• The Daily Brief
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot!
• Update: The Madison Project
• Update: Obamacare in Supreme Court Next Week
• Rallies for Religious Freedom on Friday
• Let Your Voice Be Heard!
• The Good News Corner (I)
• The Good News Corner (II)
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Wednesday, March 21, 2012
"Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by." (Isaiah 26:20)
The Daily Brief
1. Germany warns Israel against attack on Iran - Jerusalem Post
Germany said on Tuesday it will sell Israel a sixth military submarine and shoulder part of the cost, although it warned its ally that any military escalation with Iran could bring incalculable risks.
- God, it is written that Israel is under the hand of the Lord - and it is He who will direct Israel in these major issues. Guide Israel regarding military escalation to protect themselves from their enemies. We ask that nations will be favorable to Israel and work with them during this critical time. In the Name of Jesus.
- "Happy is he that has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God, which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein in: which keeps truth forever." (Psalm 146:5-6)
2. Anti-Semitism in Europe on the rise, ADL poll finds - Ha'aretz
Anti-Semitic attitudes in ten European countries remain at "disturbingly high levels," according to a new poll from the Anti-Defamation League, released on Tuesday.
- God, we ask that collectively You will move in a well-timed manner over these ten European countries, and shatter this evil spirit of anti-Semitism. Address this spirit by name, Oh God, and send an angelic brigade against this evil mind-set - that its strength be broken - and a new appreciation for Israel as a nation be born in the hearts of these European peoples with miraculous signs following. In the Name of Jesus.
- "The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel." (Joel 3:16)
3. A.) Administration grants exemptions on Iran sanctions - Fox News
The United States is offering some breathing room in its seemingly ironclad set of sanctions against Iran, underscoring the difficulty the U.S. and other countries may have in truly freezing out the Iranian regime.
- Father, should these exemptions come into effect, we ask that it allow no door to be opened that would bring disastrous affects upon any country. With the all-seeing eye of God, guide these exemptions with sharp delineation that will have a favorable result with no deceitful kickbacks. In the Name of Jesus.
- "God rules by His power forever; His eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves." (Psalm 66:7)
B.) Khameini: Iran will overcome 'enemy' sanctions - Jerusalem Post
Iran's ruler Ayatollah Ali Khameini said Tuesday that Iran would increase economic production sufficiently to resist the pressure from its "enemies," the Mehr news agency reported.
- God, we ask for Your intervention to hold back evil intent, and be selective just how he increases "economic production" to resist its enemies. Father, defuse Iran's ability to exert its rage through catastrophic means. We place God's eternal Name against these evil forces. We ask this in the Name of Jesus.
- "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of God with whom we have to do." (Hebrews 4:12-13)
4. North Korea's rocket launch site said to be similar to Iran's - Korea JoongAng Daily
North Korea's new rocket launch site looks similar to Iran's cruise and ballistic missile facility, a nongovernmental defense source provider said.
- Father, it is You who holds back the enemies of peace, and we trust that not one missile be fired from this site. Turn this nation and its people to the Lord; that they not self-destruct and cause unnecessary bloodshed. In Jesus' Name.
- Look to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:22)
5. A) Ryan budget shoots for lower deficit, flatter tax - Washington Times
Rep. Paul Ryan, chairman of the House Budget Committee, presented his colleagues Tuesday a sweeping rewrite of the federal budget that would move toward a flatter income tax and dramatically cut spending, balancing the budget in the long run by holding down the growth of Medicare and shrinking Medicaid.
- God, we pray this plan for the federal budget be approved. Restore our government, and breathe new life into America with all its strengths that have caused our country to stand strong through the ages. We are one nation united under God. In Jesus' Name.
- "That America may go no more astray from God, neither be polluted any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be My people, and I may be their God, says the Lord God." (Ezekiel 14:11)
B) Paul Ryan's GOP Budget Would Cut Taxes And Deficits - Investor Business Daily
From here to Election Day, Democrats and liberal groups will attack the blueprint while House Republicans aim to use it to capture the mantle of fiscal responsibility.
