In This Issue• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 16
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
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On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVII, Number 16a
June 21 - 25, 2010
-- FOCUS ON MIDDLE EAST --
"I AM with you always, even unto the end of the age." (Matthew 28:20)
1. TOP U.S. SENATORS TELL OBAMA TO STAND BY ISRAEL
2. REPORT: U.S. BATTLESHIPS CROSS SUEZ CANAL
3. NETANYAHU WARNS: DARK DAYS AHEAD
4. IRANIAN FLOTILLA DEPARTS FOR GAZA
5. UPDATE: SECOND IRANIAN SHIP POSTPONED
6. 'NEXT FLOTILLA WILL BE STOPPED'
7. ISRAELI CABINET EASES RESTRICTIONS ON GOOD ENTERING GAZA
8. LEBANON ACTING UNDER GROWING SYRIAN INFLUENCE
9. SAUDIS TO TURN BLIND EYE TO ISRAELI STRIKE ON IRAN
10. PREEMPTIVE STRIKE AGAINST IRANIAN PROGRAM WIDELY SUPPORTED
1. TOP U.S. SENATORS TELL OBAMA TO STAND BY ISRAEL
Two top US senators are urging Obama to stand by Israel in the face of recent global pressure following the lethal raid on the Gaza-bound Marmara ship. Democratic Majority Leader Harry Reid and Republican Minority Leader Mitch McConnell wrote a letter to Obama, urging him to show strong support for Israel in international bodies, insist on the Jewish State''s right for self-defense, and look into the terror connections of the Turkish organization that led the violent Gaza sail.
The letter constitutes a clear message to Obama, letting him know that both Democratic and Republican senators are united in their objection to an international probe of the sail, as well as any changes to the Gaza blockade policy.
The top senators will be circulating the letter among the other senators in a move expected to be completed by Wednesday [June 16], when the document will be handed over to the president. The senators wrote that the US traditionally stood by Israel because this is an American security interest, and that this attitude must continue. They also noted that Israel is America''s strongest Middle Eastern ally, a partner to the US on military and intelligence matters, and also a vital democracy.
As to Turkish aid group IHH, which organized the recent Gaza-bound flotilla, the senators recommend that it be included in the US list of terror organizations following a review by the intelligence community, State Department and Treasury. (Ynet News)
- Pray that the Lord will bless these American senators for the stand they have taken, and that they will strongly influence the Obama administration to stand firm in its support of Israel.
- "The Lord is righteous in all His ways, gracious in all His works. The Lord is near to all who call upon Him, to all who call upon Him in truth. He will fulfill the desire of those who fear Him; He also will hear their cry and save them. The Lord preserves all who love Him, but all the wicked He will destroy." (Psalm 145:17-20)
[Source: Bridges for Peace]
2. REPORT: U.S. BATTLESHIPS CROSS SUEZ CANAL
Eleven American battleships and an Israeli one crossed the Suez Canal Friday en route to the Red Sea, the London-based al-Quds al-Arabi newspaper reported. According to the report, traffic in the canal was halted for several hours in order to allow US Navy vessels, which included an aircraft carrier and carried infantry troops, armored vehicles and ammunition, to pass from the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea. (YnetNews) Read more.
- Pray that these naval weaponry are moving in defense of Israel against Iran. Is the president actually sending part of our military might to help Israel? What a welcome thought! Ask the Lord to protect these ships and their crews against any attacks by Islamic nations. Islam needs to see that America is not weak. -
• "Do not forsake your own friend or your father's friend, Nor go to your brother's house in the day of your calamity; Better is a neighbor nearby than a brother far away." (Proverbs 27:10)
3. NETANYAHU WARNS: DARK DAYS AHEAD
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu predicted rough waters ahead for Israel on Monday [June 14]. "Be prepared for difficult days," he told a Likud faction meeting, in which he also announced the establishment of an inquiry committee to probe the Israel Defense Forces [IDF] flotilla raid.
"Dark forces from the Middle Ages are raging against us. I have received calls from concerned officials in the Balkans and Eastern Europe who are very worried about these developments."
Earlier, at the cabinet meeting, Netanyahu told ministers to expect "surprises," even from Israel''s allies. However, he said the committee would work in favor of Israel, and not against it. "This committee strengthens our ability to fight in the international political arena. If we had done nothing, I assume we would have had worse problems in the world. There is a certain price we are paying, but under the present circumstances, it is our best move," he said.
"The flotilla to Gaza was not a one-time thing. We find ourselves in the midst of a difficult and continuous battle against the State of Israel. The flood of hate is being led by Israel''s enemies all over the world," Netanyahu added. "They are trying to pinch us with the metal pinchers of missiles and terror and revoke Israel's right to defend itself as well as the rights of IDF soldiers to protect their own lives." (Ynet News) Read more.
