "FEMA" TRAINING
7. ISRAEL BEGINS FIVE DAY NATIONWIDE DRILL TO PREPARE FOR WAR
8. U.S. MIDEAST ARMS BUILDUP UNDERWAY OPPOSITE IRAN
9. INSURGENTS ATTACK NATO'S SOUTHERN AFGHAN BASE
10. OBAMA TELLS MILITARY: PREPARE FOR NORTH KOREA "AGGRESSION"
1. OBAMA SPEAKS AT WEST POINT; CALLS FOR "NEW INTERNATIONALORDER"
The administration will release the president's first national security strategy next week.
Obama on Saturday pledged to shape a new "international order" as part of a national security strategy that emphasizes the president's belief in global institutions and America's role in promoting Democratic values around the world.
Speaking to the graduating class at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, the commander-in-chief said, "The international order we seek is one that can resolve the challenges of our times,'" he said in prepared remarks. "Countering violent extremism and insurgency; stopping the spread of nuclear weapons and securing nuclear materials; combating a changing climate and sustaining global growth; helping countries feed themselves and care for their sick; preventing conflict and healing its wounds."
The administration is set to officially release the president's first national security strategy next week, and Obama's preview on Saturday suggests it will be far different than the first one offered by his predecessor in 2002. In that prior document, President Bush formally called for a policy of preemptive war and a "distinctly American internationalism." (Washington Post)
- "There is nothing new under the sun." . . . and end-time Scripture is rapidly being fulfilled in front of our very eyes. We may compare this speech to that of President George Herbert Walker Bush in 1990 and 1991 just before and again after what became known now as Gulf War 1. The elder President Bush spoke of "a thousand points of light" in reference to a "New World Order" and repeated that phrase during his clarion calls for global governance. Obama is signaling his pledge to support this cause as he orders steps taken to gear up the United States for a military clash in the Middle East. (See #8, below.)
- Pray in the Spirit over this report, and pray for a harvest of souls to come to the Kingdom, while there is yet time to make a decision for Christ. Pray!
- " Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision." (Joel 3:14)
2. ROBERT GIBBS: U.S. IS "ON THE HUNT" FOR TERRORIST MOSLEM CLERIC
The United States is hunting for American-born Yemeni cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said Sunday. The radical cleric is calling for the killing of American civilians in a new video released Sunday by Yemen-based Al Qaeda offshoot, Al Qaeda of the Arabian Peninsula. The White House spokesman told CBS' "Face the Nation" that despite calling himself a cleric, Awlaki "supports Al Qaeda's agenda of murder and violence." Awlaki is on a list of terrorists U.S. forces are authorized to capture, or kill, senior administration officials say. His Internet sermons are believed to have helped inspire attacks on the U.S., including the Fort Hood shooting last November that killed 13 soldiers. (Fox News)
- Gracious Father. As You know, the Arabic word for love is "hob." We pray, Lord, that Your Holy Spirit will indwell Arabs everywhere, native born or those who now swear allegiance to an Arab country, with the true meaning of the word "hob." May they come to know Your truth, that "There is no greater love for another than when one lays down their own life for a friend." May the heart of this Yemeni cleric Anwar al-Awlaki, who was born in America, be changed and softened towards You. May his mouth not be able to speak hate against his native country or his true countrymen. May he, other Yemenis and Arabs, come to a saving knowledge of their true Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Amen.
- "Love does no harm to a neighbor." (Romans: 10:13 a NKJV)
3. DEPUTY NATIONAL SECURITY ADVISOR CALLS JERUSALEM "AL QUDS"
Israeli news source, One Jerusalem, highlights a You Tube video that began airing last week, of U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor John Brennan at an Arab gathering where he spoke in Arabic, without translation and presented his Arab educational and foreign service credentials. He went on to refer to a city in Israel as "al Quds," the city that God and we know as Jerusalem. You can view this by going here.
