CHPP On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XIX, Number 20

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On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XIX, Number 20a

INTERNATIONAL ISSUES

July 30 - August 3, 2012

"May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way."
(2 Thessalonians 3:16)

	News from Israel

News from Israel

1. A LONG HOT SUMMER
2. PALESTINIAN CHILDREN'S TV SPEWS OUT HATRED FOR JEWS
3. AS ASSAD TEETERS, ISRAEL PREPARES FOR BATTLE TO SECURE CHEMICAL WEAPONS
4. IDF REINFORCES GOLAN BORDER, FEARING SYRIAN TERROR ATTACK
5. NEW ISRAELI TAXES ARE STEPS TOWARDS A $25-30BN WAR BUDGET
6. POINTED REMINDER THAT HIZBALLAH STILL HOLDS THE CARDS FOR MAKING WAR ON ISRAEL
7. BARAK: NUCLEAR IRAN FAR MORE DANGEROUS THAN PREEMPTIVE ISRAELI STRIKE
8. OBAMA UPSTAGES ROMNEY, STRENGTHENS SECURITY TIES WITH ISRAEL
9. COMMENTARY ON THE SLAYINGS IN BULGARIA
10. REPORT: NETANYAHU HOPING TO RESTORE RELATIONS WITH TURKEY

1. A LONG HOT SUMMER

Following the suicide bombing in Bulgaria last week [July 19] which killed five Israelis, tension continues to rise across the Middle East. There is also serious concern in Israel that as the situation worsens in Syria, chemical weapons that the Assad regime is known to possess could easily fall into the hands of terrorist organizations like Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The problem for Israel is not confined to the northern borders. The Sinai peninsula seems to be totally out of control of the Egyptian military. Today for the fifteenth time in the past eighteen months the gas pipeline that served as a supply line in the past for both Israel and Jordan has been blown up near al-Arish. This latest sabotage has affected supplies only to Jordan as supplies of natural gas to Israel were halted some months ago. . .

The general threat to Israel based on the unrest of Israel's immediate neighbors and Iran has caused a rethink in the IDF as far as redeployment is concerned. The Home Front Command could under certain circumstances become a front line division if Iran went ahead with the threat to target the center of Tel Aviv in any future regional conflict. Also more new recruits and veteran soldiers will be deployed to operate the very successful 'Iron Dome' anti-missile batteries. These batteries have already proven their worth in combating many of the missiles fired from Gaza during the past year. (By Ashernet, July 22, 2012) [edited] Reported by Bridges for Peace

- Pray for peace for Israel. Pray that the soldiers and their leaders who are protecting Israel's borders are kept safe and can accomplish the work they need to do.

- "Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me." (Psalm 23:4)

2. PALESTINIAN CHILDREN'S TV SPEWS OUT HATRED FOR JEWS

"Israel Is Monster that Eats Palestinian Children on PA TV"

A Palestinian Authority TV host asked an artist to discuss one of his paintings "dealing with the Palestinian nation's problems such as the Gaza massacres." The Palestinian artist said this painting "is about the Gaza massacre and the Zionist enemy's cruelty and savagery." (Palestinian Media Watch)

[Please see original article for the gruesome details. - the editor]

- Pray for the peace of the children of Israel and the children of the Arab worlds. Pray that these kinds of propaganda will stop being spread.

- "Pronounce them guilty, O God! Let them fall by their own counsels; cast them out in the multitude of their transgressions, for they have rebelled against You." (Psalm 5:10)
(Reported by Bridges for Peace)

3. AS ASSAD TEETERS, ISRAEL PREPARES FOR BATTLE TO SECURE CHEMICAL WEAPONS

As Syria's regime teeters on the brink of collapse, Israeli soldiers and civilians alike are preparing for possible military action to make sure Bashar al-Assad's chemical weapons don't fall into the hands of terrorist groups. Sources close to the Israel Defense Force told FoxNews.com soldiers have been put on standby and are ready to move, while civilian demand for gas masks has jumped 66 percent over the last few weeks from 2,200 to 3,700 per day. The fears center around the prospect of Hezbollah getting Syrian chemical weapons as the Assad regime shows imminent signs of collapse. "Israel...will not hold back and will respond decisively if this happens," Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman said.

"It appears the IDF may seek to eliminate Syria's ability to transport the weapons to proxy forces but not to eliminate the actual weapons themselves by striking at storage facilities," Idan Kweller, political correspondent for Israel Army Radio, told FoxNews.com. "Israel's main interest is to ensure the weapons are not passed on to the likes of Hezbollah in south Lebanon."

The potential breakdown of the Syrian regime has reportedly paved the way for any number of Islamist terror groups, including Al Qaeda, to blend in with the Free Syrian Army, giving them cover to get at the a chemical weapons stockpile Assad acknowledges having. That could potentially pose a massive threat to Israel's security and inflict significant civilian casualties, according to experts.

Meanwhile, the race to locate the chemical weapons has reportedly been taxing a number of international security agencies, including the CIA, desperate to ensure the arms won't fall into the wrong hands and spark an all-out regional war. One report suggested that a group of Jordanian commandoes had been sent into Syria to try and recover the weapons, while Turkey's intelligence agency is another with good reason to fear unaccounted for weapons. [Paul Alster is an Israel-based broadcast journalist who blogs]

Read more:
- Dear Abba Father, we ask You to be in Israeli leaders' midst so that they intensely feel Your presence. Fill them with Your timing, direction and purposes, so that they will clearly know how You want this done and when, in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.

- " But let all those rejoice who put their trust in You; let them ever shout for joy, because You defend them; let those also who love Your Name be joyful in You." (Psalm 5:11)

4. IDF REINFORCES GOLAN BORDER, FEARING SYRIAN TERROR ATTACK

The Israel Defense Forces is reinforcing its defensive positions along the Syrian border on the Golan Heights. The IDF fears that terror organizations will take advantage of events in Syria taking place on the Golan and will attempt to attack Israeli communities near the border. The steps include strengthening fences and barriers at the border. In addition, the IDF has dug a wide trench to prevent vehicles from approaching towns. The various areas that have been identified as sensitive fall within the sector of the IDF's 36th Division.

The Northern Command's biggest fear is of a terror attack that penetrates inside Israel in which terrorists strike civilians on the Golan. The operations branch has also prepared plans to deal with a potential influx of refugees fleeing from Syria, who may very well ask for asylum in Israel.

Read more:
- O Abba Father, be with the IDF leaders, directing them as to Your will for this needed security. May they feel Your comfort and strength flowing all around them and within them, in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.

- "Though I walk in the midst of trouble, You will revive me. You will stretch out Your hand against the wrath of my enemies, and Your right hand will save me." (Psalm 138:7)

5. NEW ISRAELI TAXES ARE STEPS TOWARDS A $25-30BN WAR BUDGET

The Israeli government convenes Monday, July 30, to approve an austerity-cum-taxation package entailing a 5-percent, across-the-board cutback in government ministry budgets to raise NIS 1 billion, or $250 million, in revenue; a tax hike will yield another NIS 3 billion, or $750 million. Both steps will generate an estimated total income of about one billion dollars. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Finance Minister Yuval Steinitz explained Wednesday, July 25, that these measures are vital to save Israel from economic decline like Germany, whose credit rating turned negative this week, or disaster like Greece and Spain which teeter on the brink of bankruptcy. Even America's economic troubles are cited as worth avoiding.