- God, strengthen those who are running alongside the principles of our God from here to Election Day. Pull down their enemies by Your power, and give them godly incentives and creative ideas to stand on a new platform that will not sway from the truth. Give new holy vigor and energy to push the Trojan horse out of the way in total defeat. In Jesus' mighty Name.
- "Arise and thresh, O people of America: for God says, I will make your horn iron, and I will make your hoofs brass: and you shall beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth." (Micah 4:13)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Your name give glory, for Your mercy, and for Your truth's sake. Why should the nations say, Where is their God? But our God is in the heavens. He has done whatever He has pleased." (Psalm 115:1-3)
1. Fatah: Iran paid Hamas to block Palestinian deal - Ynet News
Iran paid the Islamist group Hamas to block a deal with the rival Fatah movement that would have ended a five-year rift between the two main Palestinian factions, a Fatah spokesman said on Tuesday.
2. Dempsey: Dialogue with Israel critical - Ynet News
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Benny Gantz and US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey met on Monday night in Washington. Dempsey stated after the meeting that "regular and candid dialogue is critical as we face common threats and challenges."
3. Two French police injured in shootout with Toulouse suspect - Jerusalem Post
Two French police officers were injured in a shoot-out in Toulouse on Wednesday with a gunman claiming links to al-Qaida and who is believed to responsible for the killing of four people at a Jewish school and three soldiers in southwest France.
4. Russia: Iran nuke attack on Israel would also destroy 'Palestine' - Ynet News
Russia warned Tuesday that Iran would have no option but to develop nuclear weapons if it came under attack from either the United States or Israel over its contested atomic program.
The Daily Jot!
HR 347: Congress, Obama conspire to kill First Amendment
The U.S. Congress and the man who occupies the Oval Office have conspired to restrict free speech with the passage and signing into law H.R. 347--Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011. Sounding like a landscape beautification bill, in reality HR 347 makes it a federal offense of up to 10 years in prison to protest near "any posted, cordoned off, or otherwise restricted area" such as the White House, the Vice President's official residence, a building where "Obama or other person protected by the Secret Service is or will be temporarily visiting, or a building or grounds so restricted in conjunction with an event designated as a special event of national significance."
The law applies to whoever-knowingly: enters or remains in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; intends to impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of Government business or official functions; engages in disorderly or disruptive conduct in, or within such proximity to, any restricted building or grounds when, or so that, such conduct, in fact, impedes or disrupts the orderly conduct of Government business or official functions; obstructs or impedes ingress or egress to or from any restricted building or grounds; or engages in any act of physical violence against any person or property in any restricted building or grounds; or attempts or conspires to do so.
This law was passed by unanimous consent of the Senate on February 6. The House passed it by a 388 to 3 margin on February 27, and the president signed it into law on March 8. There were 42 Representatives who did not vote on this legislation--15 Republicans and 27 Democrats. Those voting against the bill were Republicans Justin Amash (Mi) and Paul Broun (Ga). Socialist Islamic Keith Ellison (Mn) was the lone dissenting Democrat, which speaks volumes when you consider the violent protests for which his religion is known. Lawmakers cited Article 1 Section 8 as the Constitutional authority which empowers Congress "to make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper" to enact this law.
Of course, this tramples the First Amendment. Wherever the president or his opponents are, no one will be allowed to protest because the mere disruption would be a federal offense. And who among us will risk a ten year jail term to test its Constitutionality? The biggest federal offense here are the conspirators against freedom who used what appeared to be a beautification bill to make the right of free speech, assembly and redress of grievances a federal crime. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:13, "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." Tyrants all, Republican and Democrat. What next? Our right to assemble in worship because it is a gathering of extremists?
Read the bill here.
Have A Blessed And Powerful Day,
Bill Wilson
Update: The Madison Project
Today's Legislative Focus
From The Madison Project
www.madisonproject.com
S.1813: Highway Bill
Last week, with the help of 22 unprincipled Republicans, the Senate passed the 2-year $109 billion highway bill (S.1813). The bill will outspend the annual revenue source by roughly $16 billion, divert 20% of gas tax revenue to liberal public transportation projects, engender future bailouts, and preclude any effort to devolve transportation authority to the states. To the contrary, this bill continues the convoluted formula of allocating federal funding to the states. It also continues existing environmental regulations and expands some "highway safety" mandates on the states. Additionally, the bill imposes a convoluted, unworkable scheme to raise revenue from tax-deferred company pensions.