- Abba Father. You tell us in Your Word that the prayers of a righteous man availeth much. We ask for Your forgiveness that there have been many officials elected and appointed that do not have respect for You or for Your sovereign nation Israel, and her capitol city, Jerusalem. May this spirit of indifference for You among Americans and her leadership change for Your glory. May those who serve false gods and atheistic governments be removed, by You, for Your glory. May Your presence and truth be pursued by America, Israel and the whole world that You created. May Jerusalem be saved, with its rightful name given by You, intact! In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
- "Jerusalem is built as a city that is compact together, where the tribes go up, the tribes of the Lord, to the Testimony of Israel, to give thanks to the name of the Lord. For thrones are set there for judgment, the thrones of the house of David." (Psalm 122: 1-3 NKJV)
4. U.S. CONGRESS APPROVES SPENDING FOR ISRAEL DEFENSE SYSTEM
The United States Congress voted Thursday to approve $205 million in aid to Israel for the Iron Dome missile defense system. The funding passed by a vote of 410 to 4, with eight abstentions. "With nearly every square inch of Israel at risk from rocket and missile attacks, we must ensure that our most important ally in the region has the tools to defend itself," said House Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Howard Berman (D-CA). Iron Dome "could help save the lives of innocent Israelis who every day live in fear of rocket attacks on their homes, schools, and marketplaces," said Florida congressman Ted Deutch(D-FL). Deutch commended the Obama administration for offering the assistance. US President Barack Obama announced his intention to provide the funding last week. The measure will now go before the Senate. (Israel National News) Read more.
- Father of Zion. We ask that You will undertake all security measures for Your sovereign nation, Israel. Where there are terrorist strikes please render impotent the missiles, rockets and bullets, and have them fall uselessly to the ground. We thank You for divinely inspiring our government to help Israel with the funding of the Iron Dome missile defense system. We pray that no weapon formed against Israel will prosper, and that You will bless those who bless her, and curse those who curse her. In Jesus' Name we pray for Your continued blessing upon Israel and for those who love her. Amen.
- "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: 'May they prosper who love you. Peace be within your walls, prosperity within your palaces.' For the sake of my brethren and companions, I will now say, 'Peace be within you.'" (Psalm 122: 6-8 NKJV)
5. NEW AIR REFUELING SYSTEM GIVES ISRAEL CAPACITY FOR STRIKE ON IRAN
Israel has developed the advanced air refueling systems that could facilitate a strike on Iran. The officials also said the development overcame several years of refusals by Washington to supply the systems required for the 1,000 kilometer flight from Israel to Iran. Officials said the Israel Air Force has overseen the development and deployment of air refueling systems for its U.S.-origin fighter-jet fleet.
"There is no doubt that the technological capabilities, which improved in recent years, have improved range and aerial refueling capabilities, and have brought about a massive improvement in the accuracy of ordnance and intelligence," Israeli Deputy Prime Minister Moshe Ya'alon said.
Officials said Israel was capable of developing most of the systems and weapons withheld by the United States. They said Israel has sought U.S. weapons largely because they could be purchased through American military aid.
In his address, Ya'alon said Israel was capable of paralyzing Iranian defenses. He suggested the prospect of an air strike on Iranian surface-to-air missile batteries as well as command and control centers. "As far as I'm concerned, attack remains the best form of defense," Ya'alon said. (World Tribune) Read more.
- Praise the Lord for His providing Israel with the necessary weapons to defend itself. Why would G. W. Bush refuse technology to Israel? And the Obama administration? Pray for wisdom for the Israeli officials in using these new weapons.
- "For LORD gives wisdom: out of His mouth comes knowledge and understanding." (Proverbs 2:6)
6. ISRAELI, U.S. SIGN AGREEMENT FOR JOINT "FEMA" TRAINING
"Israel's National Emergency Authority and the U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) have signed an agreement for joint training and cooperation.
The Israeli National Emergency Authority (NEA) is the Defense Ministry body responsible for coordinating military and civilian action during a state of emergency, war or natural disaster. The IDF announced on Monday that the NEA has recently signed an agreement for cooperation with its American counterpart, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA). "
"Among the NEA's duties, as defined in 2007 when it was formed, is the Immunization of the population in the event of an emergency.