- Pray against the "dark forces from the Middle Ages" that are again attacking Israel. Pray that the committee to investigate the flotilla incident does its work well and accurately, strengthening Israel's position in the international community and revealing the truth.
- "Consider and hear me, O Lord my God; enlighten my eyes, lest I sleep the sleep of death; lest my enemy say, 'I have prevailed against him'; lest those who trouble me rejoice when I am moved. But I have trusted in Your mercy; my heart shall rejoice in Your salvation." (Psalm 13:3-5)
[Source: Bridges for Peace]
4. IRANIAN FLOTILLA DEPARTS FOR GAZA
As Israel's internal investigation into the deadly Turkish flotilla incident gets underway, Iran has announced it is dispatching two ships carrying food and medical equipment to break Israel's blockade of the Gaza Strip. Iranian military commanders have backed down from the idea of accompanying the ships with a naval escort.
Nevertheless, diplomatic efforts are reportedly underway by Israel and Egypt to prevent the Iranian ships from entering the Mediterranean Sea. It has also been reported that Hizbullah is organizing an aid ship of its own and planning to fill it with female activists.
Israel has maintained that it will not change its policy of blocking all ships trying to reach Gaza. However, the Israeli government has announced that it is easing the blockade and will allow more types of goods into the coastal strip via Israeli checkpoints. (By The Media Line, June 16, 2010)
- This is such a volatile situation. Pray that these ships will be stopped from entering the Mediterranean peacefully and that the Iranian ships will return to Iran without any violent confrontation.
- "Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled; let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly." (Psalm 6:10)
[Source: Bridges for Peace]
5. UPDATE: ICEJ REPORTS SECOND IRANIAN SHIP POSTPONED
The Iranian Red Crescent has decided to postpone the departure of a ship loaded with aid for the Gaza Strip, a senior official said Monday. According to the original plan, the ship was slated to join another aid vessel which has already left port for the Suez Canal in an attempt to break the Israeli arms blockade on Hamas in Gaza. The delay is apparently due to a change in the type of cargo and lack of international coordination, while a new date for the ship's departure had yet to be set. Officials insisted the ship would not be carrying any weapons and thus could not be stopped in international waters. But Israeli officials are not taking any chances, as organizers of the recent spate of flotillas headed for Gaza have put out conflicting information to confuse Israeli authorities. Jerusalem has also said any ships coming from Iran would be seized as an enemy vessel. Earlier on Monday, Lebanese officials confirmed they have given approval for a ship full of women and goods to head for Gaza via a third port. (ICEJ)
- Praise God -- our prayers are working. Keep pressing in until all ships are halted by their own will and not by violent confrontations.
- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
6. 'NEXT FLOTILLA WILL BE STOPPED'
A letter declaring Israel's intent to stop a new flotilla of ships being organized in Lebanon to break the naval blockade of Gaza was sent to UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Friday by the Israeli ambassador to the UN, Gabriela Shalev. "We will stop the Lebanese flotilla with all means," Shalev wrote. Shalev also called the the new flotilla an unnecessary provocation and reiterated that Israel continued to allow humanitarian aid into Gaza at the land crossings from Israel into the Strip. (Jerusalem Post) Read more
- Pray that Israel does not have to demonstrate its power against this flotilla but is able to finesse a maneuver against against its enemies. The Lord is also able to call forth a storm that will halt the flotilla before it even reaches Israel. Ask the Lord to do whatever is His will to protect Israel from the machinations of those who would destroy the nation.
- " Behold, the Lord, The Lord of hosts, Will lop off the bough with terror; Those of high stature will be hewn down, And the haughty will be humbled." (Isaiah 10:33)
7. ISRAELI CABINET EASES RESTRICTIONS ON GOOD ENTERING GAZA
PM Netanyahu: 'Security closure will be tightened from now on'
The Israeli cabinet on Sunday approved a series of measures meant to ease restrictions on the flow of civilian goods and construction materials into Gaza, while tightening its arms blockade against the Hamas terror militia in Gaza.
Sunday's new policy decision was made in hopes of gaining global legitimacy for its naval blockade to prevent entry of any armaments and war materiel, according to top diplomatic sources. The price was a lifting of the ban on any 'luxury' items or goods entering Gaza, a policy initially adopted in 2007 by the Olmert government to weaken Hamas and pressure the Islamist militia to release kidnapped IDF soldier Gilad Schalit.