As the March 31 expiration date draws near, House conservatives will be pressured into supporting a bad bill, thanks to irresponsible Senate Republicans. The good news is that House Republicans have stridently rejected the Senate bill, setting up the likelihood of another short term re=authorization. Due to the Easter break, work on a long-term bill would not resume until mid-April, making it likely that the Senate would be forced to accept the stop-gap bill. From a conservative perspective, it's better we pass a short-term bill to buy us more time to push for a more fiscally responsible bill, most notably, one that devolves transportation spending to the states.
Update: Obamacare in Supreme Court Next Week
Supreme Court to Review Federal Health Care Law Three Days Next Week: March 26, 27, 28
Article One: On Trial: Freedom vs. Government Health Care
Family Research Council to Sponsor Webcast on the Hearings
Don't expect the furor over Obama's contraception-abortion drug mandate to die down any time soon. In two weeks, it will be part of a broader argument in the U.S. Supreme Court over ObamaCare's constitutionality. On the second day of this historic case FRC will be hosting a special webcast, "On Trial: Freedom vs. Government Health Care." Join us Tuesday, March 27 at 8:00 p.m. (ET) as we break down what's happening in the court and around the country with Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), Congressman (and physician) Tom Price (R-Ga.), Co-Founder and National Coordinator of Tea Party Patriots Jenny Beth Martin, and FRC's Director of the Center for Religious Liberty, Ken Klukowski.
As you may remember, Ken authored FRC's brief on severability from which Judge Roger Vinson said he "borrowed heavily" for his opinion striking down the health care law in the lower court. Don't miss the chance to hear from all of these leaders, as we delve deeper into ObamaCare's war on religious liberty.
[To register for FRC's webcast, go here.]
Article Two: Congressman Paul Broun on ObamaCare
I am leading the fight in Congress against ObamaCare! Please watch the following video as I explain exactly why ObamaCare is unconstitutional and bad for America!
I'm dedicated to repealing ObamaCare and replacing it with a free-enterprise health care legislation like my Option Act. If you haven't had a chance, visit this site and join my team of supporters that are just as serious about pulling ObamaCare out by the roots as I am. Please share this video with your family and friends.
-- Please support the passage of Congressman Broun's bill, H.R. 299 -- an alternative to Obamacare -- in prayer and in action. Thank you!
To learn more about this bill, please go here.
Rallies for Religious Freedom on Friday
Religious Freedom Rallies To Be Held This Friday
Before the U.S. Supreme Court begins hearing three days of arguments on the constitutionality of the new federal health care law on Monday, thousands of people are expected to make their voices heard in rallies taking place nationwide, saying the law violates their religious freedom.
Nearly 60 groups, including the Pro-Life Action League, Citizens for a Pro-Life America, Students for Life of America and the Alliance Defense Fund, have joined forces as the Coalition to Stop the HHS Mandate, and are sponsoring rallies in more than 120 cities nationwide at noon local time on Friday.
"(This is) the starting point in a grassroots effort to overturn this pernicious HHS mandate and restore the religious freedom with which our nation was founded," said rally co-chairman Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League. "The federal government, for the first time in U.S. history, is assuming the authority to determine what shall constitute the mission of a religious institution, like a hospital, a university, a soup kitchen. (Citizen Link) Read more.
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Public Has 90 Days to Comment on Mandate for Abortion-Causing Drugs
The Obama administration on Friday released an advance notice of the public rule requiring all employers to provide insurance that covers drugs that could cause early abortions, inviting public comment for the next 90 days.
But according to experts who've analyzed the fine print, the administration only seems to be asking for help in balancing its priority - free contraceptives, sterilizations and abortifacient drugs for all women - with the religious freedoms of employers.
The 32-page notice asks the public for input on which, if any, organizations should be exempt from the mandate. "What entities should be eligible for the new accommodation (that is, what is a 'religious organization')?" it asks.