Some critics of Netanyahu government critics blame its policy of overspending in response to a wave of social protesters; others resent the one percent hike on VAT on purchases as hitting low-income groups. At the same time, debkafile's sources in Jerusalem report that Netanyahu and Steinitz have rightly turned genuine economic difficulty into a lever for getting the country on track for a war economy, without saying this in so many words. Gone are the old days when an embattled Israel was able to ask and receive from Washington easy-term loans to cover its war costs, military hardware gratis to replenish depleted weapons and ammo stores and/or international loan guarantees. Today, Jerusalem knows that given the present state of the US economy and the possibility of Israel having to act unilaterally against Iran, it will have to come up with its own war funding.

Netanyahu and Defense Minister Ehud Barak gave part of the game away about the dual purpose of the new measures in the comments they made Wednesday and Thursday, July 25-26. Both used an interesting tactic: First, they focused on the dry facts and figures of government spending, is deficit, revenue etc. but they then made speeches about the new security dangers facing Israel and the high cost of repelling them. Netanyahu said that recent regional regime changes mean that Israel has to spend more on defense to maintain its balance of strength and face the challenges of a nuclear Iran, missile threats, cyber warfare and a colossal influx of weaponry to the region "which are in certain hands today and may be in others tomorrow." (DebkaFile) Read more:
- O Heavenly Father, we know that Israel is confronted with potential war on all sides of its nation, and that many people in Israel are struggling with poverty situations, so that raising taxes will be painful and difficult. We also know why these kinds of changes are needed, Lord, so the nation will be prepared for what is all around them. We ask You to be with all the leadership, and to make known Your Wisdom as to this situation and how to deal with it, in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.

- "The Lord also will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble, and those who know Your Name will put their trust in You; for You, Lord, have not forsaken those who seek You." (Psalm 9:9-10)

6. POINTED REMINDER THAT HIZBALLAH STILL HOLDS THE CARDS FOR MAKING WAR ON ISRAEL

The Hizballah leader's strongest card - then and now - is his ability to keep Israel's policy-makers in a state of uncertainty or, to put it another way, his successful blocking tactics against Israeli intelligence. [A recently released] video shows Hizballah commandos cutting through the Israel fence on July 12, 2006, surging into Israel and jumping an IDF Hammer jeep patrolling the Lebanese border near Zarit after an artillery shelling. They are seen pulling open the car doors. But then, moments before the attackers dragged Goldwasser and Eldad Regev out of the jeep, the tape is cut. The enigma of whether they were snatched alive or dead remains. Their deaths were only revealed when they were handed back in coffins at the end of agonizing bargaining through international mediators in the hope they were still alive.

The Hizballah tape had another message, say debkafile's counter-terror sources: Just as Israeli intelligence was baffled by the 2006 incursion, so too it failed to anticipate the bus bombing of July 18, 2012 in Burgas, Bulgaria, which killed 6 Israeli holidaymakers and the Bulgarian driver.Therefore, Israel cannot hope to forestall the promised terrorist offensive still in store.

The clip was released by a new HIzballah TV channel established in Beirut by Lebanese sympathizers who quit Al-Jazeera. The videotape demonstrates Hizballah's stealth tactics for an undetected incursion. (Debkafile) Read more:
- Lord Jesus, again the enemy is attempting to rise up against Your special land Israel and it's people, while the world is distracted by the Olympics. Imbue the IDF leadership with a special discernment to seek and hear from You as to their response to any provocations, so that they will not be entrapped by the enemy and it will be Your victory and plans, in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.

- "Let all my enemies be ashamed and greatly troubled; let them turn back and be ashamed suddenly." (Psalm 6:10)

7. BARAK: NUCLEAR IRAN FAR MORE DANGEROUS THAN PREEMPTIVE ISRAELI STRIKE

Defense Minister Ehud Barak said Wednesday that Israel will soon need to arrive at a plan of action regarding the Islamic Republic. He emphasized that "having to deal with the challenge" of an Iran possessing nuclear bombs "would be many times more complex, dangerous and costly, both in terms of human life and in terms of resources, than a preemptive strike." Barak added: "The Iranians are determined to continue deceiving the entire world, in order to achieve nuclear weapons. Whoever wants proof just needs to look at the talks over the last few months." Barak said Israel would remain responsible for its own security, rather than depending on other nations, such as the US. Earlier Wednesday, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has the final say on all state matters in Iran, voiced confidence the Islamic Republic can beat the latest punitive measures aimed at blocking the country's vital oil and banking industries over the disputed program. US congressional negotiators are presently working on new sanctions designed to crack down on transactions with Iran's national oil and tanker companies, and to hamper the ability of Iranian banks to transfer funds electronically. The Islamic Republic has continued its nuclear development activities despite increased sanctions and four resolutions by the UN Security Council condemning Iran for its defiance of the ban on its nuclear development. (Ha'aretz) [Source is Jerusalem-on-The-Line]
- Pray Iran's nuclear weapons program, which is presently speeding ahead while the attention of many governments and the media is turned to the Syrian crisis, will be stopped before the point of no return has been reached. May G-d's strategies for dealing with Iran be revealed to Israel's government, military and intelligence leaders.

- Thus says the Lord to you: 'Do not be afraid nor dismayed because of this great multitude, for the battle is not yours, but God's. You will not need to fight this battle. Position yourselves, stand still and see the salvation of the Lord, who is with you, O Judah and Jerusalem! Do not fear or be dismayed, tomorrow go out against them, for the Lord is with you. (2 Chronicles 20:15b & 17)

8. OBAMA UPSTAGES ROMNEY, STRENGTHENS SECURITY TIES WITH ISRAEL

Obama signed a bill on Friday to strengthen U.S.-Israeli military ties, Reuters reported.

Obama signed a bill on Friday to strengthen U.S.-Israeli military ties, Reuters reported. Obama used a White House ceremony to announce the United States would soon provide Israel with an additional $70 million in funding for the Iron Dome short-range rocket shield. As Obama signed the bill at his desk in the Oval Office, he said it underscored his administration's "unshakeable commitment" to Israel's security. Congress passed the legislation last week with broad support from Republicans and Obama's Democrats. "I have made it a top priority for my administration to deepen cooperation with Israel across a whole spectrum of security issues," Obama was quoted as having said in the Oval Office. The new bill calls for enhanced cooperation with Israel on missile defense and intelligence, and increased access to advanced weapons. It is believed that Obama's focus on strengthening cooperation with Israel was timed to upstage his Republican rival, Mitt Romney, who has accused the president of undermining Washington's relationship with its number one partner in the Middle East. Romney will travel to Israel on Saturday, where he will meet with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu and President Shimon Peres. (Israel National News) Read more:
- Dear Heavenly Father, we lift up praise for the funding bill being signed into law which assists Israel with the Iron Dome - which has saved numerous lives - and for other defense tools and intelligence. Sadly, Lord, we repent that this action appears to be tied to 'political games'. We ask for You, Lord, to confront these motives within those involved - with Your Holiness and Righteousness - bringing the Fear of You upon them, in Jesus' Name, Amen and Amen.

- "A wise man fears and departs from evil, but a fool rages and is self-confident." (Proverbs 14:16)

9. COMMENTARY ON THE SLAYINGS IN BULGARIA

"We have discovered how to hit the Jews where they are the most vulnerable. The Jews love life, so that is what we shall take away from them. We are going to win, because they love life and we love death" - so said Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah. The man who most likely gave the order to take Jewish life in Bulgaria. The scene of destruction was familiar. Forever ingrained in the collective Jewish memory. The charred, smoking remnants of a passenger bus. Blackened metal, broken glass. The witness statements are familiar too. Loose limbs, decapitation, bodies now beyond recognition, death, destruction, pain, sorrow, blood. The targets were soft and easy. Oblivious holidaying families. They never saw it coming. They never stood a chance.