"Our government's policy towards Gaza is clear . . . Israel seeks to keep out of Gaza weapons and war-supporting materiel that Hamas uses to prepare and carry out terror and rocket attacks against Israel and its civilians . . . All other goods will be allowed into Gaza," said Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
"There will be no civilian closure of Gaza but there will be a security closure... That security closure will be tightened from now on," Netanyahu added. "We have deprived Hamas of the ability to blame Israel for hurting the civilian population [of Gaza] and our friends around the world are getting behind our decision and giving international legitimacy to the security blockade on Hamas." (Washington Post) Read more.
- Offer praise to the Lord for the wisdom He is giving to the Israeli govenment as it seeks to establish a policy of "peace with caution" in this matter. Pray!
- "Buy the truth, and sell it not; also wisdom, and instruction, and understanding." (Proverbs 23:23)
8. LEBANON ACTING UNDER GROWING SYRIAN INFLUENCE
Once Syria faced isolation over the assassination of former Lebanon Prime Minister Rafik Hariri. But today [June 15] Syrian President Bashar Assad is hosting his Lebanese counterpart Michel Suleiman in Damascus to discuss strengthening ties and the growing influence of Turkey and Iran.
The government in Beirut is currently caught in a coalition paralysis, evident by its failure to take a stand on a UN Security Council vote to slap on more sanctions against Iran for its nuclear program. Lebanon currently holds a seat on the council but abstained from the vote due to bickering in Beirut.
Furthermore, Samir Geagea, a key member of Lebanon's fragile coalition, has just quit over the government's refusal to discuss the disarmament of Hizbullah, an increasingly strong partner in the coalition and whose militia is considered more powerful than the Lebanon army. Unable to govern itself and under the tightening bear hug of Syria, Lebanon's government appears ripe for more dictates from Damascus.
(By The Media Line, June 15, 2010)
- Pray for strength and unity among Lebanon's leaders seeking freedom from the grip of Syria. Pray that Hizbullah be disarmed and the Lebanese people allowed to govern themselves.
- "Arise, O God, plead Your own cause; remember how the foolish man reproaches You daily. Do not forget the voice of Your enemies; the tumult of those who rise up against You increases continually." (Psalm 74:22-23)
[Source: Bridges for Peace]
9. REPORT: SAUDIS TO TURN BLIND EYE TO ISRAELI STRIKE ON IRAN
Saudi Arabia is denying reports which surfaced over the weekend that it has agreed to allow Israel to use its airspace to attack Iran's nuclear facilities. Citing unidentified sources, yesterday [June 12] London's The Times reported that Saudi Arabia had agreed to ensure that the bombers pass through a corridor in the north of the country without its missile defense systems being activated.
Saudi Arabia publicly refuted the report, announcing that the kingdom rejects "the violation of its sovereignty and the use of its airspace or territory by anyone to attack any country," the official Saudi Press Agency said late yesterday [June 12], citing an unidentified official at the Foreign Affairs Ministry.
"It is more appropriate that Saudi Arabia should apply this policy to the authority of the Israeli occupation with which it has no relationship in any way."
(The Media Line, June 13, 2010)
- Pray that Saudi Arabia, as well as other nations in the region, will provide whatever support is needed as the Lord leads Israel in dealing with Iran and other regional crises.
- "There are many plans in a man's heart, nevertheless the Lord's counsel-that will stand." (Proverbs 19:21)
10. PREEMPTIVE STRIKE AGAINST IRANIAN PROGRAM WIDELY SUPPORTED
Public opinion in many countries supports a military strike to prevent Iran from developing nuclear wapons. In 16 of the 22 states included in the Pew Global Attitudes 2010 survey, respondents said they prefer a military strike over the prospect with a nuclear Iran. In the US, for example, 66% of respondents said they prefer a military strike compared to only 24% who objected to it. In Egypt, 55% respondents supported a military strike on Iran, compared to 16% who objected to it. In Jordan, the figures in favor of an Iran strike are 53-20% respectively. Only in Turkey, more people said they would accept a nuclear Iran that respondents who preferred military action. (Ynet News) Read more.
- Once again, offer praise that the world is coming to its senses regarding the danger that a nuclear iran poses to all of us; and pray that these nations WILL back Israel when, and if, she needs to take action. Pray the Israel is not "left hanging" in this crisis, but that the world WILL actually stand by Israel when needed. Pray!
