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On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 28a
September 19 - 23, 2011
DOMESTIC ISSUES
"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD." (Proverbs 21:31)
1. NETANYAHU TO MEET WITH OBAMA AT U.N.
2. THE PRESIDENT AT GROUND ZERO
3. TEN YEARS LATER: DEBATE CONTINUES OVER CIVIL LIBERTIES EROSION
4. CYBERSECURITY IS FOCUS OF MANY NEW BILLS
5. CONGRESSMEN CALL FOR DELAY IN GAYS-IN-THE-MILITARY LAW
6. HOUSE REPUBLICANS PLACE RENEWED FOCUS ON THE CONSTITUTION
7. HOUSE COMMITTEE INVESTIGATES SOLYNDRA
8. WATCHDOG: DHS DEALS WITH ONLY A FRACTION OF VISA OVERSTAYS
9. LAWMAKER CRITICIZES SAUDI BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL
10. SENATE PANEL PROHIBITS IRAN LOANS
11. U.S. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM COULD SHUT DOWN
12. NASA: HUGE DEFUNCT SATELLITE FALLING TO EARTH FASTER THAN EXPECTED
13. PROTESTERS BLOCKED IN BID TO "OCCUPY" WALL STREET
1. NETANYAHU TO MEET WITH OBAMA
Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told the Cabinet Sunday he will meet with Obama this week and added that the Palestinian Authority will fail to win full recognition from the United Nations. He said the meeting with the president will take place after he addresses the United Nations General Assembly.
Obama's promise to veto any United Nations Security Council motion to recommend full membership status of the Palestinian Authority has reearned him some lost Jewish support, according to recent polls. A high-profile meeting with the Prime Minister, in an atmosphere different from previous tense meetings, might help President Obama bounce back a bit from record-breaking lows in popularity, although the economic situation in the United States is voters' main worry.
"The UN is not a place where Israel wins praise, but I think that it is important that I go there in order to represent both the State of Israel and the truth - and the truth is that Israel wants peace and the truth is that the Palestinians are doing everything to torpedo direct peace negotiations," the Prime Minister said. (Israel National News)
Read more.
- Pray that America stands strong and stands beside Israel as 'Ruth', and puts its entire weight behind stopping this bid completely . . . without CONDITION, but remaining close friends and allies and standing in covenant relationship one with another. Pray that there is extreme love and friendship that comes by His Spirit upon America and all of her leaders when they consider Israel, including the sitting president and secretary of state, and Congress and more.
- "But Ruth said, "Do not urge me to leave you, or to go back from following after you. For wherever you go, I go; and wherever you stop over, I stop over. Your people is my people, and your Elohim is my Elohim." (Ruth 1:16)
- Pray for P.M. Netanyahu to 'Be strong! Be strong!' Pray that God will fill him with His strength and courage to continue to stand, and when he has done all to stand, STAND. Praying for him right now is vital, pivotal, important beyond important. He must not compromise, but stand strong. He said when he was running for Prime Minister, that 'he had learned his lesson' from giving away Hebron. May God remind him of this statement and fill him with strength to stand strong and be courageous under fire. It is important to continue to declare over him, 'Be strong Mr. Prime Minister! Be strong!' That by His Ruach HaKodesh, He will galvanize him in His strength. That He will set a guard over his heart and his mouth. No giving away an inch of Eretz Yisrael, only to find more rockets and then MISSILES falling in Israel.
- "Be strong and courageous, do not fear nor be afraid of them. For it is YHWH your Elohim who is going with you. He does not fail you nor forsake you." (Deut. 31:6)
[Prayers submitted by Constance Fischer]
2. THE PRESIDENT AT GROUND ZERO
No clergy were allowed at the official Ground Zero memorial service on September 11th, but Obama read a part of the 46th Psalm, the same Psalm he referred to in Arizona after the shooting of Congresswoman Giffords. The same secularist news media who attacked Gov. Rick Perry for appearing at a public prayer meeting in Texas had not a critical word for Obama's Bible reading in public. But then, maybe they had the inside word that it was an election year gimmick. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
- Abba Father, You know what dwells within our hearts. You know when people speak forth to please the world and its interests, and when people speak forth through the empowerment of your Holy Spirit. Those speakers who are without Your Ruach HaKodesh evoke no rebuke from the world as there is no power. Speakers with the indwelling Ruach HaKodesh make the world tremble in fear so they must rebuke and mock. For this empowerment we praise and exalt Your Holy Name, in the name of Jesus our Lord and Savior, Amen and Amen!!
- And He said to them, 'You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.' (Luke 16:15)
3. TEN YEARS LATER: DEBATE CONTINUES OVER CIVIL LIBERTIES EROSION
Terrorism on American soil prompted the Congress to grant federal authorities broad new powers to intercept cellphone calls, read emails and comb through business records of people suspected of threatening national security.
Almost 10 years after Congress hurriedly passed the USA PATRIOTAct, debate quietly persists over the government's use of the law and whether the erosion of civil liberties and privacy has been worth the price of security. "People seem to be willing to give up their civil liberties if they somehow think they will be protected from terrorism," said Leland Ware, a law and public policy professor at the University of Delaware.
In May, Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del) voted against a four-year extension of key provisions of the Patriot Act that authorize use of roving wiretaps, searches of business and library records and surveillance of so-called "lone wolf" individuals not associated with known terrorist groups. Congress passed the extension without modifying the original law, and President Barack Obama again signed it into law. (DelawareOnline; Reported by FedSmith) Read more.
- We continue to lift up a chorus of praise that, for the past ten years, there has not been another event on American soil like 9/11. Having said that, we remain on heightened alert today, as we continue to live as His witnesses in these perilous times. Pray for wisdom for those in authority at the federal, state, and local levels as they continue to wrestle to find the balance between protecting our civil liberties versus endangering them.
- "This is what the LORD says--your Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel: "I am the LORD your God, who teaches you what is best for you, who directs you in the way you should go." (Isaiah 48:17)
4. CYBERSECURITY IS FOCUS OF MANY NEW BILLS
House lawmakers have returned from the August recess resolved to fight the nation's cyber adversaries with a flurry of new legislative proposals aiming to boost security of public and private networks and infrastructure. Key House members are readying a series of bills that address a variety of issues; . . . By contrast, the Senate is continuing to pursue a comprehensive cybersecurity bill with several committees working to hammer out one piece of legislation.
The House Cybersecurity Task Force, led by Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Texas), plans to continue compiling recommendations for GOP leadership on cyber issues and legislation. The task force is crafting a report that it aims to finish at end of the month and will meet with House Speaker John Boehner to discuss the recommendations, Thornberry said.
This spring, the Obama administration delivered a set of widely anticipated legislative proposals to Congress that aimed to boost the security of the federal government's networks and computer systems, as well as the infrastructure the nation depends on to function, such as water facilities and transportation systems. One of the top proposals in the White House plan called for formalizing DHS's role in managing security of the federal government's systems and critical infrastructure. It also recommended for the agency to work closely with the private sector to facilitate information sharing about cyberthreats and develop a framework of security standards tailored to each industry. (POLITICO) Read more.
- Again, pray that the legislators involved in this process be granted "wisdom from above" as they work through the many thorny issues related to cybersecurity. Pray that each one be granted discernment to know the true from the false when identifying the real terrorists and hackers that threaten our cybernetworks.
- "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)
5. CONGRESSMEN CALL FOR DELAY IN GAYS-IN-THE-MILITARY LAW
Pentagon's "Don't Ask, We Won't Tell" Implementation Plan Does Not Work
In a September 12 letter to Defense Secretary Leon Panetta, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Howard "Buck" McKeon (R-CA) and Personnel Subcommittee Chairman Joe Wilson (R-SC) called for delay in the implementation of repeal of the 1993 law regarding gays in the military, mislabeled "Don't Ask, Don't Tell." Implementation of the repeal was planned for Tuesday, September 20, but the repeal legislation requires written regulations (not PowerPoint slides), which the Defense Department has not provided to Congress. (The Center for Military Readiness )
- The deadline for implementation of this new law is tomorrow. Pray for a miracle of divine intervention, that the implementation of the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" is stopped in its tracks. Trust God!
