In This Issue• On Capitol Hill This Week: Israel
• On Capitol Hill This Week: Japan
• On Capitol Hill This Week: International News
• Monday Night: Domestic News
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
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On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 10a
March 14 - 18, 2011
March 14 - 18, 2011
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
"For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it [is] a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry [land]; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts." (Haggai 2:6,7)
On Capitol Hill This Week: Israel
1. FIVE ISRAELIS MURDERED BY PALESTINIANS WERE GAZA EVACUEES
2. P.M. NETANYAHU VISITS ITAMAR VICTIMS' FAMILIES: "THEY SHOOT, WE BUILD"
3. ISRAEL, PA LOBBY QUARTET OVER ISSUE OF '67 BORDERS
1. FIVE ISRAELIS MURDERED BY PALESTINIANS WERE GAZA EVACUEES
The five members of the Israeli family stabbed to death at Itamar on the West Bank, Friday night, March 11, have been identified as Udi Vogel, 38, the father; his wife Ruth Vogel, 35, their sons Yoav, 11 and Elad, 3 and their four-month old daughter Hadas. The three children who survived are Roi, 8, Yishai, 2 and their sister Tamar, aged 12, who found the victims when she arrived home later that night. The crime was easier to perpetrate against Jews living in the West Bank town as several IDF checkpoints have been disbanded, allowing terrorists to attack Jews more easily. Hamas Websites hailed the murder as a "heroic operation," without taking responsibility. (DEBKAfile Special Report)
- Gracious Abba, the Daddy we run to when we hurt so badly. Our hearts ache for the precious Vogel family who were mercilessly murdered while they slept in their home in Itamar. Father, their only crime was that they were Jewish and left a window open in their home that night. We ask that many will be saved unto Your Son, Yeshua because of this tragedy that is speculated to begin perhaps the next Intifada among Arabs, specifically those of the Wahhabbi, Hamas and Fatah (former PLO.) We pray that Benjamin Netanyahu will have Your wisdom to deal with this offense against his people, and that Mahmoud Abbas will have shame that he is using this to double speak to Israelis that Fatah is sorry this family was murdered, while telling Hamas they did a good job.
Please be with little Tamar, their twelve-year old daughter who found the bodies of her parents, Udi and Ruth and her 11-year old brother Yoav, three-year old brother Elad and four-month old sister, Hadas. May she be a comfort and big sister to her siblings Roi and Yishai who also survived the killings. May the blood that is on the hands of their murderers never wash out and may it convict them to ask You for forgiveness while there is still time. May this turn Your nation Israel to You for their Hope and Salvation. In Jesus' Name we pray. Amen.
- "I will give you the treasures of darkness and hidden riches of secret places, that you may know that I, the Lord, who call you by your name, Am the God of Israel. For Jacob My servant's sake, and Israel My elect, I have even called you by your name; I have named you, though you have not known Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other; there is no God besides Me. I will gird you, though you have not known Me. That they may know from the rising of the sun to its setting that there is none besides Me. I am the Lord, and there is no other. I form the light and create darkness, I make peace and create calamity; I, the Lord, do all these things." (Isaiah 45: 3-7)
2. PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU VISITS ITAMAR VICTIMS' FAMILIES: "THEY SHOOT, WE BUILD"
Following funeral of Vogel family, Netanyahu goes to homes of parents to give condolences; promises those responsible for terror attack will be found; "These are not people, they are monsters."
"The terrorists shoot, and we build," Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told the parents of Ehud and Ruth Vogel on Sunday night during a shiva call, hours after the government's settlement committee decided to approve the building of 400 -500 housing units in large settlement blocks.
"They say Eretz Yisrael is acquired through pain and suffering," Netanyahu told the grieving parents, "but we didn't think the pain and suffering would be so great. This heinous act has led all of us to say, 'Enough.' The security services are doing everything they can to find the murders, and we will find the criminals. They are not people, but beasts."
- Pray that justice is served in this horrible case.
- "Render to her just as she rendered to you, and repay her double according to her works; in the cup which she has mixed, mix double for her." (Rev. 18:6)
3. ISRAEL, PA LOBBY QUARTET OVER ISSUE OF '67 BORDERS
Quartet representatives met separately on Thursday in Israel with both Israeli and Palestinian officials, in what one Quartet source described as an attempt to gauge where the sides stand and to look for ways to restart the negotiations.
Representatives of the Middle East Quartet met separately with Israeli and Palestinian officials on Thursday in the latest attempt to jumpstart stalled negotiations between the two sides. It was a new development, as the US is usually the sole outside party in negotiations.
The new development has reportedly been made on behalf of the PA, which wants more international involvement in the process, and the other three members of the Quartet, the EU, UN and Russia, who have long called for the US to allow them to take a more active role, over strenuous Israeli objections.
Palestinian Authority officials are reportedly pushing the Quartet to formally endorse a two-state solution which would include an Israeli retreat to the cease-fire lines which existed prior to the June 1967 War, including the eastern neighborhoods of Jerusalem. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has argued that such lines would leave Israel vulnerable and unable to defend itself. He has made it clear that in any future agreement, the IDF must maintain a security presence on the Jordan River, a stance condemned by Palestinian officials. (Jerusalem Post)
- How amazing to watch the Lord setting up the punishment of the nations for trying to divide Israel! Pray even more fervently that the United States will back out of any plans to force Israel back to the '67 borders, as we want no part of God's punishment for this arrogant sin. Pray for the Lord to put officials in the State Department who have read the Bible and understand God's heart for Israel. The EU, UN, and Russia want to do so at their own peril. Although not published in the American media, Japan made a formal announcement within the last few weeks that it would recognize a Palestinian state. Never cease to pray for the firm stand of P. M. Netanyahu against any dividing of Israel.