- "The LORD will give strength unto his people; the LORD will bless his people with peace." (Psalm 29:11)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVII, No. 16b
SPECIAL SECTION: FOCUS ON BP
1. CONGRESS GRILLS BP CEO: ASKS "Who's In Charge?"
2. BP CEO TO BE REPLACED
3. OBAMA'S SPILL RECOVERY CHIEF WILL BE PART-TIME
4. GULF OIL FULL OF METHANE, ADDING NEW CONCERNS
5. LOUISIANA LAWMAKERS PROPOSE PRAYER TO STOP OIL DISASTER
1. CONGRESS GRILLS BP CEO: ASKS "Who's In Charge?"
Yesterday, members of the House Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee grilled Tony Hayward, CEO of BP, for six hours about who made the critical decisions on the Deepwater Horizon rig, what went wrong and who was in charge of BP's Gulf clean-up efforts. They didn't get much out of Hayward and today BP announced that Hayward has been relieved of managerial duties. But we also need another investigation -- of Big Government -- to find out who is in charge of the federal response to the oil leak.
ABC News asked that very question in a disturbing report last night. (Like Chris Matthews, I guess ABC didn't get much "sense of executive command" from Obama's Oval Office address.) There is growing outrage and frustration over the bureaucrat red tape that is constantly delaying clean-up efforts. For example, more than a week ago, Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal ordered barges to start sucking up the oil from the waters near the coast.
Unbelievably, the Coast Guard stopped the work - to conduct safety investigations on the barges to make sure they all had life jackets and fire extinguishers. Oil is invading the sensitive marsh lands and someone at the Coast Guard thought that this was a good time for safety inspections? That's like pulling fire fighters off a five-alarm blaze to conduct training exercises. Then the Coast Guard shut down the work while it spent an entire day trying to track down the owners of the 16 barges. Why not just go on board and look for the life jackets and fire extinguishers?
Alabama Gov. Bob Riley is also frustrated with the continued federal interference. He told ABC that there is a myriad of bureaucratic agencies involved - the EPA, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration.
So who's in charge? Harry Truman summed up the responsibility of being president when he said, "The buck stops here." President Obama said that he's been in charge "from day one." But the American people are noticing a lack of "executive command." According to the latest Rasmussen poll, "That's the lowest level of approval yet recorded for this [man]. Fifty-eight percent (58%) now disapprove." (Gary Bauer)
- Again, America needs God's intervention in this matter of the oil spill and efforts to protect the environment and the livelihoods of Americans living in the region. Enough with the obfuscation! Too many are hiding behind rhetoric and evasion of the truth. Ask the Lord to expose the truth about the avoidance of real solutions. Pray for righteous leadership.
- "But let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No.' For whatever is more than these is from the evil one." (Matthew 5:37)
2. BP CEO TO BE REPLACED
BP's chairman said Friday that CEO Tony Hayward is on his way out as the company's point man on the Gulf oil spill crisis, a day after Hayward enraged members of Congress by offering few answers about how the environmental disaster happened. Other BP officials, however, said the switch had been previously announced and will not take place for some time. BP Chairman Carl-Henric Svanberg told Britain's Sky News television on Friday that Hayward "is now handing over the operations, the daily operations to (BP Managing Director) Bob Dudley." BP had said this month that Dudley would take over the long-term response to the spill once the leak was stopped, but millions of gallons (liters) continue to spew and that milestone remains months away.
"Until the acute part of this crisis is over, until the leak is capped, Tony Hayward is still very much in charge in the response of this crisis," BP spokesman Robert Wine said. Wine said Hayward "will at some point hand over the management of the aftermath," and that Dudley is putting together a team that will "make sure that the long-term impacts are met with as well as the legal, political repercussions from this crisis." There is no date for the handover, Wine said, because "clearly the well is still leaking." (Jerusalem Post) Read more.
- Pray that American ingenuity brings solutions to the oil spill to fruition. The Lord knows full well what the solution is and can drop that strategy into an American ear, bringing praise and glory to Himself. Intercessors throughout the nation need to be assembling to bring praises to the Lord for His mercy. Ask the Lord to bless the British BP leadership as they go about their business.
- "Now Joshua said to Achan, "My son, I beg you, give glory to the Lord God of Israel, and make confession to Him, and tell me now what you have done; do not hide it from me." (Joshua 7:19)
3. OBAMA'S SPILL RECOVERY CHIEF WILL BE PART-TIME
Obama's point man charting a new future for the oil-poisoned Gulf Coast will do the job part-time. Some environmentalists said the job demands someone's full attention. Navy Secretary Ray Mabus, who oversees 900,000 Navy and Marine personnel, is inheriting an amorphous second job as the Obama administration's leader of long-term environmental and economic planning. (ABC News) Read more.
- Pray for Secretary of Navy Mabus so that the man can do both his jobs well! Ask the Lord to imbue Mabus with His strength and wisdom, setting Mabus free from any political pressures from both the White House and radical environmental groups.