- "Ah Lord GOD! behold, thou hast made the heaven and the earth by thy great power and stretched out arm, and there is nothing too hard for thee . . ." (Jer. 32:17):
6. HOUSE REPUBLICANS PLACE RENEWED FOCUS ON THE CONSTITUTION
The United States Constitution was signed at the Constitional Convention in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 224 years ago tomorrow on September 17, 1787. Christian Coalition of America has, during the month of September, been urging Americans to celebrate Constitution Day in homes and other locations all across America tomorrow.
In honor of Constitution Day being celebrated all over America tomorrow, the nearly 180-member Republican Study Committee (RSC) in the United States House of Representatives looked back at how House Republicans have placed a renewed focus on the United States Constitution this year.
For example, at the beginning of the 112th Congress -- controlled by the Republican Party after the huge Tea Party victory in last November's elections -- the Constitution was read aloud on the House floor [1] for the first time in history.
Note the rest of RSC Chairman Jim Jordan's (R-OH) press release directly below. (Christian Coalition of America; Friday, Sept. 16, 2011) Read more.
- Father, we declare a victory for You and for The United States of America, as the rule of law is once again being brought out into the light and established so that "sketchy" legislation will not even be allowed to hit the floor of our House, the people's House. We implore Your continued enlightenment and direction going forward, that we never again slip back into vague or questionable interpretations of The Constitution; an amazing document and blessing from You in order to form a more perfect union, establish justice, insure domestic tranquility, provide for the common defense, and promote the general welfare of our country.
- "Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who executes righteousness and justice for all who are oppressed." (Psalm 103:2, 6)
7. HOUSE COMMITTEE INVESTIGATES SOLYNDRA
CLASS Act Also Under Review
WASHINGTON, DC - The House Energy and Commerce Committee this week continued its oversight of the Department of Energy's Loan Guarantee program, specifically looking at the $535 million in taxpayer dollars loaned to now-bankrupt Solyndra. The Oversight and Investigations Subcommittee held a hearing to press for answers from Obama administration officials about the loan; despite repeated questions from members, the OMB and DOE officials failed to fully explain what went wrong and why taxpayers may be on the hook.
Chairman Fred Upton, along with and a bicameral group of lawmakers, released an investigative report detailing the insolvency of a massive new entitlement program, called the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports (CLASS) Act, included in the new health care law. Newly released emails reveal that administration officials viewed the program as a "recipe for disaster," yet it was signed into law and used to pay for other new spending in the law. (Press Release: House Energy and Commerce Committee)
- Offer a chorus of praise that this committee is doing its job, providing oversight of the executive branch, as charged. Intercede that all the findings of this committee be honored, and that appropriate actions be taken to immediately correct any fraud related to Soylandra or the CLASS program.
- "I will make justice the measuring line and righteousness the plumb line; hail will sweep away your refuge, the lie, and water will overflow your hiding place. " (Isaiah 28:17)
8. WATCHDOG: DHS DEALS WITH ONLY A FRACTION OF VISA OVERSTAYS
The Department of Homeland Security has made only a small dent in dealing with the millions of immigrants who have illegally overstayed their visas, despite the fact that several Sept. 11 hijackers were able to remain in the country by doing just that. The finding was one of many outlined in a new report this week by the Government Accountability Office measuring progress at the department created in the wake of the 2001 terror attacks.
A separate report on immigration policy since the Sept. 11 attacks also cited a series of alleged gaps that could harm security. Like GAO's analysis, the report from FAIR noted the country lacks a comprehensive system for monitoring who is leaving the country. "This means that DHS and the FBI are deprived of information on who continues to stay on in the United States when no longer authorized to do so. They do not know how many such persons there may be," the report said.
The report also criticized the administration for "selective immigration law enforcement." Under a policy outlined by immigration officials this year, the Obama administration is prioritizing the deportation of illegal immigrant criminals and others who pose a threat while urging agents to exempt certain classes of illegal immigrants.
However, Deputy Homeland Security Secretary Jane Holl Lute highlighted that policy Wednesday as a step forward. "Our immigration laws, while in need of reform, are being enforced according to common sense priorities that we have set, which are to identify and remove criminals and those who are a threat to the American people," she said. (Fox News) Read more.
- Pray that all loopholes in our visa system be identified quickly, so that those whose time is up here will be sent home. The fact that the 9/11 hijackers took advantage of this weakness in our immigration system should cause us to make this issue a matter of high priority in prayer. Thank you.
- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
9. LAWMAKER CRITICIZES SAUDI BOYCOTT OF ISRAEL
Rep. Joseph Crowley (D-NY) strongly criticized Saudi Arabia and the Arab League's ongoing boycott of Israel, The Jerusalem Post reported on September 15. "My opposition to the boycott is unyielding, and I strongly believe that Saudi Arabia and the entire Arab League must end this practice immediately," he said. Crowley's statement comes in the wake of a report issued by the Treasury Department that lists "countries requiring cooperation with an international boycott," which include Saudi Arabia. In 2005, Saudi Arabia agreed that it would rescind the boycott in exchange for U.S. support for its bid for membership in the World Trade Organization. Crowley added that Saudi Arabia's behavior raises questions about continuing U.S. arms sales to the country. "I have serious questions about any future sale of arms to Saudi Arabia as long as this practice continues, and I'm going to raise those questions," he said. (AIPAC)
- Thank the Lord that we do have members in Congress who will speak out boldly on behalf of Israel. Pray for protection for Congressman Crowley from any form of backlash, and call forth the blessing due to him now. Amen.
We come before you in distress over the treatment of Israel by the Saudi government. We ask You to intervene to change this situation to one favorable to Israel by our government and the Saudis. Father, we, as Your People, bless Israel as a nation and we bless Jerusalem and pray for its peace as You instructed us in Your Word.
- "And it will come to pass in that day, that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem." (Zachariah 12:10)
10. SENATE PANEL PROHIBITS IRAN LOANS
The Senate Banking Committee on September 8 passed an amendment to the U.S. Export Import Bank Reauthorization Bill by voice vote that would prohibit the Export Import Bank from providing loans or guarantees to companies doing certain prohibited business in Iran. "As long as Iran continues on her march toward nuclear weapons, we will continue to expand and enhance our efforts to stall and thwart her achievement," said Sen. Robert Menendez, who offered the legislation with Sen. Mark Kirk (R-IL). Kirk echoed his statement. "This amendment ensures that taxpayer dollars will not help the Iranian government avoid sanctions for building nuclear weapons," said Kirk. A similar amendment is included in the House version of the legislation now being considered. (AIPAC)
- Thank you, Lord, for the Senators in this committee standing against the nuclear threat of an avowed enemy of Israel and the US. Lord, we pray that all transactions with this country that will hasten their ability to make nuclear weapons will be brought out into the open and stopped immediately. Thank you, Lord, for watching over Israel and over the US.
- "Give heed to me, O Lord, and hearken to the voice of them that contend with me." (Jeremiah 18:19)
11. U.S. COMMISSION ON INTERNATIONAL RELIGIOUS FREEDOM COULD SHUT DOWN
Ten years ago the Religious Freedom Coalition worked to pass H.R. 1856, the International Religious Freedom Act which created the United States Commission on Religious Freedom (USCIRF). The bill had a ten year sunset, which means the commission's time will expire unless there is a reauthorization. Congressman Frank Wolf, along with Foreign Affairs Chairman Ros-Lehtinen and Ranking Member Berman, introduced a bill focusing solely on the reauthorization and reform of USCIRF. The bill passed this week, but now faces a Senate vote. Please ask your Senators to extend the life of the commission. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
- Oh Abba Father, we come and fall before You to seek Your help in having this bill pass the Senate and become law. We acknowledge and repent before You for the failure of Your remnant bride for allowing our religious freedoms to be steadily taken away due to our negligence. We ask You to intervene with Your angels and Your nudgings of various senators' inner being so that they will rise up and support the extension of this commission for religious freedom, in Jesus' Holy Name, Amen and Amen.