No doubt Israel will hunt the perpetrators. There will be conspiracy theories aplenty, statements of condemnation will come but ultimately the world will merely urge caution and restraint. The cost of instability is too great. Oil prices fluctuate, election campaigns are disrupted. The price is always greater than the price of Jewish blood. . . . The enemies of the Jewish people are determined, intelligent and fanatical. It would be a fool who underestimates them. But it would be more foolish still to think that the Jewish people can turn to anyone but the Jewish State to defend them. (From the article, "One Dead Jew at a Time," by Alex Ryvchin, July 24, 2012; Reprinted by Bridges for Peace)

- Pray that any proclaimed attacks against the Jewish people will be foiled and pray for protection of the Jewish communities around the world.

- "Be exalted, O God, above the heavens, and Your glory above all the earth; that Your beloved may be delivered, save with Your right hand, and hear me." (Psalm 108:5¬6)

10. REPORT: NETANYAHU HOPING TO RESTORE RELATIONS WITH TURKEY

Turkey's Today's Zaman newspaper reported Tuesday [July 24, 2012] that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu expressed his wish to restore relations with Turkey and also discussed his love of Turkish coffee, but stressed: "We will not apologize for Marmara." According to the Turkish daily, speaking with Turkish reporters in Jerusalem Netanyahu said: "In a region where instability reigns, Israel and Turkey are two quite stable countries. I believe in (our) common interest." He also discussed the joint Turkish and Jewish history.

Later in the report a "high-level" official is quoted as saying that the two countries have been trying to find a magic formula to mend the bilateral ties, but as of yet the efforts remain fruitless. The official added that Israel is open to proposals from third parties regarding such a formula. "The formula needs to not only appeal to both countries but it should also not harm the dignity of either country." He then went on to discuss the Marmara incident saying that it led to trauma in Israel, but he is of the opinion that it is important for the two countries to get over the trauma at this point. "Have a look at the developments in the region and you will see Israel and Turkey have common interests," he noted.
The official noted that "Negotiations with Turkey have never been cut off. We still have open channels." He then implied that the two countries continue to share intelligence through the US. "We share our concerns about chemical weapons which may get into the hands of illegitimate groups." Sources at the Foreign Ministry were satisfied with Netanyahu and Minister Avigdor Lieberman's meetings with Turkish journalists. "Lieberman stressed we will not apologize, and yet the tone in the reports remained positive," a Foreign Ministry official said. "We are seeing a change in the Turkish public and media." However, it remains unclear whether the meetings will affect bilateral relations. Meanwhile, President Shimon Peres is pressuring Netanyahu to restore relations with Ankara in the hopes this will grant Israel greater freedom vis-à-vis Iran. "Israel is eager to reach understandings and establish a dialogue," the Foreign Ministry official said. "It is very important." (Ynet News) Reported by Bridges for Peace
- Pray that the doors for communication and developing allies open up for Prime Minister Netanyahu. Pray that the Prime Minister is able to form strong bonds between Israel and Turkey.

- "I will mention the lovingkindnesses of the LORD and the praises of the LORD, according to all that the LORD has bestowed on us, and the great goodness toward the house of Israel, which He has bestowed on them according to His mercies, according to the multitude of His lovingkindnesses." (Isaiah 63:7)

	More International News

More International News

1. SYRIA SAYS WON'T USE CHEMICAL WEAPONS ON CIVILIANS
2. U.S. OFFICIAL: SYRIAN REGIME SEEMS TO BE READYING FOR MASSACRE
3. Al-QAEDA GAINING EXPERIENCE IN SYRIA
4. WESTERN APPROVED WAR ON CHRISTIANS
5. CONGRESSIONAL RESOLUTION ON SYRIAN CHRISTIANS
6. US DEFENSE CHIEF PANETTA TO VISIT EGYPT, MEET MORSI
7. EGYPT - ISRAEL TREATY?
8. GAZA WORKING ON REGIONAL TIES WITH HIGH-LEVEL MEETINGS
9. MOSLEM BROTHERHOOD PLOTTING OVERTHROW OF GULF STATES
10. RUSSIA SEEKS TO SET UP NAVAL BASES ABROAD

1. SYRIA SAYS WON'T USE CHEMICAL WEAPONS ON CIVILIANS

The Syrian government addressed international warnings against using its chemical weapons stockpile by saying that even if the country possessed the weapons, they would not be used on the country's civilians. According to Iran's Press TV, Syrian Foreign Ministry spokesman Jihad Makdissi told reporters that the weapons of mass destruction would only be used against "external aggression. Syria will not use any chemical or other unconventional weapons against its civilians, and will only use them in case of external aggression," the Syrian spokesman was quoted as saying.

Israel has expressed concerns that Syria's chemical weapons could fall into the hands of terrorists, particularly if the Syrian regime falls in the current civil war and the country descends into chaos. Speaking on "Fox News Sunday," Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he would not rule out taking action against Syria's chemical weapons stockpiles if necessary.

"We certainly don't want to be exposed to chemical weapons falling in the hands of Hezbollah or other terror groups, because that's something we can't be indifferent to," said Netanyahu. "It's a great threat. We'll have to consider our action . . . Do I seek action? No. Do I preclude it? No." Netanyahu made clear however that "we hope we don't have to and we didn't necessarily consider seizing those weapons. There are other possibilities."
Despite that, the Israeli leader refused to dismiss the threat of chemical weapons reaching terrorists. "I think this is a real problem. Can you imagine Hezbollah, the people who are conducting with Iran all these terror attacks around the world-can you imagine that they would have chemical weapons? It's like al Qaeda having chemical weapons. It's something that is not acceptable to us and not acceptable to the United States and to any peaceable country in the world." (The Mideast Update) Reported by Bridges for Peace

- Pray for the safety of the Syrian people and for all those involved in the conflict. Pray that Syria's civil war is ended without use of WMD and that they do not fall into dangerous hands.

- "I said to the LORD: "You are my God; hear the voice of my supplications, O LORD. O GOD the Lord, the strength of my salvation, You have covered my head in the day of battle." (Psalm 140:6-7)

2. U.S. OFFICIAL: SYRIAN REGIME SEEMS TO BE READYING FOR MASSACRE

With the Assad regime directing the full force of its military at Aleppo, Syria's biggest city, the Syrian government is pulling forces out of surrounding towns in northern Syria.

The United States has "grave concerns" about the situation in Syria, the State Department said Thursday, as President Bashar Assad's forces withdrew from many towns and villages and focused their firepower on the key city of Aleppo. "This is the concern, that we will see a massacre in Aleppo, and that's what the regime appears to be lining up for," said spokeswoman Victoria Nuland. Citing "columns of tanks" outside the city, Nuland said the Syrian military "seem(s) to be massing for an attack." She called the use of fixed-wing aircraft in addition to helicopter gunships a "serious escalation in this conflict. Nuland said Assad's regime was "increasingly losing control of its territory, that there are swaths of the country that are no longer under the control of the regime, that his tactics are increasingly violent, increasingly desperate as that happens."

"It could be a humanitarian disaster for the people of Aleppo," NBC News' Richard Engel reported. "It also means the Syrian troops are forced to make trade-offs. They don't have enough loyal troops to make the offensive against Aleppo and hold these rural areas." The key city of Aleppo has come under ferocious assault, bombarded by fighter jets and machine gun fire. The Syrian government's main priority is taking control of the major cities - without enough troops to control the entire country, they are on the offensive.