- "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord, And He delights in his way." (Psalms 37:23)
4. GULF OIL FULL OF METHANE, ADDING NEW CONCERNS
The oil emanating from the seafloor contains about 40 percent methane, compared with about 5 percent found in typical oil deposits, said John Kessler, a Texas A&M University oceanographer who is studying the impact of methane from the spill. That means huge quantities of methane have entered the Gulf, scientists say, potentially suffocating marine life and creating "dead zones" where oxygen is so depleted that nothing lives. "This is the most vigorous methane eruption in modern human history," Kessler said. (AP) Read more.
- The news about this "spill" (i.e., gusher) just gets worse by the day. We thank the Lord for the promise in His Word, below. Perhaps in coming days, this will indeed serve all of us as a "life-saving" scripture!
- " . . .and if they drink any deadly thing, it shall not hurt them . . . " (Mark 16:18)
5. LOUISIANA LAWMAKERS PROPOSE PRAYER TO STOP OIL DISASTER
While cleanup crews and technical teams continue efforts to stop crude gushing into the Gulf of Mexico, Louisiana lawmakers are proposing a different approach: prayer. State senators designated Sunday as a day for citizens to ask for God's help dealing with the oil disaster.
"Thus far efforts made by mortals to try to solve the crisis have been to no avail," state Sen. Robert Adley said in a statement released after last week's unanimous vote for the day of prayer. "It is clearly time for a miracle for us." The resolution named Sunday, June 20, as a statewide day of prayer in Louisiana and calls on people of all religions throughout the Gulf Coast "to pray for an end to this environmental emergency, sparing us all from the destruction of both culture and livelihood." (CNN)
- May God bless and demonstrate His mercy to the citizens of the State of Louisiana, as their civil government has now aligned itself with Kingdom Government, asking for help in this crisis. Hear our prayers, O Lord!
- "The LORD is far from the wicked, but He hears the prayer of the righteous." (Proverbs 15:29)
PLEASE NOTE: MORE PLANS ARE NOW BEING SET IN PLACE FOR AN EXPANDED TIME OF PRAYER NEXT SUNDAY, JUNE 27TH. Please watch the Daily Brief this week for more news about this event.
1. OBAMA HONORS FAMILIES WITH "TWO FATHERS" ON FATHER'S DAY
2. SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE BEGINS HEARINGS SOON ON KAGAN NOMINATION
3. FULL SENATE TO VOTE ON CHATIGNY NOMINATION FOR JUDICIAL SPOT
4. SENATE FAILS TO SPARE DOCTORS FROM MEDICARE CUTS
5. TAX, JOBS BILL BLOCKED IN U.S. SENATE
6. H.R. 5175 - THE "DISCLOSE ACT" - GOING NOWHERE, FOR NOW
7. DARRELL ISSA HAS EYE ON SUBPOENA TEAM
8. PREVENTING TERRORISTS FROM BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE U.S.
9. SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS ANTI-TERROR LAW
10. AL-QAEDA WARNS OF NEW ATTACKS DEADLIER THAN BEFORE
11. GROUP: EFFORT TO DEPORT CHRISITAN "SON OF HAMAS" A TRAVESTY
12. NETANYAHU TO VISIT WHITE HOUSE ON MONDAY, JULY 6TH
1. OBAMA HONORS FAMILIES WITH "TWO FATHERS" ON FATHER'S DAY
This man never quits when it comes to finding new ways to promote homosexuality, lesbianism, bisexual, transgender including his Proclamation for Father's Day.
First, Obama again declares June "Gay Pride Month" and now he's actually using Father's Day to attack the traditional (Biblical) family - as he did in a presidential Father's Day Proclamation. Here's a line taken from yesterday's proclamation:
". . . Nurturing families come in many forms, and children may be raised by a father and mother, a single father, two fathers, a step father, a grandfather, or caring guardian.. . " (American Decency Association)
- No, Obama, the family was created and designed by God - with one father and one mother, each bringing unique and needed qualities to a family. While in this broken world children are sometimes raised by single parents or grandparents, being raised in a climate of homosexuality by two men is the ultimate of dysfunction - not nurturing. Homosexuality was the sin of Sodom and Gomorrah. Cry out for MERCY upon our land; even as our leaders have lost track of the truth. Pray!
- "You shall not lie with a male as one lies with a female; it is an abomination." (Lev. 18:22,23)
2. SENATE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE BEGINS HEARINGS SOON ON KAGAN NOMINATION
Kagan: Hypocrisy on Homosexuality?