- "Now therefore, be wise, O kings, be instructed, you judges of the earth, serve the Lord with fear, and rejoice with trembling." (Psalm 2: 10,11)
On Capitol Hill This Week: Japan
1. JAPAN QUAKE: TOLL MAY CROSS 10,000 IN MIYAGI ALONE
2. ANOTHER REACTOR LOSES COOLING FUNCTIONS
3. U.S. TROOPS, USS RONALD REAGAN ARRIVE IN JAPAN
4. JAPAN CONDEMNS ISRAELI SETTLEMENT BUILDING: SAME DAY AS QUAKE!
5. TOKYO SHARES FALL 5.2 PERCENT IN FIRST OPENING SINCE EARTHQUAKE
6. BREAKING: NEW BLAST AT JAPANESE NUCLEAR POWER REACTOR BUILDING
1. JAPAN QUAKE: TOLL MAY CROSS 10,000 IN MIYAGI ALONE
The toll from a magnitude-8.9 earthquake in Japan could exceed 10,000 in the hardest-hit prefecture of Miyagi alone, police said on Sunday, as other officials tried to reassure the public that reactors at two damaged nuclear power plants posed no immediate danger. In related news, the weather agency in Tokyo says a volcano in southern Japan is spewing ash and rock again as the country struggles with the aftermath of a catastrophic earthquake and tsunami in the north. The Meteorological Agency issued a warning Sunday saying that Shinmoedake volcano resumed activity after a couple of quiet weeks.
Meanwhile, Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan said on Sunday he was confident that the nation could overcome the crisis caused by a massive earthquake and tsunami disaster, which he termed the biggest crisis Japan has faced since the end of World War Two. (India Times; Jerusalem Post)
- Stand in the gap for this statement by the Prime Minister of Japan, even as his people are dying around him. We can never save ourselves, and we can never accomplish all that needs to be done by our own bootstraps.
Pray that, in this hour of national crisis, the people of Japan will hear the voice of the Lord, and respond. Pray for the harvest due Japan . . . pray!
- "The voice of the LORD is over the waters; the God of glory thunders, the LORD thunders over the mighty waters. . . . And in his temple all cry, "Glory!" (Psalm 29:3,9c)
2. ANOTHER REACTOR AT FUKUSHIMA NUKE PLANT LOSES COOLING FUNCTIONS
Tokyo Electric Power Co. said Sunday another reactor of its quake-hit Fukushima nuclear power plants had lost its cooling functions, while at least 15 people at a nearby hospital were found to have been exposed to radioactivity. The utility supplier notified the government early Sunday morning that the No. 3 reactor at the No. 1 Fukushima plant had lost the ability to cool the reactor core. The reactor is now in the process of releasing radioactive steam, according to top government spokesman Yukio Edano.
Japan was fighting to contain what could be the world's worst nuclear disaster in 25 years after the cooling failed at a second reactor crippled by a quake which may have killed over 10,000. Strong aftershocks continued to shake Japan's main island as the desperate search pressed on for survivors from Friday's massive earthquake and tsunami. (KyodoNews)
In addressing a potential crisis, the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission sent two experts in boiling-water nuclear reactors to Japan as crews there flooded the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant with sea water in hopes of preventing a meltdown of its core Saturday. A concrete building surrounding the reactor experienced an explosion caused by a failed pump system Saturday, but the reactor wasn't damaged, Japanese officials said. "We have some of the most expert people in this field in the world working for the NRC and we stand ready to assist in any way possible," NRC Chairman Gregory Jaczko said in a statement. (CNN)
- The news out of Japan now is getting worse and worse and worse. For every report you hear, ask our Lord to grant His mercy over these people. Only 17% of the Japanese people are Christian; a great harvest awaits. Pray!
- "Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision! For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision." (Joel 3:14)
3. U.S. TROOPS, USS RONALD REAGAN ARRIVE IN JAPAN
The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS Ronald Reagan arrived off the coast of Japan Sunday to support Japanese forces in disaster relief operations, the U.S. Department of Defense said in a statement. Accompanying the Reagan are the guided-missile cruiser USS Chancellorsville and the destroyer USS Preble.
More U.S. aid -- in the form of equipment, staffers and search-and-rescue teams -- was expected to arrive Sunday to address the widespread devastation caused by the 8.9-magnitude earthquake and resulting tsunami. Near Honshu, Japan, the USS Ronald Reagan will support the Japan Self-Defense Force by providing refueling operations for Japanese helicopters and transporting the island country's troops to disaster areas, according to the Pentagon statement.
Two destroyers, the USS McCampbell and USS Curtis Wilbur, were off Japan's Boso Peninsula, which shelters Tokyo Bay, and were preparing to assist Japanese authorities with at-sea rescue and recovery operations, the 7th Fleet said. An additional destroyer, the USS Mustin, will depart Yokosuka on Sunday. Eight other U.S. ships were en route to Japan from various locations, set to arrive Sunday or later in the week, according to the 7th Fleet. One, the USS Tortuga, departed Japan on Saturday night to pick up two helicopters in South Korea and would return in about two days. (CNN)
- Pray that all aid arrives quickly and that none of these supplies goes to waste. The people of northeastern Japan are truly going to need a miracle if they are to survive. . . food and water is fast running out. Pray. (See Mark 6:3 - 44 as your guide to prayer.)
- "How many loaves do you have?" he asked. "Go and see." When they found out, they said, "Five-and two fish." . . . Taking the five loaves and the two fish and looking up to heaven, he gave thanks and broke the loaves. Then he gave them to his disciples to distribute to the people. He also divided the two fish among them all. They all ate and were satisfied . . . " (Mark 6:38, 41,42)
4. JAPAN CONDEMNS ISRAELI SETTLEMENT BUILDING: SAME DAY AS QUAKE!
- Father In ignorance and unbelief the Japanese government has spoken foolishly. The earth has shaken, and the seas and the waves have roared. We ask you to extend your hand in mercy over the people of Japan. Send forth your angels to assist the suffering people Lord. And remember the words of your dear son, Yeshua Hamaschiach, who in the hour of His affliction said "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do."