The Good News Corner (I)
Encouraging Word from the Lord!
[This word was submitted this morning by a couple in Christ . . . two or our partners in prayer. Amen.]
Daughter, Son,
Peace! Peace! Rest in me. Learn to rest and trust and move slowly with my rhythm.
Do not fear.
Let no anxiety take root - cast it out. Root in out completely. I will be with you.
I will watch over you. I will carry you through. Continue to let your roots go deep in me.
Roots firmly attached to my love and faithfulness. I will not let you go - I am holding you close.
"Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders." (Deuteronomy 33:12)
"There is no one like our God, who rides on the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, 'Destroy him!'" (Deuteronomy 33:26-27)
The Good News Corner (II)
Good news for Tennessee public school teachers and students this week!
Last night by a strong bipartisan vote of 25 to 8, the Tennessee State Senate approved Senate Bill 893 that would make it clear that teachers can help their students to develop critical thinking skills regarding scientific evidence and to consider the strengths and weaknesses of various scientific theories. And, yes, that includes evolution.
The Senate version did include an amendment clarifying the language of the bill, and it will have to go back to the House for its approval. With the bill having passed the House already by a vote of 70 to 23, it is anticipated that the Senate version will get the 50 votes required for the bill to go to the Governor.
Go to our website to learn more about what this legislative victory will mean for Tennessee teachers and students. (Source: Family Action Council of Tennessee, Inc.)
Worship with Us Today!
"Sheltering Trees" by Newsong
Listen here:
• The Middle East in Focus
• The Daily Jot!
• Update: The Madison Project
• Update: Obamacare in Supreme Court Next Week
• Rallies for Religious Freedom on Friday
• Let Your Voice Be Heard!
• The Good News Corner (I)
• The Good News Corner (II)
• Worship with Us Today!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
The Daily Brief - Wednesday, March 21, 2012
"Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by." (Isaiah 26:20)
The Daily Brief
1. Germany warns Israel against attack on Iran - Jerusalem Post
Germany said on Tuesday it will sell Israel a sixth military submarine and shoulder part of the cost, although it warned its ally that any military escalation with Iran could bring incalculable risks.
- God, it is written that Israel is under the hand of the Lord - and it is He who will direct Israel in these major issues. Guide Israel regarding military escalation to protect themselves from their enemies. We ask that nations will be favorable to Israel and work with them during this critical time. In the Name of Jesus.
- "Happy is he that has the God of Jacob for his help, whose hope is in the Lord his God, which made heaven, and earth, the sea, and all that therein in: which keeps truth forever." (Psalm 146:5-6)
2. Anti-Semitism in Europe on the rise, ADL poll finds - Ha'aretz
Anti-Semitic attitudes in ten European countries remain at "disturbingly high levels," according to a new poll from the Anti-Defamation League, released on Tuesday.
- God, we ask that collectively You will move in a well-timed manner over these ten European countries, and shatter this evil spirit of anti-Semitism. Address this spirit by name, Oh God, and send an angelic brigade against this evil mind-set - that its strength be broken - and a new appreciation for Israel as a nation be born in the hearts of these European peoples with miraculous signs following. In the Name of Jesus.
- "The Lord also shall roar out of Zion, and utter His voice from Jerusalem; and the heavens and the earth shall shake: but the Lord will be the hope of His people, and the strength of the children of Israel." (Joel 3:16)
3. A.) Administration grants exemptions on Iran sanctions - Fox News
The United States is offering some breathing room in its seemingly ironclad set of sanctions against Iran, underscoring the difficulty the U.S. and other countries may have in truly freezing out the Iranian regime.
- Father, should these exemptions come into effect, we ask that it allow no door to be opened that would bring disastrous affects upon any country. With the all-seeing eye of God, guide these exemptions with sharp delineation that will have a favorable result with no deceitful kickbacks. In the Name of Jesus.
- "God rules by His power forever; His eyes behold the nations: let not the rebellious exalt themselves." (Psalm 66:7)
B.) Khameini: Iran will overcome 'enemy' sanctions - Jerusalem Post
Iran's ruler Ayatollah Ali Khameini said Tuesday that Iran would increase economic production sufficiently to resist the pressure from its "enemies," the Mehr news agency reported.