- "Why are you cast down , O my soul? And why are you disquieted within me? Hope in God; For I shall yet praise Him, the help of my countenance and my God." (Psalm 43:5)
12. NASA: HUGE DEFUNCT SATELLITE FALLING TO EARTH FASTER THAN EXPECTED
NASA space junk experts have refined the forecast for the anticipated death plunge of a giant satellite, with the U.S. space agency now predicting the 6 1/2-ton climate probe will plummet to Earth around Sept. 23, a day earlier than previously reported.
The defunct bus-size spacecraft is NASA's Upper Atmospheric Research Satellite (UARS), which launched in 1991 and was shut down in 2005 after completing its mission. The satellite was expected to fall to Earth sometime this year, with experts initially pegging a weeks-long window between late September and early October, then narrowing it to the last week of this month.
That window, NASA now says, has been trimmed to just three days.
"Re-entry is expected Sept. 23, plus or minus a day. The re-entry of UARS is advancing because of a sharp increase in solar activity since the beginning of this week," NASA officials wrote in a status update today (Sept. 16). The projection is a day earlier than a previous forecast released by NASA yesterday. (Space.com.; NASA) Read more
- Perhaps this is another coincidence, but we do find it interesting to note that this piece of space debris is now hurtling towards the earth, two months ahead of schedule, with impact scheduled for the exact same date that the Palestinians are going to demand a vote at the U.N. Security Council, establishing their state and dividing the land of Israel. Is the LORD now speaking from heaven?
Fast, pray and intercede that the U.S. will hold to its promised veto, should that vote occur, and that God will continue to show His mercy to our people. We are now out of time . . .
- "I will gather all nations and bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat. There I will enter into judgment against them concerning my inheritance, my people Israel, for they scattered my people among the nations and divided up my land." (Joel 3:2)13. PROTESTERS BLOCKED IN BID TO "OCCUPY" WALL STREET
NEW YORK - Hundreds of people marched near Wall Street in New York in a failed attempt to occupy the heart of global finance to protest greed, corruption and budget cuts. Plans by protesters to turn Lower Manhattan into an "American Tahrir Square" was thwarted when police on Saturday blocked all the streets near the New York Stock Exchange and Federal Hall in Lower Manhattan.
The demonstrators had planned to stake out Wall Street until their anger over a financial system they say favors the rich and powerful was heard. "The one thing we all have in common is that We Are The 99 Percent that will no longer tolerate the greed and corruption of the one percent," said a statement on the website Occupy Wall Street. By noon, about 700 people, many carrying backpacks and sleeping bags, had gathered near Wall Street to search for a place to camp amid a heavy police presence.
That was far less than the 20,000 people that the online magazine Adbusters, which launched the movement in July, had hoped to see "flood" the neighborhood for a months-long occupation. (AFP) Read more.
- We end this report with still another reason to offer praise unto the Lord for a mighty answer to prayer! The danger of out-of-control rioting in the streets of New York City during the "Day of Rage" was, indeed, true, but prayer, combined with wise planning on the part of the authorities in that city prevented a disaster. Praise the Lord, amen.
- "No longer will violence be heard in your land, nor ruin or destruction within your borders, but you will call your walls Salvation and your gates Praise." (Isaiah 60:18)
Election Upsets in NYC, Nevada
OFF-YEAR ELECTIONS YIELD "STUNNING" UPSETS
Results in New York City and Nevada Send Strong Message of Warning to Obama
1. GOP WIN IN NEW YORK IS "STUNNING REBUKE" TO OBAMA
Tuesday's GOP victory in the heavily Democratic New York City's 9th Congressional District once held by former Rep. Anthony Weiner touched off a political earthquake and offered a "stunning rebuke" to Obama as he gears up for his re-election bid in 2012, political pundits and pollsters say.
Republican businessman Bob Turner stunned the establishment by defeating David Weprin, a New York state assemblyman who was the handpicked choice of the city's Democratic machine, in a special election fight to fill Weiner's seat. The defeat had Democratic stalwarts reeling, as the party holds a 3-to-1 advantage over Republicans in the district's voter registrations. Obama won the district in 2008 handily, beating Sen. John McCain there 55 percent to 44 percent.
Democratic pollster and Fox News commentator Doug Schoen told Newsmax the GOP win in the heart of Democratic liberalism represents a "stunning rebuke" to Obama and his policies. "It will be at the very least a wake-up call that every Democrat is potentially at risk," Schoen tells Newsmax. "And it will be a message to the president that his policies at least for the time being have gotten a resounding rebuke by reliably Democratic voters."
Turner, a former Multimedia Entertainment television executive, drew broad-based support for his candidacy, gaining endorsements from former Mayors Rudy Giuliani and Ed Koch. Koch, one of the city's most popular and influential Democrats, played a pivotal role in the race by embracing Turner. In late July, Koch urged Democratic voters to back Turner to send a message to Obama, as well as the two parties. Koch wrote that the special election should serve as a "a referendum that will allow the voters of this district, the largest Jewish district in the country, to register a protest against the positions of Obama and the Republican leadership on a number of key issues." Koch also has been dismayed with Obama's Mideast policies that demonstrated "open hostility to the State of Israel." (Newsmax) Read more.
2. BAD NEWS FOR OBAMA FROM THE NEW YORK TIMES
Obama got his own bad news on the doorstep at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue. It came . . . on page one of The New York Times no less.
Under a headline that read, "In Poll, Support for Obama Slips Among Base," this is how the story began:
"Obama's support is eroding among elements of his base, and a yearlong effort to recapture the political center has failed to attract independent voters, according to the latest New York Times/CBS News poll, leaving him vulnerable at a moment when pessimism over the country's direction is greater than at any other time since he took office."
It's a safe bet that bad news like that is making a lot of folks in the West Wing shiver.
The poll came out just a few days after the president got a double dose of bad news when Democrats lost two special elections for House seats in New York and Nevada. "Both races turned into a referendum on President Obama, who again proved how unpopular he is," as Karl Rove put it in the Wall Street Journal.
The New York district, Charles Schumer and Andrew Weiner's old district in Queens, has been in Democratic hands since 1923. If a Democrat can lose in that district, a Democrat can lose anywhere. And they know it!
Just one day after those twin losses, a Field Poll came out in California, where the president has always done well, no matter how crummy he had been doing on less friendly places. Not anymore.
"For the first time since Obama became president in January 2009, fewer than half (46 percent) of California voters approve of his performance as president -- a figure that's dropped eight percentage points in three months," as The San Francisco Chronicle put it. (Fox News) Read more.
- Off-year elections are always interesting to study, as they serve as a sort of bellweather for coming events. Until now,Obama has seemed to be somewhat "distant" and "removed" from being in touch with the American people, but this trend may now come to an abrupt end. Pray that the upsets in both New York and in Nevada, as well as the poor polling results in California, would all be used as a true "wake up call" to the man in the Oval Office. May his heart not become bitter, but rather yielded to the work of the Potter's Hands, and teachable in the ways of servant leadership. And in his broken and helpless estate, may Barack Hussein Obama come to know our Lord Jesus Christ as his own Savior, and Lord.
- "God is not mocked, for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap . . " (Gal. 6:7)
"The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
Focus on the U.N.
Two Videos to Watch
1. Understanding UN Bias Against Israel: Invite to Durban 3 Protest, NYC, Sept 21
To understand the reason for the protest against the Durban 3 Conference at the United Nations taking place this week, go here.