- "And Jesus prayed, Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)
The Government of Japan deplores the decisions of the Government of Israel to give permission for the construction of 1,600 housing units in East Jerusalem in addition to 112 units in West Bank just after the Israeli and Palestinian leadership's acceptance of the start of indirect talks. The Government of Japan does not recognize any act that prejudges the final status of Jerusalem and the territories in the pre-1967 borders. Japan demands that the plans should not be implemented. (Press Statement of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan; March 11., 2011) Read more.
- The timing of this press release, issued the same day as the quake that followed, is surely not a coincidence. Please spread this word of truth. It should be a warning to the USA and to all other nations making the same moves regarding Israel, as Japan has been doing. May God now show His mercy on the nation of Japan . . . and may this be a wake up call that they are not to touch "the apple of His eye."
- " I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse . . . " (Gen. 12:3)
5. TOKYO SHARES FALL 5.2 PERCENT IN FIRST OPENING SINCE EARTHQUAKE
Tokyo stocks in slide, but bounce off lows
The leading Japanese stock index recovered a little after skidding nearly 6% early Monday, the first full day of trading following last week's earthquake, but remained sharply lower after the first hour of the session. The Nikkei-225 index tumbled 457 points, or 4.5%, to about 9,759. It was down even further, almost 598 points, in the first few minutes before rebounding.
U.S. stocks were poised for a moderately lower start when the new trading week begins. S&P 500 futures slipped 4.3 points, about 0.3%, and Nasdaq-100 futures were 9 points lower, about 0.4%. On Friday, investors worldwide were rattled after the massive earthquake and tsunami struck Japan. (CNN; FoxNews)
- The ripple effect from this tsunami and earthquake in the economic sector may be felt for a long time ahead. Begin to pray now that the world markets will stabilize quickly in light of this disaster; and that Japan's movements to rescue its own economy by dumping overseas assets would be moderated by common sense. Let not panic overtake the markets; pray for wisdom.
- "The Lord sat as King at the flood; the Lord sits as King forever." (Psalm 29:10)
6. BREAKING: NEW BLAST AT JAPANESE NUCLEAR POWER REACTOR BUILDING
Tokyo Electric Power Company said six people were injured after an explosion at the building housing the No. 3 reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant in northeastern Japan..Fresh white smoke rose again Monday from Japan's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, caused by an explosion at a building tied to the facility's No. 3 reactor. Japan's Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano said that, according to the head of the nuclear facility, the container vessel surrounding the reactor is still intact. Initial reports suggest that radiation levels rose following the explosion late Monday morning, but Edano said he does not believe there has been a massive leak.
"This is unprecedented," said Stephanie Cooke, the author of "In Mortal Hands: A Cautionary History of the Nuclear Age." "You've never had a situation with multiple reactors at risk.""Nuclear facilities in Japan ... were built to withstand earthquakes -- but not an 8.9 earthquake," said James Walsh, a CNN contributor and research associate at MIT's security studies program.
The crisis has stoked fears of a full-on nuclear meltdown, a catastrophic failure of the reactor core that has the potential for widespread release of radiation. (CNN)
- It is becoming increasingly clear that the various shakings Japan is experiencing now are not going to go away soon. Whether we consider tsunamis (another one was sighted tonight), aftershocks, explosions and damaged nuclear facilities, or the economy . . . the nation of Japan will need our prayers for a long, long time to come. Continue to monitor all late-breaking news, as you can, and remain in prayer. God surely has His hand upon this nation in this hour. Pray!
- "Pray without ceasing." (I Thess. 5:17)
On Capitol Hill This Week: International News
1. SAUDIS: IF DOLLARS WON'T WORK, BULLETS WILL
2. VIOLENCE CONTINUES IN CAIRO'S TAHRIR SQUARE
3. OBAMA CLAIMS U.S., ALLIES "TIGHTENING NOOSE ON QADDAFI"
4. ARAB LEAGUE CALLS FOR LIBYA NO-FLY ZONE
5. RUSSIA OBJECTS TO FOREIGN MILITARY INTERVENTION IN LIBYA
6. EU FOREIGN AFFAIRS CHIEF CALLS ON WORLD TO SHUN QADDAFI
7. U.S. VICE PRESIDENT MEETS WITH RUSSIAN PRESIDENT
8. CHINA CYBER-WARFARE CAPABILITY A "FORMIDABLE CONCERN"
1. SAUDIS: IF DOLLARS WON'T WORK, BULLETS WILL
Saudi police officers opened fire on a protest march in one of its eastern provinces on Thursday, wounding three according to witnesses and a Saudi official, the New York Times reported. The crackdown came on the eve of a planned "day of rage" throughout the oil-rich kingdom that Saudi officials say they will not tolerate. Witnesses described the small protest march in the largely Shiite town of Qatif as peaceful, but an Interior Ministry spokesman alleged demonstrators attacked police before officers took the decision to fire, Reuters reported. The spokesman said police fired over the protesters' heads, but that three people were injured in the melee, including an officer.
The clashed underscored growing tensions between Saudi Arabia's Shiite minority, which is demanding greater enfranchisement from a government that officially sanctions Wahabi Islam, a zealous form of Sunni orthodoxy. Mohammad Zaki Al-Khabbaz, a human rights activist in Qatif, said that security forces fired tear gas and shot in the air trying to disperse the crowd. (New York Times; Israel National News)
- Pray that in the middle of this turmoil, the Saudi people will begin to find the Truth that will set them free: the knowledge of our Messiah as their Savior. Pray and ask for wisdom to be granted to King Abdullah as he seeks to quell these disturbances and restore peace to his kingdom. Pray, too, that this king will find the Kingdom that leads to life. Let not the Muslim Brotherhood move in here, and take over this nation. Amen.