- God, we ask for Your intervention to hold back evil intent, and be selective just how he increases "economic production" to resist its enemies. Father, defuse Iran's ability to exert its rage through catastrophic means. We place God's eternal Name against these evil forces. We ask this in the Name of Jesus.
- "For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in His sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of God with whom we have to do." (Hebrews 4:12-13)
4. North Korea's rocket launch site said to be similar to Iran's - Korea JoongAng Daily
North Korea's new rocket launch site looks similar to Iran's cruise and ballistic missile facility, a nongovernmental defense source provider said.
- Father, it is You who holds back the enemies of peace, and we trust that not one missile be fired from this site. Turn this nation and its people to the Lord; that they not self-destruct and cause unnecessary bloodshed. In Jesus' Name.
- Look to Me and be saved, all the ends of the earth! For I am God, and there is no other. (Isaiah 45:22)
5. A) Ryan budget shoots for lower deficit, flatter tax - Washington Times
Rep. Paul Ryan, chairman of the House Budget Committee, presented his colleagues Tuesday a sweeping rewrite of the federal budget that would move toward a flatter income tax and dramatically cut spending, balancing the budget in the long run by holding down the growth of Medicare and shrinking Medicaid.
- God, we pray this plan for the federal budget be approved. Restore our government, and breathe new life into America with all its strengths that have caused our country to stand strong through the ages. We are one nation united under God. In Jesus' Name.
- "That America may go no more astray from God, neither be polluted any more with all their transgressions; but that they may be My people, and I may be their God, says the Lord God." (Ezekiel 14:11)
B) Paul Ryan's GOP Budget Would Cut Taxes And Deficits - Investor Business Daily
From here to Election Day, Democrats and liberal groups will attack the blueprint while House Republicans aim to use it to capture the mantle of fiscal responsibility.
- God, strengthen those who are running alongside the principles of our God from here to Election Day. Pull down their enemies by Your power, and give them godly incentives and creative ideas to stand on a new platform that will not sway from the truth. Give new holy vigor and energy to push the Trojan horse out of the way in total defeat. In Jesus' mighty Name.
- "Arise and thresh, O people of America: for God says, I will make your horn iron, and I will make your hoofs brass: and you shall beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the Lord, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth." (Micah 4:13)
The Middle East in Focus
This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:
"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Your name give glory, for Your mercy, and for Your truth's sake. Why should the nations say, Where is their God? But our God is in the heavens. He has done whatever He has pleased." (Psalm 115:1-3)
1. Fatah: Iran paid Hamas to block Palestinian deal - Ynet News
Iran paid the Islamist group Hamas to block a deal with the rival Fatah movement that would have ended a five-year rift between the two main Palestinian factions, a Fatah spokesman said on Tuesday.
2. Dempsey: Dialogue with Israel critical - Ynet News
IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Benny Gantz and US Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff General Martin Dempsey met on Monday night in Washington. Dempsey stated after the meeting that "regular and candid dialogue is critical as we face common threats and challenges."
3. Two French police injured in shootout with Toulouse suspect - Jerusalem Post
Two French police officers were injured in a shoot-out in Toulouse on Wednesday with a gunman claiming links to al-Qaida and who is believed to responsible for the killing of four people at a Jewish school and three soldiers in southwest France.
4. Russia: Iran nuke attack on Israel would also destroy 'Palestine' - Ynet News
Russia warned Tuesday that Iran would have no option but to develop nuclear weapons if it came under attack from either the United States or Israel over its contested atomic program.
The Daily Jot!
HR 347: Congress, Obama conspire to kill First Amendment
The U.S. Congress and the man who occupies the Oval Office have conspired to restrict free speech with the passage and signing into law H.R. 347--Federal Restricted Buildings and Grounds Improvement Act of 2011. Sounding like a landscape beautification bill, in reality HR 347 makes it a federal offense of up to 10 years in prison to protest near "any posted, cordoned off, or otherwise restricted area" such as the White House, the Vice President's official residence, a building where "Obama or other person protected by the Secret Service is or will be temporarily visiting, or a building or grounds so restricted in conjunction with an event designated as a special event of national significance."