Military experts believe an overstretched Syrian army is pulling back to concentrate on fighting insurgents in Aleppo and Damascus, important power centers for the government, while leaving outlying areas in the hands of rebels. Assad's forces have launched massive counterattacks in both cities.

Meanwhile, north of Aleppo, the town of Azaz has been almost completely destroyed by heavy fighting, Reuters reported. Burned-out armored personnel carriers sat on the roads where rebels hit them with rocket-propelled grenades. Bullet casings were scattered everywhere.
In another key development, neighbor Turkey was not allowing goods or people to pass over the Bab al-Hawa border crossing after rebels took base near Aleppo over the weekend, Engel said. "Maybe they're concerned about there being too many rebels or refugees crossing," Engel said. "There may also be concern that the Turks may be losing control of security in southern Turkey." Fighting in and around Aleppo is expected to prompt an exodus across the Turkish border, where some Syrian refugees are already complaining about poor conditions and have clashed with riot police in disputes over food.

Further south, Syrian forces used artillery and fired rockets on Wednesday on the northern Damascus suburb of al-Tel in an attempt to seize it from rebels, forcing hundreds of families to flee, residents and opposition activists said. The latest massacre began with a military bombardment of the village of Tremsi. After the heavy artillery and shelling, villagers said pro-government militia men swept in to kill at close range," Engel reports. (NBCNews.com)

- These reports certainly suggest Al-Qaeda's role in the violence. Where are the rebels getting the funds and weapons for such violent assaults on the Syrians? However, Bashur Assad and his regime are equally culpable in the murders of many peoples. And Turkey is not helping the dire situation of the refugees.

Pray for the refugees who have now fled to Turkey - that they will have healthy food and secure shelter. Pray also that Syria returns to the rule of the people, not Al-Qaeda nor Assad and the Allowite regime. We have two Goliaths in battle but no Davids, no one who will fight in the name of the Lord. Ask the Lord to send a David to rescue the Syrian people.

- "Remove falsehood and lies far from me; give me neither poverty nor riches." (Proverbs 30:8)

3. Al-QAEDA GAINING EXPERIENCE IN SYRIA

EYES 'ISLAMIC STATE TO FIGHT ISRAEL AND IRAN

An Iraqi Al-Qaeda operative has admitted that his organization is taking part in the Syrian uprising against President Assad. The revelation comes amidst increasing evidence that Al-Qaeda is gaining a foothold in Syria. Abu Thuha, a 56-year-old Al-Qaeda operative living near Kirkuk in northern Iraq, described the Islamist organization's grand plans to an Iraqi reporter for The New York Times. We have experience now fighting the Americans, and more experience now with the Syrian revolution," he noted. "Our big hope is to form a Syrian-Iraqi Islamic state for all Muslims, and then announce our war against Iran and Israel, and free Palestine."

Similar revelations that "around 90 terror attacks that can be attributed to organizations that are close to Al-Qaeda or jihadist groups were carried out in Syria between the end of December and the beginning of July" have been made by the German foreign intelligence service, the BND.

The information was revealed by the German government in a response to a parliamentary question. The German government admitted that it had received several reports from the German foreign intelligence service, but noted that the content of these reports was to remain classified "by reason of national interest," in light of Germany's support for the rebellion and its political arm, the Syrian National Council (SNC).
. . . The anti-Assad rhetoric of top American officials is not being backed by evidence presented by the country's own military and intelligence. General Martin Dempsey, the chairman of the Joint Chief of Staff, also suggested that Islamist militant organizations such as Al-Qaeda were trying to stir the conflict in Syria their way. "Those who would like to foment a Sunni-Shia standoff - and you know who they are - are all weighing in on Syria," he noted during a Senate testimony in February. (WorthyNews.com)

- Where does the truth exist? Is the fighting in Syria the work of Al-Qaeda or of citizens of Syria? Or both? Why would citizens kill young children? Apparently Al-Qaeda is working both sides and blaming the other. Syria has been a police state under Assad's rule for many years. Pray that the Lord will reveal the truth behind each action and who is the real perpetrator. Again, pray for the Lord's protection of the Christians and Jews. Pray also for divine intervention in this mess. The Lord knows what to do and how to set the innocents free.

- "When the righteous are in authority, the people rejoice; but when the wicked man rules, the people groan." (Proverbs 29:2)

4. WESTERN APPROVED WAR ON CHRISTIANS

U.S.-backed rebels are committing Christian genocide in Syria, where they are sacking churches and issuing threats that all Christians will be cleansed from rebel-held territory. A mass exodus of thousands of Christians is taking place, even as mainstream Western reporters, such as Robert Fisk, demonize these same Christians for being supportive of the secular regime. The bloody jihad waged against Nigeria's Christians, which has seen hundreds killed this year alone, now includes plans to kill Christians with poisoned food, as part of the Islamic organization Boko Haram's stated goal of purging Nigeria of all Christian presence. (Religious Freedom Coalition)

- Please pray for the protection of Christians throughout the world. Ask the Lord to strengthen Christians with courage and determination to stare down the Moslems, who, for demonic reasons only, desire to kill Christians and Jews. Pray that the Christians will remember that the Lord is their high tower and will run to Him for help. He can even make them invisible to human eyes. Pray for the salvation of any Moslems you may know personally, especially during this month of ramadan.

- "Submit yourselves therefore to God. Resist the devil and he will flee from you." (James 4: 7)

5. CONGRESSIONAL RESOLUTION ON SYRIAN CHRISTIANS

A member of Congress, whose name I cannot disclose at this point, has been attempting to obtain the signatures of other congressmen on a resolution asking that religious minorities (Christians) be protected in Syria. This comes at a time that Senator John McCain is pushing for heavy weapons to be given to the Islamists who are trying to overthrow the secular government of Syria. Already dozens of churches in Syria have been destroyed by the "rebels" and entire Christian families have been murdered. When informed of the situation in Syria, many congressmen have backed away from signing the resolution as soon as they realize it calls for the protection of Christians. This is political correctness at it worst! (William Murray; Religious Freedom Coalition)

- Pray that our congressmen forget political correctness and sign this resolution. Quite likely, many members of Congress do not know their American history nor the thinking that was in the minds of the Founding Fathers. America was established on a Christian foundation. How cowardly are those who refuse to sign this resolution! While Senator McCain means well and is right in thinking power is in heavy weaponry, he is wrong also. The power must be in American hands, not in the fists of the Islamists. And the ultimate Power is the Lord's! Ask the Lord to shepherd this resolution through Congress. Islam understands power.

- "No weapon formed against you will prosper; and every tongue which rises you in judgment you shall condemn." (Isaiah 54:17)

6. US DEFENSE CHIEF PANETTA TO VISIT EGYPT, MEET MORSI

US Defense Secretary Leon Panetta will meet Egypt's new Islamist President Mohamed Morsi next week and hold talks with the country's top general during a trip to the Middle East and North Africa, the Pentagon said on Thursday. Besides Egypt, Panetta will travel to Israel, Jordan and Tunisia next week, the Pentagon said without disclosing the dates of each visit.

Panetta's trip to Egypt comes on the heels of a mid-July visit there by US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, who also met Mursi and Egypt's top general, Field Marshal Hussein Tantawi. Top on the agenda will be Egypt's turbulent democratic transition, which has seen the military wrestling for influence with the new president. "The secretary is very much looking forward to meeting with senior Egyptian officials and to encourage them to continue the political transition that's taking place," said Pentagon spokesman George Little. "I wouldn't want to get too far ahead of the discussions, since they're taking place next week." In Israel and Jordan, Panetta will "engage close allies who share our concerns about Syria and Iran," Little said.
Secretary of State Clinton visited Israel on July 16, saying the two countries were "on the same page" in their determination to prevent Iran from achieving what the West fears is its goal of building a nuclear bomb.