- "The Lord tests the righteous But the wicked and the one who loves violence His soul hates. . . For the Lord is righteous, He loves righteousness, His countenance beholds the upright." (Psalm 11:5,7)
2. VIOLENCE CONTINUES IN CAIRO'S TAHRIR SQUARE
Violence is continuing in Cairo's Tahrir Square despite ongoing changes in Egypt's government. The Egyptian military forcibly removed hundreds of protesters from the area Wednesday after dozens of gang members attacked the demonstrators for the second time in 24 hours. Gunshots rang out in the square in the afternoon hours, but it was not clear who was firing the weapons, according to the Associated Press. At least 44 people were wounded Tuesday night as protesters camping out in the square were attacked. Eyewitnesses told reporters the violence came from supporters of the security apparatus formerly attached to ex-President Hosni Mubarak's regime. (Israel National News)
- In biblical times, the Ammonites dwelt in present-day Egypt. Just as the Lord spoke to that tribe, that it was time to put down their swords, so He is speaking today to the Egyptians. The time for fighting in the streets has come to an end; and the time to build a new Egypt is upon them. Pray that the Spirit of the Most High God would prevail in this critical matter, and that Egypt will find its true identity in Messiah.
- "And you, son of man, prophesy and say, Thus says the Lord God concerning the Ammonites and concerning their reproach, and say: A sword, a sword is drawn, Polished for slaughter, For consuming, for flashing While they see false visions for you, While they divine a lie to you, To bring you on the necks of the wicked, the slain, Whose day has come, Whose iniquity shall end. Return it to its sheath, I will judge you, In the place where you were created, In the land of your nativity." (Ez. 21 v 28-30)
3. OBAMA CLAIMS U.S., ALLIES "TIGHTENING NOOSE ON QADDAFI"
Obama, invoking the massacres in Rwanda and the Balkans, said Friday that the international community has an obligation to prevent a "repeat" of those tragedies in Libya -- as Muammar al-Qaddafi makes gains against the rebels fighting to overthrow him. But amid concerns that the administration may be exhausting its diplomatic options, the president stressed that the U.S. and its allies are moving with unprecedented determination to isolate the Libyan leader. He said he would not take any option, including a military response, off the table, and defended the administration's approach. (AP)
- Much of what the president stated is clearly true: a despot like Qaddafi, who murders his own countrymen, must be removed. However, we have heard the president make claims before that were all sound but no action. Pray fervently that the U.S. and her allies will agree to some wise action that will stop Qaddafi in his battle to keep his power. Even if world leaders do not believe in the Lord and have no knowledge of the Bible, we do, and it is our prayers that can bring about Qaddafi's removal and move Libya into freedom. God loves those people as much as loves us even if they do not know Him. Supernatural wisdom and help from the Lord is needed in this situation.
- "He who sows iniquity will reap sorrow, and the rod of his anger will fail." (Prov. 22:8)
4. ARAB LEAGUE CALLS FOR LIBYA NO-FLY ZONE
The Arab League on Saturday called on the UN Security Council to impose a no-fly zone on Libya, Egyptian state television reported, a decision that would give a regional seal of approval that NATO has said is needed for any military action. The state television also said the Arab League had decided to open channels of communication with a Libyan rebel council based in Benghazi. The League said the council represented the Libyan people, the channel reported. League officials say the body has already been in touch with the rebels about the situation on the ground in Libya. (Jerusalem Post)
- This decision by the Arab League seems to be a good one, but notice that it is the NATO forces that will establish and maintain the no-fly zone, not the Arab nations! If we didn't have such a distrust of the Arab League, we could also be delighted that it was working with the Libyan rebels, but who knows what exchanges of ideas are taking place. Pray that the safety and life of the Libyan people is foremost in the minds of those in authority and that good fruit will be produced. Praise the Lord for the excellent reporting of the Israeli newspaper that publishes information that the American media never touches. Keep praying that Qaddafi is sickened by his own violent power and leaves the country.
- "Wisdom is better than the weapons of war; but one sinner destroys much good." (Ecclesiastes 9:18)
5. RUSSIA OBJECTS TO FOREIGN MILITARY INTERVENTION IN LIBYA
Foreign military intervention in Libya is inadmissible in any form, the Russian Foreign Ministry said in a statement. French President Nicolas Sarkozy has said France and Britain are ready to launch "targeted air strikes" on Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi's forces if they use chemical weapons or warplanes against civilians. "Foreign military intervention should be ruled out," the Russian Foreign Ministry said.
The ministry's statement welcomes the recent African union resolution, which supports Libya's sovereignty and territorial integrity and condemns any foreign military intervention. The statement comes ahead of an emergency meeting by foreign ministers of Arab League member states, who will gather in Cairo to discuss whether to support introduction of a no-fly zone above Libya. (RIA Novosti/Russian Press)
- Does Russia have Qaddafi in its back pocket? Secret meetings may have occurred between Libya leadership and Russia that we know nothing about. No one is questioning the sovereignty of Libya; rather the questions concern the killing of civilians for the power of one man. Russia has a history of invading other countries for its power. Pray that the Arab Member countries will make a wise decision about the situation in Libya. Ask the Lord to show His will in this situation. Russia is not the tail that wags the dog!
- "He who justifies the wicked, and he who condemns the just; both of them alike are an abomination to the Lord." (Proverbs 37 :15)
6. EU FOREIGN AFFAIRS CHIEF CALLS ON WORLD TO SHUN QADDAFI
The EU foreign affairs chief, Baroness Ashton, has told Euro MPs that Libyan leader Muammar Gaddafi should be "sent back into the cold". Having brought Libya's controversial leader "out of the cold in the past", Lady Ashton said, it was time for the international community to "send Gaddafi back into the cold." The EU decided last week to freeze the assets of Col Muammar Gaddafi and 25 other Libyans, and impose a visa ban on them with immediate effect. (BBC News) Read more.