2. Israel Palestinian Conflict: The Truth About the Peace Process
Israel's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Danny Ayalon explains the historical facts relating to the Israeli Palestinian conflict. The video explains that the reason there is no successful peace process is because of decades of Palestinian and Arab recalcitrance and the main reason for the conflict is not Israel's presence in the West Bank, but successive Palestinian leaders resistance to Jewish sovereignty.
To view this excellent teaching, go here.
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 28b
Focus on Legislation:
INTRODUCTION
In addition to the bills in Congress that are of major concern (cited in our Domestic Issues section), we also feature other bills of concern in this section.
As you will see below, these bills are generally separated into two groups: those we wish to support in prayer, and those we wish to see defeated.
Our plumbline is always the Word of God: those bills we wish to support in prayer are in alignment with the Word, and the will, of God; those bills to be defeated, are not.
Thank you for continuing to stand with us as we pray for the hearts of our leaders . . . that they might know the mind of Christ and pass legislation, accordingly. Amen!
Bills to Support in Prayer
Please lift up the members of Congress or the Senate who are sponsoring these bills, with the promise of Scripture, below.
"He will be like a tree firmly planted by streams of water, Which yields its fruit in its season And its leaf does not wither; And in whatever he does, he prospers."
(Psalm 1:3)
1. H.R. 2874: Abstinence Education Reallocation Act
Rep. Randy Hultgren has introduced H.R. 2874, the Abstinence Education Reallocation Act, which would eliminate some of the disparity in funding that exists between "comprehensive" sex education (CSE) programs and abstinence education (AE) programs. Currently, the government funds CSE programs over and above AE programs by a margin of 16:1.. Rep. Hultgren's bill would reallocate $110 million into a new abstinence education program that actually educates on the physiological and psychological aspects of sexual conduct, instead of just handing out condoms. As the government examines ways to reduce health spending, promoting abstinence will reduce teen pregnancies and STDs, bringing down the costs associated therein.
2. Patients First Act
Advances in induced pluripotent stem cell treatments have helped to bolster the argument that federal funding for scientific research can go to not only ethical research, but also toward the science that is already showing positive results. That is why Rep. Randy Forbes will reintroduce the Patients First Act, which directs the NIH to prioritize stem cell research that has the greatest potential for near-term clinical benefits by directing both basic and clinical research towards what is currently showing benefits in treating patients.
3. H.R. 2848: Veterans' Religious Freedom Act
This summer, it was revealed that the Director of the Houston National Cemetery was censoring prayers and recitations given at the funerals for fallen service members. Director Arleen Ocasio required the speakers to get their prayers preapproved, and forbade them from using words like "God" and took the Bibles and the cross out of the chapel before completely closing it. Rep. Ted Poe has been active in seeking to protect the right to free speech or practice of religion, and has introduced H.R. 2848, the Veterans' Religious Freedom Act, which makes it clear that the VA does not have the authority to limit our veterans' rights.
4. In Mississippi: The Campaign Coalition to pass the Personhood Amendment
In late May/ early June a broad based group of pro-life leaders and organizations across Mississippi & the country including the AFA, Pro-Life Mississippi, the Christian Action Commission of the Mississippi Baptists, Personhood USA, several leading political figures, and others formed a coalition to help pass Amendment 26 -- the Personhood Amendment. This new group -- called "Yes on 26" -- has taken over the campaign.
We encourage you to do everything you can in your community to help pass the Personhood Amendment. To find out how to get involved with Yes on 26, or to get yard signs, literature, etc from them, please visit the new website here.
5. H.R. 1249: America Invents Act
Today, Obama signed into law the America Invents Act, H.R. 1249 which contains a provision that codifies an existing pro-life policy rider included in the CJS Appropriations bill since FY2004 [See Section 33 of H.R. 1249]. This provision, commonly known as the Weldon amendment, ensures the US Patent and Trade Office (USPTO) does not issues patents that are directed to or encompassing a human organism. This provision reflects a common-sense understanding that no member of the human species is an "invention," or property to be licensed for financial gain.
Note: This bill is now the law of the land. We are most grateful that this key pro-life amendment is still included in the final version. Praise the Lord.
6. H.J.Res.62 : The Repeal Amendment
H.J.Res.62 is a constitutional amendment that authorizes the repeal of any federal law or regulation when the legislatures of two-thirds of the States approve resolutions that describe the federal provision to be repealed. Sponsor: Rep. Rob Bishop (R-UT)
7. H.R.2587: "Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act"
Passes in House; Senate Action Needed Next
American workers and businesses won a huge victory this afternoon in the United States House of Representatives . . . The "Protecting Jobs from Government Interference Act" passed by a margin of 238-186 with overwhelming Republican support and with the support of 8 Democrats.
The legislation was introduced after the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) -- controlled by anti-business left-wingers appointed by the president -- interfered with one of America's greatest exporters, the Boeing company, based in Washington state, preventing Boeing from building more planes in South Carolina, a state with a much better business climate than the union-dominated state of Washington. (Christian Coalition of America) Read more
-- Pray that this bill will also be passed in the Senate and signed into law by the president.
Bills and Actions to Block in Prayer
"The voice of nobles was hushed, And their tongue stuck to the roof of their mouth." (Job 29:10)
Prayer Decrees:
a. Ask our Lord to forgive those who are sponsoring bills with wicked agendas, for they know not what they do.
"Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:24)
[Please remember: we are commanded to forgive, whether we feel like it or not!]
b. Ask our Lord to impact the life of each member, bringing them to repentance unto salvation.
"(The Lord is) not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9)
c. When praying over each bill specifically, ask our Lord to intervene, bringing its progress to an end.
"This far you may come, but no farther, And here your proud waves must stop!"
(Job 38:11)
d. Finish by praising Him that He is in control and that He is working out everything according to His plan.
"And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose." (Romans 8:28)
1. SENATE D.C. SPENDING BILL DOES NOT INCLUDE ABORTION BAN
Advocates for District autonomy and for abortion rights won a partial victory Wednesday when the Senate released a draft D.C. spending bill that does not include a ban on the city using its taxpayer money to fund abortions for low-income women. The 2012 appropriations bill covering the District, as well as the Treasury Department and a host of federal agencies, would prohibit the use of federal money but not the use of city tax funds to pay for abortions and would cut overall federal funding for the city by 6 percent compared with 2011 levels.
The bill was approved by a Senate appropriations subcommittee Wednesday and will be taken up by the full committee Thursday. It could wind up with amendments, on abortion and other D.C. social issues, during full committee markup and whenever it reaches the Senate floor. The House Appropriations panel passed its version of the spending bill in June, including the abortion funding ban and a ban on using federal money (but not local money) to pay for needle-exchange programs. The House bill would cut funds to the city by 10 percent compared with the current level.
The House measure stalled before reaching the chamber floor, however, amid a jurisdictional fight over issues unrelated to the District. It's unclear if the bill will ever reach the House floor on its own, or if it will simply be incorporated into some larger spending agreement later this year.
The abortion ban has been a sore subject in the city since Obama cut a deal with Republicans earlier this year on a 2011 spending resolution that included the prohibition. That sparked outrage among local officials, and Mayor Vincent Gray and several city council members were arrested on Capitol Hill in an act of civil disobedience. (Washington Post) Read more. .
- We oppose the Senate version of this bill, and we pray that, as this bill makes its way through the Senate, the ban on funding for abortions would be included, as has been done in the House. Pray for the life of the unborn in your nation's capital; they have no one to help them but you!