Is it the military that Elena Kagan objects to -- or its mission? For all of her hostility toward our troops, the next Supreme Court justice has nothing but affection for one of its primary suspects: radical Muslims in the Middle East. While she was busy booting U.S. recruiters from Harvard's campus, Kagan welcomed the influence of a major donor from Saudi Arabia. Twenty million dollars later, the same woman who called the military's ban on homosexuality a "moral outrage" didn't seem to mind when her university accepted money from a Saudi Arabian prince whose country actually executes gays.
Kagan's double standard has been the subject of some of my meetings with members of the Judiciary Committee. As FRC started looking deeper into Kagan's ties with the Middle East, Sen. Jeff Sessions (R-Ala.) talked about those contradictions on the Senate floor. " Ms. Kagan was perfectly willing to obstruct the U.S. military -- which has liberated countless Muslims from the hate and tyranny of Saddam Hussein and the Taliban," Sen. Sessions said. "But it seems she sat on the sidelines as Harvard created an Islamic Studies Center funded by -- and dedicated to -- foreign leaders presiding over a legal system that violates what would appear to be her position . . . She fought the ability of our own soldiers to access campus resources, but not those who spread the oppressive tenets of Islamic Sharia law. Perhaps her response was guided by campus politics. But . . . much of her career has been spent actively engaged in liberal politics -- not legal practice."
Part of her liberal "politicking" has been in service to [sic]Obama. During her time as Solicitor General, Kagan used her position to protect the Saudis from a major 9-11 lawsuit. When the victims' families tried to sue the Islamic nation for funneling money to terrorists before the attacks, Kagan lobbied for the Supreme Court to reject the case. Even though the high court allowed similar suits in the past, she insisted that moving forward would damage U.S.- Saudi relations. Kagan's terrorist sympathies even extend to her days at Harvard. In a letter buried in the congressional archives, she and three other law school deans (including Georgetown Law, another recipient of the Saudi prince's largesse) urged the Senate to soften its treatment of the enemy combatants at Guantanamo by stripping the President's power to detain them. Contact your senators and tell them that we need a Justice who will support our troops, not side with their enemy! (Family Research Council)
- Pray that all hidden things will be revealed to this Senate Committee as they begin these hearings next Monday, June 28th. Bind the spirit of deception off the proceedings; and loose the spirit of truth. Pray!
- "For the word of the LORD is right, and all His work is done in truth. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the goodness of the LORD." (Psalm 33:4)
3. FULL SENATE TO VOTE ON CHATIGNY NOMINATION FOR JUDICIAL SPOT
Obama Picks Judicial Serial Killer Sympathizer
Last week, Robert Chatigny, President Obama's judicial nominee for a 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals post won easy confirmation in the Senate Judiciary Committee by a 11-7 vote. (His confirmation is now waiting for a full Senate vote.)
It's interesting to me that Senate Judiciary Committee member Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-CA) refused to vote on Chatigny's nomination. She was obviously rattled by the facts about Chatigny's horrid record. She asked Chairman Leahy to delay voting on Chatigny in committee, but he refused.
Chatigny has a long-time record of being sympathetic to child abusers and serial killers in his decisions. He's the perfect empathetic judge Obama wants on the federal bench. His empathy, however, is for the killers and abusers, not the victims. (Traditional Values Coalition) Read more.
- Pray fervently that this wicked man never makes it to the judicial bench in America; and pray for his soul. PRAY!
- "When the enemy comes in like a flood, The Spirit of the LORD will lift up a standard against him." (Isaiah 59:19)
4. SENATE FAILS TO SPARE DOCTORS FROM MEDICARE CUTS
After a week of partisan wrangling, the Senate on Friday passed legislation to spare doctors a 21 percent cut in Medicare payments looming for months. But the last-ditch effort came too late. Moments after the Senate acted, Medicare announced it would begin processing claims it has already received for June at the lower rate. The reason: the House cannot act on the fix until next week. That means doctors, nurse practitioners, physical therapists and other providers who bill under Medicare's physician fee schedule will have to resubmit their claims if they want to be made whole, with added paperwork costs both for the providers and for taxpayers.
"Congress is playing Russian roulette with seniors' health care," Dr. Cecil B. Wilson, president of the American Medical Association, said in a statement. "This is no way to run a major health coverage program." AARP, the seniors' lobby, called the cut "unprecedented" and "dangerous" even if it's only temporary. Nancy LeaMond, the group's executive vice president, warned it would undermine confidence in the stability of the giant health care program for 46 million elderly and disabled people. "This cut creates a dangerous atmosphere for seniors and their doctors, and will contribute to more doctors making the decision already made by some physicians to stop taking Medicare patients," she said. (AP) Read more.