- Offer praise that the nations of the free world are now aligning against the brutality of this dictator.Pray that their words will have results . . . not just "hot air." Pray!
- "Repay them for their deeds and for their evil work; repay them for what their hands have done and bring back on them what they deserve." (Psalm 28:4)
7. U.S. VICE PRESIDENT MEETS WITH RUSSIAN PRESIDENT
U.S. Vice President Joe Biden has praised the leadership of Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in a meeting between the two men in Moscow. Biden told Mr. Medvedev that his personal leadership 'proved the skeptics wrong' about improving U.S.-Russian ties over the past two years.
Mr. Medvedev said Russia would like U.S. help in joining the World Trade Organization within the next year. Biden said earlier in his visit that the U.S. supports Russia's WTO membership bid.
U.S. officials say Biden is expected to discuss Arab uprisings in the Middle East with the Russian leadership. He is scheduled to meet with Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Thursday." (Voice of America)
- Pray over all discussions and dialogues that may take place between Russia and our nation. The Russian bear is not really sleeping; he is only lying in wait. Pray that Obama, the Vice President, and our Secretary of State -- as well as all members of this administration -- enter into all negotiations with the Russian Federation with eyes wide open. To be fooled is to endanger all of us.
- "It is better to trust in the Lord, Than to put confidence in princes." (Psalm 118:9)
8. CHINA CYBER-WARFARE CAPABILITY A "FORMIDABLE CONCERN"
China's growing capabilities in cyber-warfare and intelligence gathering have been described as a "formidable concern" to the United States. James Clapper, the US Director of National Intelligence, made the comments in testimony to the US Senate. From Canada and Britain, France and South Korea, there have been growing reports of online attacks on computer networks around the world. The finger of suspicion is often pointed at China.
In evidence to the US Senate's Armed Services Committee, Mr Clapper said last year saw a "dramatic increase" in malicious cyber-activity targeting US computers and networks. He did not mention who might be behind the surge in attempts to steal information from government ministries, major companies and others. But he added that China had made "a substantial investment" in cyber-warfare and intelligence gathering, saying it had a "very large organisation devoted to it and they're pretty aggressive". "This is just another way in which they glean information about us and collect on us for technology purposes, so it's a very formidable concern," he said. (BBC)
- Continue in prayer that all hidden things would be revealed regarding the nefarious schemes of the Chinese to hack into our cyberspace systems and to cripple our computer networks. Man has his wicked plans, but the heavenly host of our awesome God stands ready to help us, when asked. Cry out to our God, as we repent for our sins, and ask for mercy over the computer networks in the United States. Ask Him to post His heavenly "watchmen" and "gatekeepers" -- His angelic host -- to safeguard all of our equipment in cyberspace.
- "Truly You are God, who hide Yourself, O God of Israel, the Savior! They shall be ashamed And also disgraced, all of them! They shall go in confusion together, Who are makers of idols." (Is. 45 v 15,16)
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 10b
DOMESTIC NEWS
1. NUCLEAR DISASTER IN JAPAN PROMPTS CALLS FOR U.S. REACTOR REVIEW
2. CONTINUING RESOLUTION A CONTINUING PROBLEM
3. GOP UNREST MOUNTS ON NEW CONTINUING RESOLUTION
4. KING-BACHMANN PLEDGE: VOTE "NO" ON ANY CR THAT PERMITS OBAMACARE FUNDING
5. KING HEARING OVER; LIBERTY SURVIVES
6. HOUSE LEADERS REJECT OBAMA'S DOMA DECISION
7. SENATE REJECTS HOUSE BILL DE-FUNDING PLANNED PARENTHOOD
8. WALKER SIGNS LABOR BILL INTO LAW, RESCINDS LAYOFF NOTICES
9. SENATOR DEMINT: FIGHTING FORCED UNIONISM
10. OBAMA TAPS LOCKE FOR CHINA AMBASSADOR
1. NUCLEAR DISASTER IN JAPAN PROMPTS CALLS FOR U.S. REACTOR REVIEW
Rep. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.), a senior member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, urged the administration to consider imposing a moratorium on siting new nuclear reactors in seismically active areas until safety and emergency response reviews have been completed. He is also calling for a safety review of 31 reactors in the U.S. that are of the same design as those in Fukushima. Apart from natural catastrophes, he wrote in a letter to Obama on Sunday, "a nuclear disaster could also come from terrorists: al-Qaeda considered crashing a plane into a nuclear reactor during the 9/11 attacks and a man was arrested on February 24, 2011 for planning to target reactors. The seriousness of this threat is beyond question."
Energy and Commerce Committee chairman Rep. Fred Upton (R-Mich.), said the committee would carefully assess the situation in Japan. "The details of this tragedy are still unfolding," he said in a statement. "The head of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission is scheduled to testify before the Energy and Commerce Committee next week [on March 16], and we will use that opportunity to explore what is known in the early aftermath of the damage to Japanese nuclear facilities, as well as to reiterate our unwavering commitment to the safety of U.S. nuclear sites." (CNSNews.com) Read more.
- After the disaster in Japan, it is certainly wise to revisit the status of our reactors here in the continental United States. Pray that this committee will onvene quickly, and that only true data (not "skewed" data) would be presented regarding the safety of our own reactors. The time to act on this is now.
- "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (Psalm 32:8)
2. CONTINUING RESOLUTION A CONTINUING PROBLEM
March 18th may fall after St. Patrick's Day, but Congress may still have green on its mind. Sixty-one billion dollars of it. That's the amount House leadership wants to cut from the budget by next Friday when the clock runs out on their second short-term budget. By the looks of things, however, the only thing that could get cut by March 18 is another two-week deal. After the Senate vote on H.R. 1, it's obvious that leaders are no closer to ironing out their differences than they were in February.