On Wednesday, Defense Minister Ehud Barak called for major powers to speed up efforts to stop Iran's nuclear program, cautioning it would be tougher to confront it once Tehran managed to cross an atomic threshold. Israeli media interpreted Barak's comments as pushing for a possible Israeli strike against Iran, which denies pursuit of atomic weapons and says its nuclear program is peaceful. (Reuters from Jerusalem Post)

- Pray that the Holy Spirit is present at each of the meetings between Defense Secretary Panetta and President Mohammed Morsi. Panetta should know by now that any words from Morsi may be a lie or a promise that will not be kept. Pray that the Lord will not allow any reference to the Moslem Brotherhood to be a part of these discussions. Obama supported the Arab Spring, leading to the resignation of Mubarak . Obama apologized in Cairo for the arrogance of Americans. No doubt Panetta has his marching orders from Obama. Pray for no behind- closed- doors meetings where deals could be made that would anger Americans who stand with Israel. Keep these meetings in your prayers all week.

- "He that keeps his mouth keeps his life, but he who opens wide his lips shall have destruction." (Proverbs 13:3)

7. EGYPT - ISRAEL TREATY?

Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi has stated to the Western media that he accepts the peace agreement with Israel, but has added "conditions" such as Israel giving the "right of return" to Palestinians, thus eliminating the Jewish state. Meanwhile Muslim Brotherhood Supreme Guide Muhammad Badi' recently stated, "Every Muslim must act to save Jerusalem from the usurpers and to [liberate] Palestine from the claws of occupation. This is a personal duty for all Muslims. They must participate in jihad by [donating] money or [sacrificing] their life." (Religious Freedom Coalition)

- It seems that the new President of Egypt thinks he is as wily as a fox. If the western media believes Mr. Morsi, then they have not discerned the pattern of lying so notable in Moslem thinking. Mr. Morsi is also setting himself up for an outpouring of God's wrath. Please pray that the Egyptian people will spew him out of their lives and country. Continue to pray for the souls of Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi and the Moslems of Egypt. Pray that the Western media will see the lack of truth in Morsi's mouth and will report any news with skepticism, and forget about political correctness.

- "The nations shall see and be ashamed of their might; they shall put their hand over their mouth." ( Micah 7:16)

8. GAZA WORKING ON REGIONAL TIES WITH HIGH-LEVEL MEETINGS

Hamas officials are in the midst of meetings with key regional leaders, including a surprise visit between Hamas' political chief Khaled Mashaal and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdoğan on Tuesday [July 24, 2012]. According to the Hurriyet Daily News, the two leaders discussed Palestinian reconciliation, which has yet to make substantial progress despite more than a year of high-level talks. Hamas and political rival Fatah have split Palestinian control since violent fighting between the groups in 2007.

Mashaal is making the regional rounds: Hurriyet noted he met with new Egyptian President Mohammed Morsi last week. Gaza-leading Hamas is considered a terrorist organization by the United States and refuses to recognize Israel or renounce violence. Hurriyet said the meeting between Mashaal and Erdoğan was not on the Turkish leader's official schedule and lasted 3-5 hours. Foreign policy officials joined the meeting, including Foreign Minister Ahmet Davutoglu.

Another Turkish news group, Today's Zaman, implied the discussion may have included talks on the Syrian civil war. A number of Palestinian groups still reside in Syria. Mashaal had previously been headquartered there before Hamas opposed the Bashar al-Assad regime over its vicious crackdown on civilians.
As for Egypt, Hamas official Dr. Salah Al-Bardawil was quoted by the Hamas military wing website as saying their meetings in the country were intended for "activating the Egyptian historic role in defending the Palestinian cause." Bardawil, whose comments were originally published by Quds Press, said opening the crossing between Egypt and Gaza and trade ties are key ways for restoring the "Egyptian role" in Palestinian affairs.

For almost two decades prior to 1967, Egypt controlled Gaza. Morsi's relationship with the Muslim Brotherhood is yet another link between the two locales: the Brotherhood are organizationally related to Hamas, with historical and ideological ties. (The Mideast Update) Reported by Bridges for Peace

- Pray that these ties that are being formed create a better platform for communication and not one of terror against Israel.

- "I will call upon the LORD, who is worthy to be praised; so shall I be saved from my enemies." (2 Samuel 22:4)

9. MOSLEM BROTHERHOOD PLOTTING OVERTHROW OF GULF STATES

Dubai's chief of police has warned of an "international plot" to overthrow the governments of Gulf Arab countries, saying the region needs to be prepared to counter any threat from Islamist dissidents as well as Syria and Iran. The comments by Dahi Khalfan, one of the most outspoken security officials in the United Arab Emirates, follow the detention in the UAE since April of at least 20 dissidents, according to relatives of the detainees and activists.

"There's an international plot against Gulf states in particular and Arab countries in general.This is preplanned to take over our fortunes," Khalfan told reporters at a gathering late on Wednesday marking the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. The bigger our sovereign wealth funds and the more money we put in the banks of Western countries, the bigger the plot to take over our countries.The brothers and their governments in Damascus and North Africa have to know that the Gulf is a red line, not only for Iran but also for the Brotherhood as well."
Most of the detainees since April are Islamists, targeted by an official clampdown amid concern they may be emboldened by the rise of the Muslim Brotherhood in other Arab countries such as Egypt. UAE Interior Ministry officials have not been available to comment on the arrests. Last week, UAE officials announced that authorities were investigating a foreign-linked group planning "crimes against the security of the state". "I had no idea that there is this large number of Muslim Brotherhood in the Gulf states. We have to be alert and on guard because the wider these groups become, the higher probability there is for trouble," Khalfan said on Wednesday. (Jerusalem Post from Reuters)

- Are we surprised that the Moslem Brotherhood is seeking money? Of course not, for weapons and training camps have to be funded. The UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait are all incredibly wealthy. Praise the Lord that the oil producing countries lean towards the West. The Moslem Brotherhood is like a cancer, rapidly multiplying, rebelliously and invading everything. Pray that the Lord will restrain this cancer and dry up their funds to support their jihad. Now their plans include killing other Moslems to fulfill their purpose. Pray that the Moslems in these Gulf countries have an encounter with the Lord and be redeemed in Jesus.

- "The earth is the Lord's and all the fullness; the world and those who dwell therein." (Psalm 24: 1).

10. RUSSIA SEEKS TO SET UP NAVAL BASES ABROAD

Naval chief confirms talks with Cuba, Vietnam and the Seychelles about setting up overseas facilities for Russian ships. Russia is talking to Cuba, Vietnam and the Seychelles about housing Russian navy ships, its naval chief has said. Vice-admiral Viktor Chirkov told the RIA Novosti state news agency Russia was in talks with the three countries about setting up maintenance and supply facilities but would not give further details.

Russia's only existing naval base outside the former Soviet Union is located in the Syrian port of Tartus. A squadron of Russian navy ships, including several assault ships carrying marines, is heading to Tartus in a show of support for a longtime ally that Moscow has protected from international sanctions and continues to supply with weapons.