The law applies to whoever-knowingly: enters or remains in any restricted building or grounds without lawful authority; intends to impede or disrupt the orderly conduct of Government business or official functions; engages in disorderly or disruptive conduct in, or within such proximity to, any restricted building or grounds when, or so that, such conduct, in fact, impedes or disrupts the orderly conduct of Government business or official functions; obstructs or impedes ingress or egress to or from any restricted building or grounds; or engages in any act of physical violence against any person or property in any restricted building or grounds; or attempts or conspires to do so.
This law was passed by unanimous consent of the Senate on February 6. The House passed it by a 388 to 3 margin on February 27, and the president signed it into law on March 8. There were 42 Representatives who did not vote on this legislation--15 Republicans and 27 Democrats. Those voting against the bill were Republicans Justin Amash (Mi) and Paul Broun (Ga). Socialist Islamic Keith Ellison (Mn) was the lone dissenting Democrat, which speaks volumes when you consider the violent protests for which his religion is known. Lawmakers cited Article 1 Section 8 as the Constitutional authority which empowers Congress "to make all Laws which shall be necessary and proper" to enact this law.
Of course, this tramples the First Amendment. Wherever the president or his opponents are, no one will be allowed to protest because the mere disruption would be a federal offense. And who among us will risk a ten year jail term to test its Constitutionality? The biggest federal offense here are the conspirators against freedom who used what appeared to be a beautification bill to make the right of free speech, assembly and redress of grievances a federal crime. The Apostle Paul wrote in 2 Timothy 3:13, "But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving and being deceived." Tyrants all, Republican and Democrat. What next? Our right to assemble in worship because it is a gathering of extremists?
Read the bill here.
Have A Blessed And Powerful Day,
Bill Wilson
Update: The Madison Project
Today's Legislative Focus
From The Madison Project
www.madisonproject.com
S.1813: Highway Bill
Last week, with the help of 22 unprincipled Republicans, the Senate passed the 2-year $109 billion highway bill (S.1813). The bill will outspend the annual revenue source by roughly $16 billion, divert 20% of gas tax revenue to liberal public transportation projects, engender future bailouts, and preclude any effort to devolve transportation authority to the states. To the contrary, this bill continues the convoluted formula of allocating federal funding to the states. It also continues existing environmental regulations and expands some "highway safety" mandates on the states. Additionally, the bill imposes a convoluted, unworkable scheme to raise revenue from tax-deferred company pensions.
As the March 31 expiration date draws near, House conservatives will be pressured into supporting a bad bill, thanks to irresponsible Senate Republicans. The good news is that House Republicans have stridently rejected the Senate bill, setting up the likelihood of another short term re=authorization. Due to the Easter break, work on a long-term bill would not resume until mid-April, making it likely that the Senate would be forced to accept the stop-gap bill. From a conservative perspective, it's better we pass a short-term bill to buy us more time to push for a more fiscally responsible bill, most notably, one that devolves transportation spending to the states.
Update: Obamacare in Supreme Court Next Week
Supreme Court to Review Federal Health Care Law Three Days Next Week: March 26, 27, 28
Article One: On Trial: Freedom vs. Government Health Care
Family Research Council to Sponsor Webcast on the Hearings
Don't expect the furor over Obama's contraception-abortion drug mandate to die down any time soon. In two weeks, it will be part of a broader argument in the U.S. Supreme Court over ObamaCare's constitutionality. On the second day of this historic case FRC will be hosting a special webcast, "On Trial: Freedom vs. Government Health Care." Join us Tuesday, March 27 at 8:00 p.m. (ET) as we break down what's happening in the court and around the country with Rep. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.), Congressman (and physician) Tom Price (R-Ga.), Co-Founder and National Coordinator of Tea Party Patriots Jenny Beth Martin, and FRC's Director of the Center for Religious Liberty, Ken Klukowski.