- "This day I call the heavens and the earth as witnesses against you that I have set before you life and death, blessings and curses. Now choose life, so that you and your children may live." (Dt. 30:19)
2. American Jobs Act
When Obama said "there should be nothing controversial" about his jobs bill, I suppose he's right. As far as most Americans are concerned, spending a half-trillion dollars in the midst of a record deficit isn't controversial--it's downright crazy. The White House calls it a jobs bill, but House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) begs to differ. "Over half of the total dollar amount is [another stimulus]. We've been there, done that. The country cannot afford more spending..." As for the President's claim that the plan is full of ideas both sides have supported, that all changed yesterday when leaders read the fine print. "Nothing kills bipartisanship faster than a half-trillion tax hike," said one aide. "To assume that we're naturally for these things because we've been for them does not mean we will be for them if they cause debt, if they [include] tax increases, and if they take money from the free-enterprise sector, which creates jobs," Rep. Pete Sessions (R-Texas) clarified. (Family Research Council) Read more.
In the Judiciary:
"They will sing before the LORD, for he comes, he comes to judge the earth. He will judge the world in righteousness and the peoples in his truth." (Psalm 96:13)
1. Alpha Delta Chi v. Reed -- To Be Heard by Supreme Court
Alliance Defense Fund attorneys will ask the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in on a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit against Christian student organizations at San Diego State University. The lawsuit involves a university policy that allows all non-religious student groups to require that their leaders and voting members agree with the groups' beliefs but denies that same right to religious student groups. (Alliance Defense Fund) Read more.
2. School Board seeks to appeal prayer ruling
Members of the Indian River School Board in Selbyville, Delaware, bowed their heads for a moment of silence at the start of this week's board meeting -- a departure from their typical practice of joining in a board-member-led prayer.
Then they made a unanimous decision to seek U.S. Supreme Court review of the recent Third District Court of Appeals ruling that the district's policy of opening board meetings with a prayer -- often a Christian one -- was unconstitutional.
3. Obama Justice Department Ups the Ante in Religious Freedom Case
The Obama Administration's Department of Justice raised the stakes in a religious employment case that will be heard at the U.S. Supreme Court in the upcoming term. Hosanna-Tabor
Evangelical Lutheran Church and School v. EEOC is a lawsuit in which a church-run school, which believes that all teachers have an impact in the religious upbringing of their students, sought to have the "ministerial exception" applied to employment decisions regarding the school's teachers. The ministerial exception limits government involvement in religious employment decisions. A panel for the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals affirmed the existence of a "ministerial exception," but held that the teacher's leading her students in prayer several times per day and teaching a religion class four times per week was not enough religious activity to warrant the application of the exception. . . The Obama Administration Justice Department has turned this case into a direct attack on the most basic of religious freedoms. (Liberty Institute)Special Attention
Deficit panel senses 'historic' moment
Bipartisan "Supercommittee" Gets to Work
Ignoring calls for their talks to be out in the open, members of the new deficit-cutting supercommittee went behind closed doors Thursday to begin their first bargaining that could reshape federal spending and programs for years to come.
Emerging from the more than hour-long breakfast, the 12 members of the bipartisan panel were mum about their discussions, other than saying they were positive and encouraging. "There was good camaraderie. We sensed it was historic," Senate Finance Committee Chairman Max Baucus (D-Mont.) told POLITICO. "Everybody still wants to work together. It was big moment for us and the country. Failure is not an option."
Minutes later, the panel's co-chairmen, Rep. Jeb Hensarling (R-Texas) and Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), stepped before the cameras and declared that all 12 members were ready to get to work. "I am convinced that everyone knows there is a moment in history that can be seized, a moment in history that must be seized," said Hensarling, chairman of the House Republican Conference. "The American people are watching. They wish to see their government work. And every member today is ready to roll up their sleeves and get about the tough, arduous business of deficit reduction.
"We know it will not be fun. We know it will not be easy. We know it will not be popular with any current political constituency," he added. "But it is critical to our republic and critical to the next generation." (POLITICO) Read more.
- Lord, we come against any spirit of compromise that would go against the wise use of funds taken in by the Federal government and would increase the debt even more with little or no reduction in actual spending. We pray for You to do a miracle in this committee that is only a hybrid of what the Founding Fathers intended. Father, we put the care of this in Your hands.
- "A wise man feareth, and departeth from evil: but the fool rageth, and is confident." (Proverbs 14:16)
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 28c
September 19 - 23, 2011
September 19 - 23, 2011
INTERNATIONAL ISSUES
"The horse is made ready for the day of battle, but victory rests with the LORD." (Proverbs 21:31)
WE ENCOURAGE ALL OF OUR READERS TO PLEASE REVIEW THIS EDITION CAREFULLY, FOR THE HOUR IS URGENT. PRAY FOR THE PEACE OF JERUSALEM. THANK YOU
At the U.N. This Week
By Barry and Linda Battlestein
This week's events that will take place will bring the nations of the world into a direct conflict with the God of the Bible and Israel.
1. The U.N. Conference on Racism
First, is the Durban 3 Conference to be held at the United Nations entitled, "The UN Conference on Racism." This gathering of nations will be with one objective; to vilify, condemn, and attack Israel and the Jewish people as racist murders. Yet, not one word will be spoken regarding the relentless attacks by Syria against its own people, by the regime in Iran, to murder and subjugate its people, the attacks against Christian Churches in Egypt, where many died and hundreds injured, nor the suppression of the Libyan people by the tyrant, Qadaffi.
The entire focus of the conference will be against Israel and the Jewish people.
Thankfully, following the lead of the U.S., Canada, Italy, the Netherlands, Israel, and the Czech Republic, Australia's Prime Minister has announced that her country will also not attend the September Durban III conference at the UN.
2. Palestinians to Seek Full U.N. Membership Sept. 23
The Second event will be on September 23rd, the move by the Palestinian Authority to go before the UN Security Council and propose the creation of a Palestinian State in Judea and Samaria, with East Jerusalem to become its Capital.
Israel is a sovereign nation, and the nations of the world are seeking to forcibly impose the division of the land in order to create a new Muslim nation that will be "Jew Free," according to the PA. No Jew will be allowed to reside in the new Palestinian State, nor in East Jerusalem.
Such a move if passed would force Israel to remove over 300,000 Israeli's from their homes, schools, business, farms, synagogues, and way of life in Judea and Samaria. In Jerusalem it would be that over 100,000 plus Jewish people would become homeless and have to be relocated.
Incredibly, it is likely that only one vote in the Security Counsel stands between Israel and this becoming a reality - A veto by the United States. Russia and China have already confirmed they will vote for this abomination.
What is really happening here?
God prophesied these events would take place, and He prophesied what would be the consequences of such actions.
In Zechariah 12:2-3 it could not be prophesied more clearly:
"Behold, I am going to make Jerusalem a cup that causes reeling to all the peoples around; and when the siege is against Jerusalem, it will also be against Judah." "It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be torn to pieces. And all the nations of the earth will be gathered against it."
This coming week, "All the nations of the earth," will be gathering at the United Nations against Judah and Jerusalem. Their purpose - to divide the land God promised to Israel and the Jewish people as an everlasting possession, and to remove Jerusalem from its rightful place as the Capital of the nation of Israel.
What is the prophesied result of this action?
The nations who conspire to do this, "will be torn to pieces!"
God is gathering the nations and people of the earth together to force them to choose if they are with the God of Israel, and with the everlasting covenant He made with them. There is no middle ground here with God; Nations, peoples, churches, individuals are all being called to take a stand - they will either stand with the God of Israel and the Bible, or they will be against Him.
According to Genesis 12:3 they are having to choose blessings or cursings as to how they stand. How will you choose?
We ask you to join us in prayer and pray the following this entire week:
1. Pray the US will choose to veto the creation of a Palestinian State and continue to stand with the Covenant of God with Israel.
2. Pray you will personally stand with Israel, the God of Israel, and on God's word that His everlasting covenant is truly everlasting.
3. Pray Isaiah 54:17 "No weapon formed against you, (Israel and the Jewish People,) will prosper, and every toungue which rises against (them) you shall condemn. The is the inheritance of the servants of the Lord, and their righteousness is from Me, says the Lord."