Chirkov's statement marked a sharp about-face for Russia, which closed a Soviet-era naval base at Vietnam's Cam Ranh Bay and a spy base in Lourdes in Cuba in the early 2000s during President Vladimir Putin's first term.
Along with financial reasons, that move was part of Putin's bid to improve ties with the US. But relations with Washington deteriorated, and Putin, who was re-elected to a third term in March, has grown increasingly eager to challenge Washington. During his election campaign, he accused the US of encouraging protest against his 12-year rule in order to weaken Russia and pledged to strengthen the nation's military might. (The Guardian)

- Please notice that the three countries named by the Russian naval chief all have close ties to communism. Obviously Russia fears no refusal to its requests for ports. Russia can easily impose its will on these three countries. Please pray against the establishment of naval bases in these countries. Obviously Russia has not abandoned its use of power to gain more territory. The Lord knows what strategies to use to stop the spread of communism.

- "Do not rejoice over me; When I fall, I shall arise; when I sit in darkness , the Lord will be a light to me." (Micah 7:8)

On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XIX, Number 20b

July 30 - August 3, 2012

FOCUS ON THE HEALTH CARE ACT

"May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way."
(2 Thessalonians 3:16)


Please note: Section C of this week's OCAP -- Domestic Issues -- will be published on Tuesday morning (tomorrow). Thank you!

	The Health Care Act

1. COURT ACTS ON HHS MANDATE TWO DAYS BEFORE DEADLINE
2. CBO PARTIALLY UPDATES COST ESTIMATE FOR ACA REPEAL
3. CONGRESS SETTING PRIORITIES FOR DEFUNDING HEALTH CARE LAW
4. NO LEGAL AUTHORITY TO PUT MEDICARE ADVANTAGE CUTS ON HOLD
5. AFFORDABILITY RULE IGNORES CHILDREN
6. ACA IN THE STATES
7. IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE TAX
8. OBAMACARE VS. ROE
9. MCDONALD'S CFO SEES UP TO $420M IN NEW HEALTH-CARE COSTS

1. COURT ACTS ON HHS MANDATE TWO DAYS BEFORE DEADLINE

William, Paul and James Newland and their sister, Christine Ketterhagen, who together own Hercules Industries, have no right to conduct their family business in a manner that comports with their Catholic faith.

The federal government can and will compel them to either surrender their business or to engage in activities the Catholic faith teaches are intrinsically immoral.

This is exactly what President Barack Obama's Justice Department told a U.S. district court in a formal filing last week. (The Patriot Post)

A federal judge disagreed...

A coalition of civil rights group has persuaded a Denver, Colo. judge that Obamacare's preventive care coverage provides a "substantial burden" on a Colorado company's free exercise of religion.

Judge John Kane, who was appointed by President Jimmy Carter, granted a "preliminary injunction" barring enforcement of the law against the family-owned company, pending a full trial.

"This is the very first ruling on whether Obamacare can violate religious freedom and the judge said no," said Matt Bowman, a lawyer for legal advocacy group Alliance Defending Freedom, formerly known as the Alliance Defense Fund. (The Daily Caller)

The mandate forces employers, regardless of their religious or moral convictions, to provide insurance coverage for abortion-inducing drugs, sterilization, and contraception under threat of heavy penalties.

Alliance Defending Freedom attorneys obtained the first-ever order against the mandate on behalf of Hercules Industries and the Catholic family that owns it. The administration opposed the order, arguing, contrary to the U.S. Constitution, that people of faith forfeit their religious liberty once they engage in business. (Alliance Defending Freedom)

Judge John Kane emphasized that his ruling only applies to the specific company whose lawsuit he considered—Colorado-based Hercules Industries.

"Every American, including family business owners, should be free to live and do business according to their faith. For the time being, Hercules Industries will be able to do just that," attorney Matt Bowman said in a statement. (Healthwatch)

The Thomas More Law Center, a national public interest law firm based in Ann Arbor, Michigan, announced it has filed an emergency motion asking that Federal District Judge Robert H. Cleland of the Eastern District of Michigan stop the HHS Mandate which goes into effect on August 1, 2012. (Christian Newswire, Thomas More Law Center)

- Father, we thank you for this huge victory for Hercules Industries. We ask that you make it complete for all Americans.

- "...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)

2. CBO PARTIALLY UPDATES COST ESTIMATE FOR ACA REPEAL

The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office said repealing President Obama's healthcare reform would increase the deficit by $109 billion over 10 years. This is in light of June's Supreme Court ruling that upheld most of the law, and it is a smaller deficit increase than CBO previously had linked to the repeal.

CBO said the ruling added uncertainty to its estimates but it has put forward a number that comes down in the middle of possible outcomes. It estimates that the ruling will save the government $84 billion because fewer people would be covered by Medicaid.

In March 2011, CBO said that the law would reduce the deficit by $210 billion over 10 years, despite increasing spending by $1.042 trillion over 10 years, from 2012 until 2021. The new estimate covers 2022. Using the same time frame, repeal would only add $65 billion, CBO said. (On The Money)

There is a $145 billion difference between $210 billion and $65 billion which amounts to a 69 percent loss of effectiveness in how much the Affordable Care Act will reduce the deficit. (Pray for Congress)

House Republican Policy Committee Chairman Tom Price, M.D. (R-GA) statement: The "nearly $1.7 trillion price tag and the taxes that will be imposed on individuals and businesses are only one part of the cost of this law. What cannot be fully expressed in a CBO score is how the American people, under the president's plan, will lose access to affordable, quality health care choices."

Former CBO Director Douglas Holtz-Eakin: This does not constitute a comprehensive re-estimate of the cost of the ACA.

An interesting feature of the report is that the CBO estimates that the ACA will cut Medicare spending by $741 billion over the next 10 years, up from the roughly $500 billion advertised at passage. This change reflects both the fact that the budget window is different, and that in the absence of cuts, Medicare is growing quite rapidly. Accordingly, the size of the cuts are growing rapidly as well.

The final aspect of the CBO analysis, contained in a letter to Speaker Boehner, is that repeal of the ACA will increase the deficit by $109 billion over 10 years. Interestingly, $95 billion is "off-budget" savings—CBO parlance for Social Security taxes. Put differently, the ACA is budgetarily "sound" only because of higher taxes—no health-care savings in sight. (NRO)

As reinterpreted by the Court, the mandate is not "a provision requiring most individuals to obtain insurance coverage or pay a penalty tax" but is rather just a tax. By the CBO's own prior reckoning, the fact of the requirement was a significant driver of compliance, so if it's not a requirement then compliance would be diminished. The agency's health-care analysts were aware of the problem in the course of this re-scoring, but in the end evidently decided they would do best to pretend it did not exist and report no significant effect on compliance. (NRO)

- Father, we thank you for the "nonpartisan" though still incomplete picture from the Congressional Budget Office and for the clear voices that can help us complete the picture of this health care law. We ask that the truth would continue to prevail, for a clear fiscal picture as a whole, and for leaders willing to speak hard truth to the public about how to fix the problem instead of just things that sound good and actually make the problem worse.

- "You be watchful in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an evangelist, fulfill your ministry." (2 Timothy 4:5)

3. CONGRESS SETTING PRIORITIES FOR DEFUNDING HEALTH CARE LAW

A large bloc of House Republicans urged their leaders to hold more votes to block funding for the healthcare law. Joined by roughly half of the House GOP, Reps. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) and Jim Jordan (R-Ohio) stated that efforts to subvert "ObamaCare" must continue "until we are successful."

"We urge you not to bring to the House floor ... any legislation that provides or allows fund to implement ObamaCare," they wrote in a letter, adding that all current implementation funds should be rescinded. The letter was addressed to Speaker John Boehner (R-Ohio) and Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.).

The current House GOP has held more than 30 votes to undermine the Affordable Care Act, which the Supreme Court largely upheld on June 28. Republicans most recently led the chamber in a second vote to repeal the law in full. The measure passed 244-185 but will go nowhere in the Democrat-controlled Senate, like most of the others.