Within the framework of the new agreement, NEA representatives will participate in simulations which will take place in the United States and which will resemble different disaster scenarios. Similarly, emergency contingency operational methods that have been developed in Israel will be presented before the American representatives.
Maj. Yechezkel Deutsch, who will be promoted to the rank of Lt.-Col. along with his appointment this summer as the Liaison Officer of the Home Front Command within the United States, said that the cooperative work between FEMA and the NEA has already begun.
"The job of the Liaison Officer is to represent the IDF Home Front Command and the Israeli National Emergency Authority," Deutsch explained. "We [ the Home Front Command ] have a great relationship with the NEA in everything related to international relationships, and we have already begun to implement coordination of expectations between the American and Israeli bodies, as a part of the cooperative work." (IsraelNationalNews) Read more.
- Lift up this joint training exercise, asking that it would serve as a blessing to Israel, and to America. Our mutual defense against our common enemy is our strength. Praise God!
- "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you." (Gen. 12:3)
7. ISRAEL BEGINS FIVE DAY NATIONWIDE DRILL TO PREPARE FOR WAR
Israelis on Sunday began a massive nationalwide home front exercise to prepare for the possibility of a major with Iran, Syria, and/or Lebanon.
"The exercise, 'Turning Point 4,' is due to last five days and be carried out in all parts of the country," reported Haaretz. "During the first three days the drill will involve the Israel Defense Forces' various command centers, the police, emergency services, ministries and other government offices. The exercise, which is held annually in May, will be broadened on Wednesday to include civilians, with a siren sounded at 11 A.M. throughout the country. Civilians will have to seek cover in shelters or other secure areas."
* "The main scenario for the police will be a strike on Be'er Sheva by missiles fitted with chemical warheads....The distribution of gas masks, something already underway over the past three months, will be expedited during the drill to include other parts of the country. Home Front Command will be tested on its ability to shift to emergency distribution on a national level.
* "Extensive participation by volunteers, nongovernment organizations and youth movements is expected to be part of the drill, especially in helping local authorities reach people and communities in distress or needing special assistance." (Joel C. Rosenberg; (Washington, D.C., May 24, 2010) Read more.
- Offer praise for the wisdom, the courage, and the tenacity of the Israeli people. May God grant His grace to be most evident in all the plans to be implemented this week, to ensure the safety and security of the land of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. Amen.
- "Ascribe strength unto God: His majesty is over Israel, and His strength is in the clouds. O God, You are terrible out of Your holy places. The God of Israel . . . gives strength and power unto His people. Blessed be God." (Psalms 68:34-35)
8. U.S. MIDEAST ARMS BUILDUP UNDERWAY OPPOSITE IRAN
Obama starts massive US Air-Sea-Marine build-up opposite Iran
debkafile's military sources report a decision by the Obama administration to boost US military strength in the Mediterranean and Persian Gulf regions in the short term with an extra air and naval strike forces and 6,000 Marine and sea combatants. Carrier Strike Group 10, headed by the USS Harry S. Truman aircraft carrier, sails out of the US Navy base at Norfolk, Virginia Friday, May 21. On arrival, it will raise the number of US carriers off Iranian shores to two. Up until now, Obama kept just one aircraft carrier stationed off the coast of Iran, the USS Dwight D. Eisenhower in the Arabian Sea, in pursuit of his policy of diplomatic engagement with Tehran. For the first time, too, the US force opposite Iran will be joined by a German warship, the frigate FGS Hessen, operating under American command. It is also the first time that Obama, since taking office 14 months ago, is sending military reinforcements to the Persian Gulf. Our military sources have learned that the USS Truman is just the first element of the new buildup of US resources around Iran. It will take place over the next three months, reaching peak level in late July and early August. By then, the Pentagon plans to have at least 4 or 5 US aircraft carriers visible from Iranian shores.