As you may remember, Ken authored FRC's brief on severability from which Judge Roger Vinson said he "borrowed heavily" for his opinion striking down the health care law in the lower court. Don't miss the chance to hear from all of these leaders, as we delve deeper into ObamaCare's war on religious liberty.
[To register for FRC's webcast, go here.]
Article Two: Congressman Paul Broun on ObamaCare
I am leading the fight in Congress against ObamaCare! Please watch the following video as I explain exactly why ObamaCare is unconstitutional and bad for America!
I'm dedicated to repealing ObamaCare and replacing it with a free-enterprise health care legislation like my Option Act. If you haven't had a chance, visit this site and join my team of supporters that are just as serious about pulling ObamaCare out by the roots as I am. Please share this video with your family and friends.
-- Please support the passage of Congressman Broun's bill, H.R. 299 -- an alternative to Obamacare -- in prayer and in action. Thank you!
To learn more about this bill, please go here.
Rallies for Religious Freedom on Friday
Religious Freedom Rallies To Be Held This Friday
Before the U.S. Supreme Court begins hearing three days of arguments on the constitutionality of the new federal health care law on Monday, thousands of people are expected to make their voices heard in rallies taking place nationwide, saying the law violates their religious freedom.
Nearly 60 groups, including the Pro-Life Action League, Citizens for a Pro-Life America, Students for Life of America and the Alliance Defense Fund, have joined forces as the Coalition to Stop the HHS Mandate, and are sponsoring rallies in more than 120 cities nationwide at noon local time on Friday.
"(This is) the starting point in a grassroots effort to overturn this pernicious HHS mandate and restore the religious freedom with which our nation was founded," said rally co-chairman Eric Scheidler, executive director of the Pro-Life Action League. "The federal government, for the first time in U.S. history, is assuming the authority to determine what shall constitute the mission of a religious institution, like a hospital, a university, a soup kitchen. (Citizen Link) Read more.
Let Your Voice Be Heard!
Public Has 90 Days to Comment on Mandate for Abortion-Causing Drugs
The Obama administration on Friday released an advance notice of the public rule requiring all employers to provide insurance that covers drugs that could cause early abortions, inviting public comment for the next 90 days.
But according to experts who've analyzed the fine print, the administration only seems to be asking for help in balancing its priority - free contraceptives, sterilizations and abortifacient drugs for all women - with the religious freedoms of employers.
The 32-page notice asks the public for input on which, if any, organizations should be exempt from the mandate. "What entities should be eligible for the new accommodation (that is, what is a 'religious organization')?" it asks.
The Good News Corner (I)
Encouraging Word from the Lord!
[This word was submitted this morning by a couple in Christ . . . two or our partners in prayer. Amen.]
Daughter, Son,
Peace! Peace! Rest in me. Learn to rest and trust and move slowly with my rhythm.
Do not fear.
Let no anxiety take root - cast it out. Root in out completely. I will be with you.
I will watch over you. I will carry you through. Continue to let your roots go deep in me.
Roots firmly attached to my love and faithfulness. I will not let you go - I am holding you close.
"Let the beloved of the LORD rest secure in him, for he shields him all day long, and the one the LORD loves rests between his shoulders." (Deuteronomy 33:12)
"There is no one like our God, who rides on the heavens to help you and on the clouds in his majesty. The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms. He will drive out your enemy before you, saying, 'Destroy him!'" (Deuteronomy 33:26-27)
The Good News Corner (II)
Good news for Tennessee public school teachers and students this week!
Last night by a strong bipartisan vote of 25 to 8, the Tennessee State Senate approved Senate Bill 893 that would make it clear that teachers can help their students to develop critical thinking skills regarding scientific evidence and to consider the strengths and weaknesses of various scientific theories. And, yes, that includes evolution.
The Senate version did include an amendment clarifying the language of the bill, and it will have to go back to the House for its approval. With the bill having passed the House already by a vote of 70 to 23, it is anticipated that the Senate version will get the 50 votes required for the bill to go to the Governor.
Go to our website to learn more about what this legislative victory will mean for Tennessee teachers and students. (Source: Family Action Council of Tennessee, Inc.)
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