Barring some miracle, Congress will have to draw up another temporary measure to keep the wheels of Washington turning. It's time to include the pro-life language. That means reinserting two key provisions in the next budget band-aid: defunding Planned Parenthood and the ban on taxpayer-funded abortions in D.C. Every day we wait is another million dollars in Planned Parenthood's pocket.
While Planned Parenthood's President is hobnobbing at the White House, her organization is breaking abortion records. But as proud as Cecile Richards is of her operation, I doubt she bragged to anyone at the International Women's Day party that her clinics just reached a grisly milestone: five million abortions in 40 years. According to the American Life League, which collected all of the reports, the exact figure is somewhere around 5,320,095. There's no uniform reporting requirement, so that number may be low. (FRC, CHPP)
- Father, as we spend from recess to Congressional recess, we ask for increasing boldness of our leaders. May this be a teaching opportunity for our country to show where our government spends our money. May we no longer spend a million dollars a day funding an organization that is part of an industry ending the lives of a million of our precious little ones each year. Force the hand of the White House and show their priorities for what they are. Break our hearts and break the hearts of our nation's top leaders for those lives at the very bottom of their priority list.
- "I will praise You, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made; Marvelous are Your works, And that my soul knows very well." (Psalm 139:14)
3. GOP UNREST MOUNTS ON NEW CONTINUING RESOLUTION
House Appropriations Committee Chairman Hal Rogers, R-Ky., released a proposed three week Continuing Resolution early Friday afternoon. This bill would slash $6 billion and would keep the government operating past March 19 - the end of the current Continuing Resolution -- and into early April. The cuts will include unused census money, earmarks, and terminations of programs to which the White House previously agreed. There will also be a cut to the Corporation for Public Broadcasting. When asked about concerns from freshmen who say they won't vote for another CR and want a fight now, Rogers says "We're listening to everyone and trying to understand their concerns."
- Father, we thank You for even incremental progress in fixing our spending problem as we inch closer to a final spending plan for fiscal year 2011. We pray for increasing boldness of our leaders to genuinely fix our fiscal problems. May our leaders not see this as a matter of meeting half-way between party spending plans, but meeting at least half way between where we are now and where we need to be to fix our problem. Teach us how to not be a debtor society, but one that owes no one anything but our love.
- "Herds of camels will cover your land, young camels of Midian and Ephah. And all from Sheba will come, bearing gold and incense and proclaiming the praise of the LORD." (Isaiah 60:6)
4. KING-BACHMANN PLEDGE: VOTE "NO" ON ANY CR THAT PERMITS OBAMACARE FUNDING
Representatives Steve King (R.-Iowa) and Michele Bachmann (R.-Minn.), two of the leading congressional proponents of the Tea Party movement, have taken a pledge and are asking all other House members to join them in it. Its terms are simple: The member vows to vote "no" on any continuing resolution that permits any funding for the implementation of Obamacare.
King and Bachmann sent a letter on Thursday to House Speaker John Boehner (R.-Ohio), Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) and House Appropriations Chairman Hal Rogers (R.-Ky.) asking them to include language completely defunding Obamacare in any new continuing resolution (CR).
On Friday, the House Republican leadership introduced a new short-term CR that does not include the language King and Bachmann are seeking. In fact, the Republican leadership's CR would not defund any part of Obamacare. (This new CR would take effect when the current CR expires on March 18 and would keep the government funded for only an additional three weeks beyond that date.) King and Bachmann are asking Boehner and Cantor to insert language in any new CR to do exactly that. (CNSNews.com)
- Father, we thank You for this bold initiative brought forth by Congressmen King and Bachmann. We ask that You would cause this pledge to find favor in the sight of many other members of Congress, and that the leadership would hear their heartcry on the next CR that comes forth. Thank You, Abba, for hearing our prayer. in Jesus Name, amen.
- "For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and His ears attend to their prayer." (I Peter 3:12)
5. KING HEARING OVER; LIBERTY SURVIVES
The first of Rep. Peter King's (R-NY) hearings in the House Homeland Security Committee on radicalization within the American Moslem community is over. Liberty is still flourishing. There were no reports of the cult Moslems being dragged from their homes or mosques by angry mobs incited to violence. There is no effort to restrict immigration from cult Moslem countries. No internment camps are being constructed. The Washington Post's Ruth Marcus defended the hearing citing "the unavoidable fact is that, however much violent terror reflects a distortion of the tenets of Islam, it is not only practiced by adherents of the religion but practiced in its name."
Rep. Frank Wolf (R-VA) used part of his time during yesterday's hearings to warn about the radicalization of young Moslems that is taking place in his northern Virginia district. Rep. Wolf recounted six examples, including: Ahmed Omar Abu Ali, the 1999 valedictorian of the Islamic Saudi Academy, now serving a life sentence for plotting the assassination of President George W. Bush; the arrest in Pakistan of five Moslem American teenagers from Fairfax County, Virginia, who attempted to join jihadist groups; and Zachary Chesser, a graduate of Oakton High School, who was arrested last year for trying to join a Somali-based jihadi group.
What happened to these young Moslem men? Melvin Bledsoe testified at yesterday's hearings about the radicalization of his son Carlos, who converted to Islam, traveled to Yemen and then murdered a U.S. military recruiter in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 2009. Mr. Bledsoe warned the committee, "This is a big elephant in the room and our society continues not to see it. Our children are in danger. Our country must stand up and do something about the problem. Tomorrow it could be your son, your daughter."