4. Pray Nehemiah 4:20: "Let God's people hear the sound of God's trumpet. Protect, O God, those who speak out against this evil!"
Shalom and Blessings,
Barry & Linda
Remarks by P.M. Netanyahu
PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the Weekly Cabinet
Friends,
Please see below PM Netanyahu's remarks below as they highlight Israel's sincere desire for peace even while the Palestinian leadership "torpedos" direct negotiations.
Released by The Embassy of Israel; Washington, D.C.
Following are Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's remarks at the start of the weekly Cabinet meeting today (Sunday), 18.9.11:
"This week I will leave for the US. On Wednesday I will meet with US President Barack Obama and other world leaders and afterwards I will address the UN General Assembly. The UN is not a place where Israel wins praise, but I think that it is important that I go there in order to represent both the State of Israel and the truth - and the truth is that Israel wants peace and the truth is that the Palestinians are doing everything to torpedo direct peace negotiations.
They have ignored every proposal that I have made, both in my 14.6.09 Bar-Ilan speech and in my 24.5.11 speech to the US Congress.
They have avoided coming to direct negotiations after this Government made an unprecedented decision to freeze new construction in the communities. For ten months, they simply were unwilling to come and negotiate. They need to understand that, despite their current attempt to again overturn the negotiations by going to the UN, peace will be achieved only through direct negotiations.
Their attempt to be accepted as a member of the UN will fail. The Palestinians' attempt to be accepted as a member of the UN is what they declared - one year ago - as their objective; this is what Abu Mazen recently declared as a goal. This attempt will fail. It will fail because it must go through the UN Security Council. Decisions that are binding on UN members pass through the Security Council. I am convinced that the activity of the US, which is deeply cooperating with us, as well ass the activity of other governments with which we are also cooperating, will result in the failure of this attempt.
The UN also has the General Assembly in which almost any decision can be passed. It is possible to decide there that the sun rises in the west and sets in the east, and this would pass there. But it has neither the same weight nor the same importance. This is not the Palestinians' avowed goal. Even there it is possible that there will be various actions in their regard. We are coordinating our efforts with those of the US and with other important countries, in Europe and beyond.
My UN trip will have a double goal. The first goal is to ensure that this move to bypass negotiations does not succeed and is stopped in the Security Council. I think that this is, to a great extent, an achievable objective. The second goal is to address the General Assembly and present our truth and - in my opinion - the general truth, which is our desire for peace. The fact that we are not foreigners in this country, that we have rights in this country that go 'only' 4,000 years, I will say this loud and clear. I will also speak about our intention to achieve peace with our neighbors while ensuring our security. If these were always clear and necessary, they are much more important today, especially now, when the Middle East is undergoing a great upheaval, from Tunisia to Yemen, from Libya to Egypt, Syria and throughout the region, when we do not know what will happen from day to day and how things will go.
At these times, we need a Government and a policy that strongly stand behind our needs in a peace settlement. We are ready to enter into peace negotiations with our Palestinian neighbors, if they so desire. In my opinion, after the dust settles and after everything that is happening at the UN, in the end, the Palestinians will regain their composure, I hope, and will shelve these moves that are designed to bypass negotiations. They will return to the table in order to achieve peace and security both for us and our neighbors."
More International News
1. IDF PREPARES TO CALL UP RESERVES
2. NETANYAHU COMING TO NEW YORK TO ADDRESS U.N. NEXT WEDNESDAY
3. PALESTINIANS TO SEEK FULL U.N. MEMBERSHIP SEPT. 23
4. WILL THE U.N. CREATE ANOTHER TERRORIST STATE?
5. OBAMA SCRAMBLES TO AVOID EMBARRASSMENT OVER U.N. VOTE
6. HOUSE LEADERS CONDEMN PA STATEHOOD BID
7. REP. JOE WALSH PREPARES RESOLUTION BACKING ISRAELI ANNEXATION
8. ISRAELIS BRACE FOR POTENTIAL VIOLENCE
9. AEL NOW FACING THREATS ON ALL FRONTS
10. PLO OFFICIAL PROTESTED ISRAELI PRESENCE AT DURBAN CONFERENCE
11. SECRET ISRAELI-GREEK MUTUAL DEFENSE PACT INVOKED
12. LAWMAKERS QUESTION U.S. POLICY ON SYRIA
1. IDF PREPARES TO CALL UP RESERVES
The Israel Defense Forces are preparing for the possibility of Palestinian Authority Arab riots beginning September 20, when the PA will bring its statehood bid to the United Nations. Israel's military will begin to call up its reserves, set to start this Sunday, September 18, sources said Thursday. Arutz Sheva has been informed that the residents of the Jewish towns in Judea and Samaria have warned the Arab residents of PA-controlled areas that if they approach the security fences surrounding their towns, the response will be "unequivocal."
The warning comes in the wake of threats by PA Arabs to march on Israeli communities in the regions beginning on September 20, the day PA Chairman Mahmoud Abbas first intended to ask the United Nations General Assembly to recognize the entity as a new Arab country, and grant it membership within the ranks. That date has since been changed to Friday, September 23. Word has come that if the vote is moved back again, it could fall on Rosh Hashanah or Yom Kippur.
Such a move would abrogate all prior agreements with Israel - such as the 1993 Oslo Accords, and the 2003 Roadmap Plan - that any final status deal would be reached through a negotiated settlement, and would come after all incitement against the Jewish State had been squelched in the PA.
- Pray for the protection of all IDF troops tonight, as they prepare their hearts for war. Intercede, too, that no obstacles be raised by the liberal left in Israel that would weaken the resolve of their troops to go to battle, if and when called. Pray!
- "Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you." (Deut. 31:6)
2. NETANYAHU COMING TO NEW YORK TO ADDRESS U.N. NEXT WEDNESDAY
Will confront Palestinian statehood bid and Ahmadinejad
Senior aides to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin originally told me the PM was not going to come to the opening session of the United Nations General Assembly this year. But things have changed. Haaretz and Ynet News are now reporting that Netanyahu is coming to New York and will deliver a major address before the U.N. General Assembly next Wednesday. The decision reflects the PM's desire to personally, directly and very publicly confront the Palestinian effort to unilaterally declare a state and receive a U.N. blessing, rather than engage in direct negotiations with the Jewish State. Netanyahu will also strongly condemn Iran's bid for nuclear weapons and challenge the world to rein in Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who is also coming to the U.N. next week.
During a press conference in Jerusalem yesterday with the visiting Czech Prime Minister, Netanyahu told reporters: "I have decided to personally convey the message of direct negotiation and striving for peace at the General Assembly -- I know Israel doesn't get a fair hearing at the General Assembly. It has an automatic majority which is quick to denounce Israel. I have decided to go . . . to tell the truth." (Joel Rosenberg)
- We reported here last week that Prime Minister Netanyahu had not been scheduled to speak until late Friday night (Sept. 23), to a mostly empty chamber and in violation of his own ability to honor his sabbath. We then asked prayer that this schedule would be changed, and that the voice of Mr. Netanyahu -- "the lion of Judah" -- would clearly be heard at the General Assembly.
Offer praise for this turn of events, and that Mr. Netanyahu will, indeed, be able to address the full General Assembly. Let the Lion of Judah roar, and let the nations take heed!