Democrats responded by seeking to portray the GOP as myopically focused on healthcare at the expense of other national problems. (Healthwatch)

CNSNews.com put the question of "whether the House Republicans would permit or not permit funding for Obamacare in whatever legislation is enacted to fund the government after Sept. 30—when the current funding legislation runs out" to House Speaker John Boehner and Majority Whip Kevin McCarthy.

The Speaker responded that "our goal would be to make sure the government is funded." CNSNews.com concluded the "House Republicans do plan to fund implementation of Obamacare past Sept. 30."

This is one possible scenario if a separate bill for funding the Department of Health and Human Services is not enacted by then. As reported last week, HHS Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Rep. Rehberg (R-Montana) has introduced an excellent bill that cuts the HHS budget by $1.3 billion, blocks implementation of the health care law, and defunds abortion provider Planned Parenthood.

Insisting on all that in a continuing resolution that temporarily keeps the government funded past September 30, likely until after the election, would be a heavy lift.

Less difficult would be to include in a continuing resolution language that, as CNSNews.com puts it, "expressly prohibits funding specifically for the Obamacare regulation that requires health-care plans to cover, without cost-sharing, sterilizations, artificial contraceptives and abortifacients."

That's the same regulation that is under court challenge as discussed in the first item above. That mandate is set to go into effect in two days, Wednesday, August 1, 2012.

- Father, we know that the health care law is one of our largest domestic national problems, and it's aggravating other challenges we face in our economy and our moral state as a country. We ask that you would help our leaders match their priorities to Your priorities, give them strategies for enactment, and make them effective.

- "And Elisha prayed, and said, "LORD, I pray, open his eyes that he may see." Then the LORD opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha." (2 Kings 6:17)

4. NO LEGAL AUTHORITY TO PUT MEDICARE ADVANTAGE CUTS ON HOLD

Re-electing President Obama is really important to President Obama, which isn't news. What is news are the out-of-liberal-character acts that his Administration is committing to serve this political goal. Most remarkable is Mr. Obama's decision to flout his own health-care law to temporarily protect private insurance inside Medicare. ObamaCare slashes about $145 billion from Medicare Advantage. (WSJ)

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act substantially alters Medicare Advantage (MA) and, as a consequence, reduces the access of senior citizens and the disabled to quality health care by restricting and worsening the health care plan options available to them. Lower-income beneficiaries, Hispanics, and African-Americans will bear a disproportionate share of the act's Medicare Advantage payment reductions.

The MA changes are structured in ways that will make almost all beneficiaries who would have chosen MA under prior law worse off. The "lucky" ones will lose only money. The rest will lose both money and their chosen method of obtaining health care, and the changes may also adversely affect the health of some beneficiaries. (Heritage Foundation)

CBO estimates that the ACA will cut Medicare spending by $741 billion over the next 10 years, up from the roughly $500 billion advertised at passage. (NRO)

HHS has a program "to implement an $8.35 billion demonstration program to isolate Medicare Advantage from those cuts-at least through the election." (Docs4PatientCare)

GAO's General Counsel advised HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius that the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has not established that the agency's Medicare Advantage (MA) Quality Bonus Payment Demonstration is within its legal authority under section 402 of the Social Security Amendments of 1967 as amended.

In March 2012, GAO issued a report recommending that CMS terminate the $8 billion demonstration because of the demonstration's high cost and significant design shortcomings. (GAO)

- Father, we ask that this demonstration project be terminated because it is illegal. May our leaders live by the laws they have passed. May all of our leaders turn from laws, no matter who passed them, that do not honor you.

- "Just as you presented your members as slaves of uncleanness, and of lawlessness leading to more lawlessness, so now present your members as slaves of righteousness for holiness." (Romans 6:19)

5. AFFORDABILITY RULE IGNORES CHILDREN

While most uninsured children will qualify for coverage under the federal health law, a small percentage—6.6 percent of the total, or at least 460,000—may be shut out because of how the government proposes to define "affordable" coverage, says a report from the U.S. Government Accountability Office.

The proposed Treasury Department rule says workers and their families are ineligible for federal subsidies for coverage if an employer offers them affordable coverage at work. An employer's offer is considered affordable if the worker's share is less than 9.5 percent of household income.

But the rule bases affordability on what a worker would have to pay to cover himself or herself, not on the cost of covering the entire family, which is generally higher.

- Father, whatever the greater injustices of the law at large, this law is on track to be implemented for many, and rules like this add pressure on the disintegration of the family, your holy institution, in this country. We ask that our laws and regulations would not further undermine the family.

- "If anyone does not provide for his own, and especially for those of his household, he has denied the faith and is worse than an unbeliever." (1 Timothy 5:8)

6. ACA IN THE STATES

The biggest health-policy debate in America right now is whether or not states should opt in to Obamacare's dramatic expansion of Medicaid, our government-run health care program for the poor. Governors from both parties are concerned that the costs of the expansion will be higher than projected, and that the federal government will back out of its funding commitments.

But if you want to see the future of Medicaid, all you have to do is look at the blue states where progressives hold sway, where governments have expanded Medicaid by paying doctors less.

Medicaid suffers from the developed world's worst health outcomes. The main reason is that the program pays doctors and hospitals so little that many doctors lose money treating Medicaid patients. As a result, many doctors don't take Medicaid, and people on Medicaid die sooner from cancers that could have been adequately treated at an earlier stage. (Forbes)

Roughly 20 states have taken at least an initial step toward defining "essential health benefits," according to a new analysis from the National Academy of State Health Policy (NASHP).

The Affordable Care Act lists broad categories of essential benefits, such as "emergency services" and "prescription drugs," which every individual and small-group plan will have to cover beginning in 2014. The Health and Human Services Department is leaving it to the states to fill in their own specific requirements by selecting a "benchmark" plan that others will have to meet.

Twenty-three states have assessed their options for benchmark plans, according to NASHP, and 13 have gotten as far as establishing a comment period to gather public input. Only three states—California, Virginia and Washington—have settled on a benchmark. (Healthwatch)

The Congressional Research Service, a division of the Library of Congress that provides legal and policy analysis to members of Congress, published a report last week that concludes that the Supreme Court's ruling has no effect on the health care law's so-called "maintenance of effort" provision, which prohibits states from cutting existing Medicaid services before 2014.

While the report acknowledges the complexity of the Supreme Court ruling, its reading supports the view—held by Maine Democrats—that the state is prohibited from making $10 million in Medicaid cuts that Republican lawmakers approved in May as part of a supplemental budget and that LePage signed into law. (Bangor Daily News)

Thirteen states are moving to cut Medicaid by reducing benefits, paying health providers less or tightening eligibility, even as the federal government prepares to expand the insurance program for the poor to as many as 17 million more people.

• Illinois cut enrollees to four prescriptions a month; imposed a copay for prescriptions for non-pregnant adults; raised eligibility to eliminate more than 25,000 adults and eliminated non-emergency dental care for adults.

• Alabama cut pay for doctors and dentists 10 percent and eliminated coverage for eyeglasses.

• Florida cut funding to hospitals that treat Medicaid patients by 5.6 percent - following a 12.5 percent cut a year ago. The state is also seeking permission to limit non-pregnant adults to two primary care visits a month unless they are pregnant, and to cap emergency room coverage at six visits a year.

• California added a $15 fee for those who go to the emergency room for routine care and cut reimbursements to private hospitals by $150 million.