- Pray for wisdom for federal legislaters who must re-instate the Medicare benefits for senior citizens so that this temporary shortage does not become the full-time cut. Pray also that doctors don't forget their Hippocratic oath to always help the sick and refuse to take on seniors as patients. Ask the Lord to give divine healing to those who are sick and/or disabled.
- "He sent them to preach the kingdom of God and to heal the sick." (Luke 9:2)
5. TAX, JOBS BILL BLOCKED IN U.S. SENATE
Obama Suffers Defeat with Tax Increase Measure
A Democratic bill to extend jobless benefits and raise taxes on investment fund managers failed a key vote in the U.S. Senate on Thursday, dealing a blow to [sic] Obama's push to boost the economy. . . . Democratic leaders failed to muster the 60 votes needed to overcome solid Republican opposition to the bill, which would have added about $55 billion to the deficit over 10 years. The Senate voted 56-40 against the measure. (Reuters) Read more.
- We offer praise tonight that we still live in a nation that has a two-party system. Thank You, Lord, that this unending spiral in tax-and-spend policies has ended, for now. Spare us, Lord, from the oppression of Pharoah, who says, "More bricks . . . less straw." Amen!
- "This far and no further, and here shall your proud waves be stopped!" (Job 38:11)
6. H.R. 5175 - THE "DISCLOSE ACT" - GOING NOWHERE, FOR NOW
Pelosi delays floor vote amidst fracas over carve-out for NRA
An effort by Democrats to close down speech critical of their actions before it can impact the November elections is running into a rocky road in the U.S. House, where House Speaker Nancy Pelosi delayed action on the proposal while the party regroups and tries to assemble support.
The DISCLOSE Act, pending as HR 5175 in the U.S House and as S. 3295 in the Senate, targets the freedom of speech of companies and groups acknowledged by the U.S. Supreme Court in its "Citizens United" ruling last winter.
The bill, sponsored by Rep. Chris Van Hollen in the House and Sen. Charles Schumer in the Senate, has 114 co-sponsors with Van Hollden and 49 with Schumer. Pelosi, however, pulled the proposal from a floor vote and sent members home for the weekend because of turbulence over the plan to impose a new set of reporting and other requirements on a long list of organizations, according to a report in Human Events.
Update on DISCLOSE ACT from Family Resarch Council:
The only thing members are "disclosing" this week is displeasure. House leaders had no choice but to push back a vote on H.R. 5175 when their plan to gag special interest groups during campaign season took an unexpected twist. After weeks of silence on the DISCLOSE Act, liberals came out firing when news broke that the National Rifle Association (NRA) agreed to a deal that would exempt them -- and only them -- from these new finance rules. While other organizations, including FRC Action, would have to list their top donors on election ads, America's most powerful gun lobby would be excused.
Even if, by some miracle, DISCLOSE survives the Left's tough love and passes through the House, the Senate version is going nowhere fast. Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) introduced a companion bill but can't persuade any Republicans (or apparently, key Democrats) to sign on. With the business community piling on, Speaker Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) will have to decide whether or not to force a vote this week.
If she hoped for help from moderate Democrats and the Congressional Black Caucus , that too, has disappeared. What happens from this point on is anyone's guess. Some members, like Rep. Jerrold Nadler (D-N.Y.) insisted on moving forward with the bill, claiming that nothing less than the fate of our nation is at stake. He called the Act "absolutely essential to the continuation of American democracy." Democracy, Democratic majority -- same thing. (FRC; WorldNetDaily)
- Offer praise that this "gag order" on our free speech during an election cycle has itself hit a snag, and ask that the Lord intervene to be sure that the DISCLOSE Act ends up withering on the vine and perishing in Congress. We serve a creative God, and if we ask anything according to His will, He can and will bring it to pass. Pray!
- " . . . if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)
7. DARRELL ISSA HAS EYE ON SUBPOENA TEAM
Rep. Darrell Issa (R-CA), the conservative firebrand whose specialty is lobbing corruption allegations at the Obama White House, is making plans to hire dozens of subpoena-wielding investigators if Republicans win the House this fall. Issa has told Republican leadership that if he becomes chairman, he wants to roughly double his staff from 40 to between 70 and 80. And he is not subtle about what that means for Obama. (Politico.com) Read more.
- - Rep. Issa probably knows much more about the White House than he is currently expressing. Pray that he has the opportunity to reveal what he knows about corruption in the White House - for the good of the nation - that we may truly be "one nation under God." God is truth! Pray for wisdom for Rep. Issa in the enlarging of his staff so that no taxpayers' money is wasted. Too many allegations are swirling about the White House, demanding explanations.