- "This day will I begin to put the dread of thee and the fear of thee upon the nations that are under the whole of heaven, who shall hear report of thee, and shall tremble, and be in anguish because of thee." (Deut. 2:25)
3. PALESTINIANS TO SEEK FULL U.N. MEMBERSHIP SEPT. 23
Palestinians Resist Appeals to Halt U.N. Statehood Bid
The Palestinians will ask the U.N. Security Council next week to accept them as a full member of the United Nations, the Palestinian Foreign Minister said Thursday, September 15-a move that comes in defiance of Washington's threat to veto the statehood bid, the Associated Press reported. The remarks by Foreign Minister Riad al-Malki ended speculation that the Palestinians might avoid a showdown with the United States by sidestepping the Security Council and going directly to the U.N. General Assembly to seek a lesser status of a non-member observer state. The United States has been on a furious diplomatic offensive to try to keep the Palestinians from going to the U.N. in their statehood quest, saying negotiations are the only way to produce a Palestinian state. Malki told journalists that Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas will present the statehood bid to U.N. chief Ban Ki-moon after delivering his speech before the General Assembly on Sept. 23.
Meanwhile, senior American and European diplomats tried without success on Thursday, September 16, to persuade the Palestinian leaders to skip or modify their planned U.N. membership bid, The New York Times reported. Riad al-Malki, the Palestinian foreign minister, told journalists in Ramallah that the Palestinians would continue to listen to suggestions but that barring something very persuasive, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas would submit a full membership application to the U.N. Security Council next Friday. Another Palestinian official said that Abbas told Dennis Ross, a top American diplomat: "We appreciate the American role, but you are too late. We have reached the moment of truth, and we are going to the Security Council."
The United States has said it will use its veto there because it believes that the only way to Palestinian statehood is through direct negotiations with Israel. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Thursday that the administration remained "absolutely committed" to finding a compromise to avert a confrontation at the U.N. "We believe strongly that the road to peace and two states living side by side does not go through New York, it goes through Jerusalem and Ramallah," she said. (AIPAC)
- This bid for statehood is called the Palestinian's Unilateral Declaration of Independence, (UDI). Although much of the world and the world leaders may view the Bible as having no authority, the whole notion of a two-state solution in the Promised Land is in flagrant defiance of God's covenant promises for a national homeland for the Jewish people. Sadly, even Israel refuses to base its foreign policy, especially regarding the Palestinians, on this eternal decree - to their own detriment. If the political leadership in the U.S. is even aware of God's ultimate decision regarding this land, it has not been reflected in its foreign policy related to Israel.
- Why does this matter? Assuredly, this will not bode well for us. God remains unequivocal when he says, "I will bless those who bless you those who curse you I will curse." (Genesis 12: 3)
[Remarks by Rev. James M. Hutchens, Ph.D.
Chaplain (Brigadier General) U.S. Army (Ret.)
President, The Jerusalem Connection, Int'l]
4. WILL THE U.N. CREATE ANOTHER TERRORIST STATE?
U.N. does not have authority to create a nation
If the Palestinian UDI is recognized - it would be a downright de facto recognition of terrorists and a terrorist state. The Palestinians would first of all bring this issue before the U.N. General Assembly. They would call for international isolation and delegitimization of Israel. It is a fact that legally, the UN General Assembly does not have the power at this point in history to bestow statehood. However, with the overwhelming majority of anti-Israel nations in the U.N., an affirmative vote for Palestinian statehood would have enormous negative propaganda value. Again, the U.S. has already declared that it will exercise its veto power if the resolution gets passed from the General Assembly to the U.N. Security Council where statehood could be recognized.
Israel's Ambassador to the United States, Michael Oren has stated that if Palestinian UDI is recognized, indeed, that could mean all former agreements between the Palestinian Authority and Israel will be null and void. However, that might end up to be a blessing in disguise. How? If terrorism from another declared sovereign state is directed against Israel (which is inevitable), that would then be an act of war, a declaration of war. Like any other sovereign nation, they would have to deal with it accordingly.
- The Scriptures speak of "that day" when only by God's intervention will a remnant of Israel be saved. It further prophesies that a remnant of Gentiles will be engrafted into that remnant of Israel. Together they make up "The Israel of God." Thank the LORD for this promise of Scripture, which does not lie. Pray for the peace of Jerusalem.
- "At that time Michael, the great prince who protects your people, will arise. There will be a time of distress such as has not happened from the beginning of nations until then. But at that time your people-everyone whose name is found written in the book-will be delivered." (Daniel 12:1)
Commentary by The Jerusalem Connection.
5. OBAMA SCRAMBLES TO AVOID EMBARRASSMENT OVER U.N. VOTE
The Obama administration is making a last-ditch effort to head off a major diplomatic embarrassment over the looming Palestinian request for recognition of its statehood at the United Nations. The United States is applying diplomatic pressure on Israeli and Palestinian leaders to persuade them to reopen negotiations before the United Nations can take action.
Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas has said he will take the request for full recognition as a state to the U.N. Security Council in the coming week.
But hardline Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman warned on Wednesday that there would be "harsh and grave" consequences if the Palestinians go ahead with their plan to seek statehood, although he did not specify what those consequences might be. And the U.S. Congress has threatened to cut off financial aid to the Palestinians. (NEWSMAX) Read more
- Obama has promised to veto this vote should it occur inside the U.N. Security Council. Given the constraints of Scripture, as defined elsewhere in this alert, that veto will now be our only hope of survival as a nation. Pray that the president will stick to his word, and pray that the U.S. WILL veto any move towards Palestinian statehood next week. There simply is no other option before us.
- "It will come about in that day that I will make Jerusalem a heavy stone for all the peoples; all who lift it will be torn to pieces." (Zech. 12:3)
6. HOUSE LEADERS CONDEMN PA STATEHOOD BID
Threaten to Cut Off Aid if U.N. Vote is Taken on Palestine
Senior House members continue to reject efforts by the Palestinian Authority (PA) to achieve statehood at the United Nations this September outside of talks with Israel. "The Palestinian leadership is cynically attempting to gain recognition of or membership for a Palestinian state at the U.N. because that same leadership refuses to do what's necessary to achieve a real, lasting peace with Israel," House Foreign Affairs Committee Chair Ileana Ros-Lehtinen (R-FL) said in a statement.
House Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-VA) echoed her sentiments. "We do not support or condone the effort by the Palestinian Authority to seek recognition of a state unilaterally," Cantor told The Jerusalem Post. Cantor, who is expected to meet with PA President Mahmoud Abbas in a forthcoming trip to Ramallah, said he plans to tell the Palestinian leader that the United States stands strongly with Israel on this issue. (Source: AIPAC)
Meanwhile, Rep. Ilena Ros-Lehtinen, chairwoman of the House Foreign Relations Committee, also wants to persuade the U.N. to refrain from recognizing an independent Palestinian state if the Palestinians ask. Ros-Lehtinen, a frequent critic of the U.N., is pushing a plan to withhold or slash U.S. money earmarked for the world body. And she held a hearing Wednesday to examine the $500 million in annual aid the U.S. provides to the Palestinians.
- Pray that Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen's efforts will bear fruit, so that the Palestinians WILL back down on their intention to ask the U.N. to endorse their sovereignty next week. Offer a great chorus of PRAISE for this report, and continue in prayer that the remaining negotiations between all parties involved will lead to a safe and secure Israel . . . away from war and towards peace.
- Then Jacob said, "O God of my father Abraham and God of my father Isaac, the LORD who said to me, 'Return to your country and to your family, and I will deal well with you': I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant; for I crossed over this Jordan with my staff, and now I have become two companies. Deliver me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the hand of Esau; for I fear him, lest he come and attack me and the mother with the children. For You said, 'I will surely treat you well, and make your descendants as the sand of the sea, which cannot be numbered for multitude.' (Gen. 32:9-12)
7. REP. JOE WALSH PREPARES RESOLUTION BACKING ISRAELI ANNEXATION
Joe Walsh (R-Ill.) plans to introduce a bill in US House of Representatives expressing congressional support for Israel's right to annex Jewish settlements in Judea and Samaria. The move comes as Palestinian Authority officials move forward over US objections with a controversial request for a declaration of statehood at the United Nations. Walsh's resolution, modeled closely on a bill introduced in the Israeli Knesset, is the latest effort by Congress ahead of the proposed UN vote, Tuesday, September 20th. Lawmakers from both parties returned from Israel last month warning that Congress could seek to cut aid to the PA if they actually go ahead with the vote.