The USS Truman's accompanying Strike Group includes Carrier Air Wing Three (Battle Axe) - which has 7 squadrons - 4 of F/A-18 Super Hornet and F/A-18 Hornet bomber jets, as well as spy planes and early warning E-2 Hawkeyes that can operate in all weather conditions; the Electronic Attack Squadron 130 for disrupting enemy radar systems; and Squadron 7 of helicopters for anti-submarine combat (In its big naval exercise last week, Iran exhibited the Velayat 89 long-range missile for striking US aircraft carriers and Israel warships from Iranian submarines.) Another four US warships will be making their way to the region to join the USS Truman and its Strike Group. They are the guided-missile cruiser USS Normandy and guided missile destroyers USS Winston S. Churchill, USS Oscar Austin and USS Ross.
Debkafile's military sources disclose that the 6,000 Marines and sailors aboard the Truman Strike Group come from four months of extensive and thorough training to prepare them for anticipated missions in the Persian Gulf and the Mediterranean. (DEBKAfile Exclusive Report May 20, 2010) Read more.
- Lord, we thank You that the Obama administration has apparently come to the conclusion that, in the face of Iran's growing nuclear threat, sanctions are not enough. Pray that Iran's leadership "gets the message" and will stand down from its current course, before the full force of this military arsenal will be unleashed against her. PRAY!
- "You are My battle axe and weapons of war: for with you will I break in pieces the nations, and with you will I destroy kingdoms . . . and with you will I break in pieces captains and rulers." (Jeremiah 51:20)
9. INSURGENTS ATTACK NATO'S SOUTHERN AFGHAN BASE
Insurgents attacked a NATO military base in southern Afghanistan on Saturday, officials said. Rockets started hitting Kandahar Air Field, followed quickly by a ground assault, said Navy Commander Amanda Peperseim, a spokeswoman for NATO forces at the base. No one immediately claimed responsibility for the attack - the third major assault on NATO's military hubs in Afghanistan within a week. (Washington Post)
- Dearest Father of All in Harm's Way. Thank you for providing safety in distant lands of conflict where there is no recognition of You. We pray for your saving grace for a military whose leadership acts with disdain towards You. We have read today where there are more military troops now serving in Afghanistan than in Iraq. With the lack of cohesive leadership in our military, we humbly come before You and ask for Your divine intervention for our troops engaged in combat. May our combat troops and their superiors seek Your face, even if they have never heard of You or been taught about You. Please come to them and lead them where there is no direction, and provide them safe cover when under fire. Please bring our troops home safely to their families, and when all is said and done, may You alone receive the credit for saving them alive, physically and spiritually. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
- "The Lord is your keeper; the Lord is your shade at your right hand. The sun shall not strike you by day, nor the moon by night. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil, He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore." (Psalm 121: 5-8 NKJV)
10. OBAMA TELLS MILITARY: PREPARE FOR NORTH KOREA "AGGRESSION"
The White House said Monday that Obama "fully supports" the South Korean president and his response to the torpedo attack by North Korea that killed 46 South Korean sailors.
The administration said it endorsed President Lee Myung-bak's demand that "North Korea immediately apologize and punish those responsible for the attack, and, most importantly, stop its belligerent and threatening behavior."
Seoul can continue to count on the full backing of the United States, the White House said.
"U.S. support for South Korea's defense is unequivocal, and the president has directed his military commanders to coordinate closely with their Republic of Korea counterparts to ensure readiness and to deter future aggression," the White House said. (AP) Read more.
- It now seems that, in the second year of his administration, Obama has learned that a policy of appeasement, and "being nice" to one's enemies, is futile. Offer praise that the U.S. will stand firmly alongside its ally, South Korea, as that nation weighs the correct response to the recent attack on its submarine by North Korea. Ask the Lord to grant wisdom to all leaders involved . . . and pray!
- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
KING (Meh-lekh)
"The LORD is king forever and ever; the nations will perish from his land. " (Psalm 10:16)
It is good to know that there is no other king higher than our King. In the daily battles of life, if we know the King, we will have victory.
O Lord, how I thank You that I need to never worry about the battles in my life, for You will gain the victory. How blessed I am to be a King's kid!
(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)