- "He is the Rock, His work is perfect; For all His ways are justice, A God of truth and without injustice; Righteous and upright is He." (Deuteronomy 32:4)
8. PREVENTING TERRORISTS FROM BEING TRANSFERRED TO THE U.S.
Congressman Forbes offered an amendment during debate of the National Defense Authorization Act to prevent the transfer of terrorists from Guantanamo Bay, Cuba into the United States. The Amendment was adopted by the House of Representatives. The amendment was adopted in the House by a vote 282-131. (Office of Congressman Randy Forbes)
- Offer praise that this measure has been passed, and ask that it be implemented to the fullest extent of the law.
- "Because you have made the LORD, who is my refuge, Even the Most High, your dwelling place, No evil shall befall you, Nor shall any plague come near your dwelling;" (Psalm 91:,10)
9. SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS ANTI-TERROR LAW
The Supreme Court has upheld a U.S. law that bars "material support" to foreign terrorist organizations, rejecting a free speech challenge from humanitarian aid groups. The court ruled 6-3 Monday that the government may prohibit all forms of aid to designated terrorist groups, even if the support consists of training and advice about entirely peaceful and legal activities. Material support intended even for benign purposes can help a terrorist group in other ways, Chief Justice John Roberts said in his majority opinion. (Washington Post) Read more.
- "I will restore your judges as at the first, And your counselors as at the beginning. Afterward you shall be called the city of righteousness, the faithful city." (Isaiah 1:26)
10. AL-QAEDA WARNS OF NEW ATTACKS DEADLIER THAN BEFORE
Al-Qaida's U.S.-born spokesman warned Obama Sunday that the militant group may launch new attacks that would kill more Americans than previous ones. In a taunting, 24 minute message that dwelled on Obama's setbacks, including the loss of Massachusetts Senate seat to the Republicans, Adam Gadahn set out al-Qaida's conditions for peace with the U.S., including cutting support for Israel and withdrawal of troops from Afghanistan.
Gadahn said that if you compared the number of dead Muslims "with the relatively small number of Americans we have killed so far, it becomes crystal-clear that we haven't even begun to even the score," he said, dressed in a white robe and turban. "That's why next time, we might not show the restraint and self-control we have shown up until now," he said. Even if al-Qaida was defeated, "hundreds of millions of Muslims" would still fight the U.S., he added.(ap) Read more.
- While most of us are "pressing in" in prayer about the BP Oil Crisis in the Gulf, let's not lose sight of other threats to our national security. Let the watchmen work together and signal each other when an alarm needs to be sounded, for truly, in this hour, no one individual among us can track this all!
- "Go, set a watchman, Let him declare what he sees." (Isaiah 21:6)
11. GROUP: EFFORT TO DEPORT CHRISITAN "SON OF HAMAS" A TRAVESTY
A church reform think-tank is urging Christians to take action on behalf of Mosab Hassan Yousef as the disowned son of Hamas co-founder Sheikh Hassan Yousef prepares to face a deportation hearing at the end of the month. "We urge all to share Yousef's story about his struggle with DHS (the U.S. Department of Homeland Security) from his blog, to write to the Senior Attorney for DHS in San Diego, Kerri Calcador, who is determined to deport him, and to contact your members of Congress regarding this travesty," stated Faith J.H. McDonnell, director of the Religious Liberty Program at the Institute on Religion and Democracy. (Christian Post) Read more
- Please continue to make this a matter of serious prayer. Our dear brother needs protection, both in heaven and on earth, to survive. Pray!
- "Since you are precious in My sight, Since you are honored and I love you, I will give other men in your place and other peoples in exchange for your life." (Isaiah 43:4)
12. NETANYAHU TO VISIT WHITE HOUSE ON MONDAY, JULY 6TH
Obama will host the Honorable Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for a meeting at the White House on July 6. The two were scheduled to meet on June 1, but Netanyahu chose to cancel his visit to Washington after the Israel Navy's deadly raid on Turkish-flagged aid ship bound for the Gaza Strip a day earlier. (Ha'aretz) Read more.
- Begin to lay the groundwork for this critical meeting now, in prayer. Ask the Lord to turn the heart of Obama so that, this time, he will treat Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as the head of state of the sovereign nation that he is. Pray!
- "Ah Lord GOD! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! Nothing is too difficult for You." (Jeremiah 32:17)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
LORD OUR GOD (Adoni Ehlohaynu)
"Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool. He is holy." (Psalm 99:5)
Lord God, how I praise You for this wonderful plan of redemption that You had before time began. Thank You that You made a way where there seemed to be no way, Lord our God. You did it back then and I thank You that You continue to work like that today. It is a privilege to be Your child.
(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)