"We've got what I consider to be a potential slap in the face coming up with the vote in the UN, which is absolutely outrageous," Walsh told reporters. "It's clear that the United States needs to make a very strong statement. I would argue that the president should make this statement, but he's not capable of making it. So, the House needs to make this statement, if the [Palestinian Authority] continues down this road of trying to get recognition of statehood, the U.S. will not stand for it. And we will respect Israel's right to annex Judea and Samaria." (Arutz 7 News)
- Tonight we continue to rejoice at the news of this development. Never before in the history of the United States Congress has a member been bold enough to offer a bill of this nature. Pray that this legislation will gain momentum quickly and will even pass both the House and the Senate before the vote takes place at the U.N. next week -- determining statehood for the Palestinians and hence, dividing the God-appointed boundaries of Israel. Pray!
- "Then the churches througout all Judea, Galilee, and Samaria had peace and were edified. And walking in the fear of the Lord and in the comfort of the Holy Spirit, they were multiplied." (Acts 9:31)
8. ISRAELIS BRACE FOR POTENTIAL VIOLENCE WHEN PALESTINIANS MARCH
FOR STATEHOOD (Fox News)
Israeli forces are seeking to prevent bloodshed when Palestinians march in support of a statehood drive this month, but they are preparing for worst-case scenarios, even authorizing West Bank settlers to shoot at Palestinians who approach their communities.
Palestinians say the rallies will be peaceful -- a view shared by Israel's own security assessments -- and will steer clear of any settlements. Yet, the combustible atmosphere and the long and deadly history of Israeli-Palestinian violence are raising the specter that events might spin out of control. Read more.
- Inside Gaza, any gathering, for any reason, has the potential to erupt into great violence. But God! Nothing is too difficult for Him! Ask for divine intervention over this report, that these, too, shall be scattered by the very Hand of God.
- "Destroy and divide the tongues of those who would incite violence against Israel." (Psalm 55:9)
9. ISRAEL NOW FACING THREATS ON ALL FRONTS
In addition to the two actions at the U.N. this week (the Durban III Conference and the vote on Palestinian Statehood), Jonathan Bernis is reporting that there are numerous other threats looming over this tiny nation, including:
a) Hezbollah has 70,000 rockets and underground concrete bases on the Lebanese border.
b) Hamas has a detailed infrastructure in Gaza firing rockets daily into Israel.
c) Egypt continues to erupt as the Muslim Brotherhood spews its venom toward Israel. The Israeli embassy was attacked by a mob last week and forced to evacuate personnel to Israel.
d) Turkey has expelled the Israeli ambassador and closed the Israeli embassy. In addition, they have threatened to send warships to break the Gaza security blockade. (Source: Jonathan Bernis)
- Thank the LORD that, in the end, it is HE who will fight to preserve Israel! Amen!
- Pray for the protection of all IDF troops tonight, as they prepare their hearts for war. Intercede, too, that no obstacles be raised by the liberal left in Israel that would weaken the resolve of their troops to go to battle, if and when called. Pray!
- "And I myself will be a wall of fire around it,' (Jerusalem) declares the LORD, 'and I will be its glory within.'" (Zech. 2:5)
10. PLO OFFICIAL PROTESTED ISRAELI PRESENCE AT ANTI-SEMITISM CONFERENCE
PLO Ambassador to Washington Maen Areikat drew unwanted attention by suggesting earlier this week that a new Palestinian state would be Jew-free. Asked about the rights of minorities in a future Palestinian state, Areikat told reporters Tuesday that Palestinians and Jews should be "totally separated" in a new Palestinian state. After decades of conflict and friction, "I think it would be in the best interest of the two peoples to be separated," he told reporters in the Nation's Capitol.
At a House hearing Wednesday, former presidential advisor Elliott Abrams called Areikat's remarks "a despicable form of anti-Semitism" and told lawmakers that the PLO office should be closed if the group continues trying to circumvent negotiations with Israel by getting the United Nations to declare Palestinian statehood. (The Investigative Project on Terrorism)
- Ask the LORD to forgive Maen Areikat, for he knows not what he does. The Jewish people, and their land, are "the apple of His eye," and God continually watches over them in love. Offer a prayer that the office of the PLO will be closed in Washington, D.C. indefinitely -- a move which is now under consideration in Congress. The voice of this terrorist organization must be silenced in our nation's capital, and throughout the world.
- "May my tongue cling to the roof of my mouth if I do not remember you, if I do not consider Jerusalem my highest joy." (Psalm 137:6)
11. SECRET ISRAELI-GREEK MUTUAL DEFENSE PACT INVOKED
Will Counter Turkish Naval and Air Movements
Israel and Greece have invoked their new, secret mutual defense pact to counter heavy Turkish sea and air movements in the eastern Mediterranean. Debkafile discloses that Israel may gain the new advantage of a military presence at Greek bases following a long phone conversation last week Wednesday between the Israeli and Greek prime ministers. They also agreed to share intelligence. Israel's expanded cabinet of eight was called into session over the Turkish threat to its off-shore oil and gas rigs.
The Greek Prime Minister added to the information recorded so far on Turkish fleet movements in the Aegean and Mediterranean Seas. He was particularly concerned by the observation flights suddenly increased in the past 48 hours over the Greek island of Kastelorizo in the southeast Mediterranean just two kilometers from the Turkish coast. Those flights are escorted by Turkish combat jets.
Athens fears a Turkish attack on the island, whose population is fewer than 1,000, and an attempt to damage or seize it. Israel suspects that a Turkish attack on the Greek island will be the signal for Turkish military aggression against its oil and gas platforms located in the Mediterranean between Israel and Cyprus. Papandreou said the Turks are capable of surprise attacks on additional Greek islands near the Turkish coast. (DEBKAfile Exclusive Report)
- We praise the Lord for moving upon the heart of the Prime Minister of Greece for siding with Israel in this growing conflict. As Turkey continues to align itself with Iran and Russia, pray for the protection of the believers in that nation. Ask the Lord to share His intelligence with the leaders of Israel and Greece, releasing strategies to protect the gas and oil supplies of both nations. Pray in particular for the protection of the gas and oil rigs identified in this report.
- " . . . if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)
12. LAWMAKERS QUESTION U.S. POLICY ON SYRIA
A bipartisan group of House members on July 27 said America lacks a coherent policy on Syria and should condemn in stronger terms the brutality of the Syrian regime, The Los Angeles Times reported. "How many must die before we have the courage to stand up and say that Assad is illegitimate and he must go?" said Rep. Steve Chabot (R-OH), chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on the Middle East and South Asia. Rep. Gary Ackerman (D-NY), the panel's ranking member, echoed his sentiments, accusing the administration of waiting for the Assad regime to fall before using its strongest language. "We're hedging our bets here on the odd chance that he's [Assad's] going to be able to hang on," Ackerman said. (AIPAC)
- Since we know that the Assad regime lies continually, we may not be surprised by the deceptive games it plays with the Obama administration. Pray that the Lord intervenes in this policy of Obama with Syria and removes it as an influence upon Israel. Pray also for the citizens of Syria who are standing up for freedom in their country. And, pray that more members of Congress will join Representatives Chabot and Ackerman in speaking out against Assad's policies in no uncertain terms.
- "Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just . . " (Psalm 7:9)
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
GOD, THE LORD, THE STRENGTH OF MY SALVATION [ Adoni Adoni Oz Y'shuatee ]
"Sovereign LORD, my strong deliverer, you shield my head in the day of battle." (Psalm 140:7)
O Lord, all You ask me to do is to rest in You, for You are the strength of my salvation. Thank You for Your help, Your hand of deliverance.
(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)