The hearing offered an opportunity for moderate Muslims to speak up. Abdirizak Bihi of Minnesota recounted for the committee how his family was pressured by mosque leaders and others in the Somali Muslim community after he went to the FBI with concerns that his nephew and other young men had left the country to join jihadist groups. Dr. Zuhdi Jasser, a former Navy lieutenant commander, told the committee, "This needs to be a serious assessment of the threat posed to our national security. The course of Muslim radicalization in the United States over the past two years makes it exceedingly difficult for anyone to assert with a straight face that in America we Muslims do not have a radicalization problem." Dr. Jasser went on to call for American Muslims who love liberty to wage an "an ideological counter-jihad" against political Islam and the forces of separatism and radicalization. (Gary Bauer, CHPP)
- Father, may we hear voices of truth like these more often. May more voices like these be heard from the White House and on the evening news across our land. We have a radicalization problem, and we need Your help. May we become fervent in spirit for Your word and Your truth. May it shine forth brightly, and may darkness not overtake our land. Father, we pray for our children that they may be firmly grounded in Your word and Your doctrine. May we live in Jesus' name.
- "He who has ears to hear, let him hear!" (Matthew 11:15)
6. HOUSE LEADERS REJECT OBAMA'S DOMA DECISION
REP. HARTZLER INTRODUCES LEGISLATION
Without a doubt, the American people are not going to allow the radical Obama administration to overturn the Defense of Marriage Act, which was passed with an incredibly high majority in Congress -- about 85% in 1996 -- and which was signed into law by a liberal president, Bill Clinton. A very courageous Republican Congresswoman from Missouri, Vicki Hartzler -- one of the gigantic Republican freshmen class of 87 members -- has introduced legislation demanding that President Obama respect the law and enforce the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA) which he said he was not going to do. (Christian Coalition of America) Read more. Further, the House has taken up its own defense of the Defense of Marriage Act. These cases are coming to a head this week culminating in deadlines on Friday, March 18. This week is especially important for marriage in America, so please keep these in earnest, fervent prayer.
- Father, we thank You for Your love. We thank You that You have allowed us to love one another and given us the bond of marriage in which husbands and wives can love each other as Christ has loved us, his Church. We pray especially this week for marriage, this sacred institution in America, this week. Work Your mighty Hand into the dealings that many will never see behind closed doors, and let all the earth know that You are your God. We also pray for many marriages in this country that need healing so they can better be that example and light for others. Heal our land, Lord!
- "Husbands, love your wives, just as Christ also loved the church and gave Himself for her." (Ephesians 5:25)
7. SENATE REJECTS HOUSE BILL DE-FUNDING PLANNED PARENTHOOD
The Senate rejected, on a 44-56 vote, the House-approved long-term budget bill that contains the Pence Amendment de-funding the Planned Parenthood abortion business. Lawmakers needed 60 votes to pass the bill under the rules of the Senate and did not come close to the number needed to do so.
The senate voted on H.R. 1, the long-term Continuing Resolution the House approved in February that contains the Pence Amendment and pro-life riders that reinstates the Mexico City Policy, stops abortion funding in the District of Columbia, and de-funds the pro-abortion UNFPA, which works hand-in-hand with Chinese population control officials who use forced abortions to enforce the one-child policy. . . (Christian Coalition of America)
- Father, we thank You for the great work of the House before President's Day. May that be the beginning of the pruning of our United States budget for Your honor and glory. Seal that work and make it effective in this nation. Lord, we would love to celebrate the end of Planned Parenthood federal funding by Easter. Please move and make it so. Annul our covenant with death!
- "It was Mary Magdalene, Joanna, Mary the mother of James, and the other women with them, who told these things to the apostles." (Luke 24:10)
8. WALKER SIGNS LABOR BILL INTO LAW, RESCINDS LAYOFF NOTICES
Wisconsin Gov. Scott Walker signed a controversial labor bill Friday that severely limits the collective bargaining powers for the vast majority of the state's public employees, quietly capping weeks of contentious debate and delivering an epic defeat to the labor movement with a private bill signing. Walker told unions last week that he would have to lay off 1,500 workers if the bill didn't pass. He rescinded those layoff notices Friday.
The proposal has touched off a national debate over labor rights for public employees, and its implementation is a key victory for Republicans who have targeted unions in nationwide efforts to slash government spending. But labor leaders said they plan to use the setback to fire up their members nationwide and mount a major counterattack against Republicans at the ballot box in 2012.
The bill forces state workers to pay more for their pensions and health care benefits, which is estimated to save Wisconsin $30 million to help pay down a $137 million budget shortfall projected by July 1. The higher payments for state workers will take effect over the coming weeks. "This is ultimately about a commitment to the future, so our children don't face even more dire consequences than what we face today," Walker said at a news conference in the West Allis community of Milwaukee on Thursday. (Fox News)
- Praise the Lord for this victory over irresponsible spending! Selfishness has had to take a backseat. Thank the Lord for the courage that Gov. Walker has shown in the face of threats, even to his life for his stand for the economic health of the State of Wisconsin. While you may not agree completely with Gov. Walker, he is a Joshua, and it is the Joshua generation that, with the Lord's help, can bring about health to the nation as a whole. Ask the Lord to bless Governor Walker's efforts so that any intimidation in the 2012 political campaigns will fail.
- "As for me, You uphold me in my integrity, and set me before Your face forever." (Ps. 41:12)
9. SENATOR DEMINT: FIGHTING FORCED UNIONISM
As the battle between Big Labor and Governor Scott Walker rages on in Wisconsin, Senator Jim DeMint (R-SC) is sponsoring the National Right to Work Act to protect American workers from forced unionism. DeMint's bill would guarantee that no worker would be required to join a union in order to get or keep a job. Seven Senate conservatives have signed on as co-sponsors of DeMint's bill: Coburn (R-OK), Hatch (R-UT), Lee (R-UT), Paul (R-KY), Risch (R-ID), Toomey (R-PA) and Vitter (R-LA).
Contrary to what Obama and other left-wing politicians will claim, the bill is not an "assault on unions," but a serious effort to protect American workers. As Sen. DeMint noted in a press release, "One recent study found that . . . from 1977 to 2007 right to work states experienced a 23 percent faster rise in per capita income than states with forced unionization."
DeMint pointed to Michigan as an example, saying, "Forced-unionism helped lead to GM and Chrysler's near bankruptcy and their requests for government bailouts . . . When American businesses suffer because of these anti-worker laws, jobs and investment are driven overseas." (Gary Bauer)
- Father, work is indeed a right, and not a privilege. We know that we have a right to do anything You have commanded and given us to do. We ask You to establish that principle with respect to work in our law.
- "Then the Lord God took the man and put him in the garden of Eden to tend and keep it." (Genesis 2:15)
10. OBAMA TAPS LOCKE FOR CHINA AMBASSADOR
Calling America's relationship with fast-growing China "one of the most critical of the 21st century," Obama announced Commerce Secretary Gary Locke as his pick for ambassador to the country. If confirmed by the Senate, Locke would replace outgoing Ambassador Jon Huntsman.
The Yale-educated Locke was a two-term governor of Washington and the first Chinese-American to serve as commerce secretary. Prior to his appointment, Locke helped U.S. firms break into international markets and co-chaired the China practice at his Seattle law firm. He also lead 10 trade missions to Asia, Mexico and Europe and helped more than double Washington state's exports to China, according to the biography on the commerce department web site. "As commerce secretary, I've helped open up foreign markets for American business so they can create more jobs right here in America," he said. "I'm eager to continue that work in China and to help you, Mr. President, manage one of America's most critical and complex diplomatic, economic and strategic relationships." Huntsman plans to leave his post on April 30.
Locke's departure from the Commerce Department leaves an opening on the president's Cabinet and begins a guessing game about whether Obama will use this opportunity to fill the post with someone from the administration or someone from the business community who could serve as another messenger on the economy and help burnish a pro-business image for a White House that has had a sometimes rocky relationship with corporate America. (NBC News)
- Father, we thank You for men equipped to meet challenges that lie before us today. May the former Commerce Secretary not just see his role as representing American business interests, but all of American interests including the human rights interests of China's own people. We pray for the transition coming over the next month, and also for wisdom in the selection of a replacement for Commerce Secretary as well.
- "You were bought with a price, do not become slaves of men." (1 Corinthians 7:23)
Three Bills We Are Watching
1. H.R. 4: PROTECTING SMALL BUSINESSES
2. H.R. 931: OPPOSING GOVERNMENT INTRUSION
3. H.R. 787: PREVENTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM RECEIVING SSN BENEFITS
1. H.R. 4: PROTECTING SMALL BUSINESSES
Congressman Forbes cosponsored and voted to support the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011 (H.R.4). This bill repeals the burdensome 1099 tax reporting provisions included in the new health care law. Two additional provisions from H.R. 705, originally introduced by Ways and Means Committee Chairman Dave Camp, were added to the legislation. They are: 1) a repeal of additional 1099 reporting requirements that Democrats placed on owners of certain rental properties last year; and 2) a taxpayer protection provision that reduces waste, fraud and abuse in the health care law by forcing greater repayment of improper taxpayer-funded subsidies. H.R. 4 will reduce the deficit by $166 million over the first ten years. This bill passed by a vote of 314 - 112. (Office of Congressman Randy Forbes)
- Father, we simply pray for passage of this bill directly in the Senate. This should not be a heavy lift, and should not need the full version of the legislative process. Send this bill on to the President and make it law. May our law provide justice for health care providers and those who need them.
- "To you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves." (Malachi 4:2)
2. H.R. 931: OPPOSING GOVERNMENT INTRUSION
Every year, the U.S. Census Bureau randomly selects three million Americans to fill out the American Community Survey (ACS), which generates data that help determine how more than $400 billion in federal and state funds are distributed each year. However, many Americans find these questions intrusive and do not wish to answer them. As a result, Congressman Forbes cosponsored the Stop Orwellian Government Act, H.R.931. This bill would make participation in the American Community Survey voluntary by disallowing any criminal penalty for not filling it out. (Office of Congressman Randy Forbes)
- Father, we thank you for leadership that recognizes where limits should be on that leadership. We know that government is inherently coercive in its requirements, and we ask that our government would respect rights of conscience in its citizens for information. We also ask that the government would have the wisdom to find the information it needs to find, and make decisions about what it needs to spend and where it needs to spend it.
- "Joseph went out over all the land of Egypt." (Genesis 41:45)
3. . H.R. 787: PREVENTING ILLEGAL IMMIGRANTS FROM RECEIVING SSN BENEFITS
Current law forbids an individual from receiving Social Security payments if they are here illegally, but their entire work history-even work done as an illegal alien-can count toward Social Security benefits if the individual later becomes a legal resident. Congressman Forbes cosponsored the No Social Security for Illegal Immigrants Act (H.R.787), which aims to correct that problem by forbidding work done as an illegal immigrant from being counted toward future benefits. (Office of Congressman Randy Forbes)
- Pray for wisdom in the passage of this bill.
- "If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to you." (James 1:5)
More News from the Hill
For more detailed and current information on what Congress has done and is doing in the House and Senate, please visit Deeper Inside the Mountain.
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
MOST HIGH (El-yon)
"I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. I will be glad and rejoice in you; I will sing the praises of your name, O Most High. " (Psalm 9:1,2)
O Most High -- El-yon -- Your Omnipotence! You are all-powerful. You are higher than all others in heaven and on earth. Thank You, Lord, for going to battle for me. You turn back my enemies. I shall not trust in my abilities; I trust in You, O MOST HIGH!
(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)