• Wisconsin added or increased monthly premiums for most non-pregnant adults with incomes above $14,856 for an individual.

South Dakota, Maryland, Colorado, Louisiana, New Hampshire, Hawaii and Maine also are making reductions to their programs. Connecticut is weighing cuts likely to go into effect this fall.

As American Action Forum asks, "If states opt out of Medicaid, what does this say about the cost of the ACA?"

- Father, of all the moving parts in the health care debate, when the rolls are frozen from increasing or decreasing, the needs go up, and the money goes down, we know natural law still says something has to give, and services go down. We ask that You would open the eyes of your people to see that rationing of health care services is already happening, and this is just the beginning. May the eyes of many be opened over these next 99 days.

- "With her enticing speech she caused him to yield, With her flattering lips she seduced him. Immediately he went after her, as an ox goes to the slaughter, Or as a fool to the correction of the stocks, Till an arrow struck his liver. As a bird hastens to the snare, He did not know it would cost his life." (Proverbs 7:21-23)

7. IMPROVISED EXPLOSIVE DEVICE TAX

'Taxmageddon' isn't only about the half-trillion-dollar blow to the economy that arrives in 2013 on the end of the Bush-Obama tax rates. Several of the Affordable Care Act's worst tax increases kick in too, such as the new excise tax on medical devices.

The 2.3% levy applies to the sale of everything from cardiac defibrillators to artificial joints to MRI scanners. The device tax is supposed to raise $28.5 billion from 2013 to 2022, and it is especially harmful because it applies to gross sales, not profits. Companies at make-or-break margins could be taxed out of existence, especially in an intensely competitive industry where four of five businesses are start-ups or midsized.

As even the liberal papoose Elizabeth Warren recently put it, the device tax "disproportionately impacts the small companies with the narrowest financial margins and the broadest innovative potential." (WSJ)

- Father, we thank you for the thriving system of medical innovation you have given us through which we have been able to bless the world. We ask that you would preserve this, help this continue, and thwart any hindrances to startup innovation.

- "Abandoning that one, Isaac moved on and dug another well. This time there was no dispute over it, so Isaac named the place Rehoboth (which means "open space"), for he said, "At last the LORD has created enough space for us to prosper in this land."" (Genesis 26:22, NLTSE)

8. OBAMACARE VS. ROE

A federal judge has set a bench trial date to hear arguments that the attorneys who crafted them say are a unique challenge to the constitutionality of the health care reform law.

U.S. District Court Judge Keith Starrett, who presides in the Hattiesburg Division of the Southern District of Mississippi, has put a case with numerous plaintiffs including Gov. Phil Bryant on the calendar for the term beginning in October.

McDaniel said in earlier interviews that the part of the lawsuit remaining in litigation evokes the right to medical privacy established by the 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade, which decided medical privacy extended to a woman's right to have an abortion.

He said the federal government forcing Americans to disclose medical information to an insurer—or a private third party—would violate the rights to medical privacy supported by decades of case law.

- Father, if there were ever what looked like a lose-lose situation before us, it is this. We know that the enemy of our enemy is not necessarily our friend. We ask You to work in this situation as only You can to bring about justice for the unborn, for patients, doctors and all Americans for your glory.

- "And it came to pass on a certain night that the angel of the LORD went out, and killed in the camp of the Assyrians one hundred and eighty-five thousand; and when people arose early in the morning, there were the corpses-all dead." (2 Kings 19:35)

9. MCDONALD'S CFO SEES UP TO $420M IN NEW HEALTH-CARE COSTS

The Affordable Care Act could cost McDonald's and its franchisees more than $400 million a year in additional health-care expenses, Chief Financial Officer Peter Bensen said on Monday.

McDonald's estimates that each restaurant will incur between $10,000 and $30,000 in added annual costs, Bensen said in response to an analyst's question on a conference call to discuss the fast-food giant's second-quarter results, according to an unedited transcript of the call provided by FactSet. There are about 14,000 McDonald's restaurants in the U.S., meaning McDonald's expects the total cost to the company and its franchisees to be in the range of $140 million to $420 million. McDonald's owns about 11% of its U.S. restaurants, while the rest are franchised. (WSJ)

- Father, while there is more than a little irony in this situation, we know this reflects the situation of many businesses and franchisees all across the country. We ask that people who have no interest in politics and would rather mind their own business would realize they will soon have no option but to speak up, and speaking up now would be better. 99 days, Lord!

- "When I have brought them to the land flowing with milk and honey, of which I swore to their fathers, and they have eaten and filled themselves and grown fat, then they will turn to other gods and serve them; and they will provoke Me and break My covenant. Then it shall be, when many evils and troubles have come upon them, that this song will testify against them as a witness; for it will not be forgotten in the mouths of their descendants, for I know the inclination of their behavior today, even before I have brought them to the land of which I swore to give them." (Deuteronomy 31:20-21) 

 

On Capitol Hill This Week Volume XIX, Number 20c

DOMESTIC ISSUES


"May the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way."
(2 Thessalonians 3:16)

	On the Hill

On the Hill

1. U.N. ARMS TREATY DEAD
2. DEMOCRATS ATTEMPT GUN CONTROL IN CYBERSECURITY BILL
3. SENATE TO VOTE THIS WEEK ON U.N. TREATY FOR DISABLED CHILDREN
4. HOUSE PASSES "AUDIT THE FED" BILL: 327 - 98
5. SENATOR CORNYN BLOCKS OBAMA NOMINEE FOR AIR FORCE CHIEF
6. HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER ERIC CANTOR URGES ISLAMIC TOLERANCE
7. SENATE REJECTS TAX CUTS FOR WEALTHY AMERICANS
8. THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS: WRAPPING UP BEFORE SUMMER BREAK
9. LEGISLATION TO PREVENT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN WILL WAIT UNTIL SEPTEMBER

1. U.N. ARMS TREATY DEAD

Talks over the UN Arms Trade Treaty fell apart today, effectively killing the agreement. The Arms Trade Treaty Legal Blog reports that the process seemed to be moving to completion when the United States requested an extension to the time allotted to negotiate the agreement. This opened the door to other countries to begin registering more complex objections, and it soon became clear that reaching agreement within the allowed timeframe would be impossible. The proposed treaty, which raised considerable domestic opposition from gun rights advocates in the United States, died before it had a chance to become a threat. As a delegate from China observed, "C'est la vie et la vie c'est ça."

The UN may take up the matter at a later date, but for now it is on indefinite hiatus.

- Offer a chorus of PRAISE today for this direct answer to prayer! For now, our Second Amendment rights have been secured, and the sovereignty of the United States of America remains intact. Continue to be wary of any and all other ploys by the United Nations that would force us to submit to the rule of international law, and thank the Lord for His Hand of deliverance, which has spared us from this danger. Praise God!

- "Let every thing that hath breath praise the Lord. Praise ye the Lord!" (Psalm 150:6)

2. DEMOCRATS ATTEMPT GUN CONTROL IN CYBERSECURITY BILL

Democrat Senators have offered an amendment to the cybersecurity bill that would limit the purchase of high capacity gun magazines. May I ask what in the world high capacity gun magazines have to do with cybersecurity? I already know. They have nothing to do with it, but this is how our Congress works.

However, with this particular amendment, S.A.2575, was sponsored by Democrats Frank Lautenberg (N.J.), Barbara Boxer (Calif.), Jack Reed (R.I.), Bob Menendez (N.J.), Kirsten Gillibrand (N.Y.), Schumer and Dianne Feinstein (Calif.). These liberal Senators are looking to make it illegal to transfer or posses large capacity devices that feed guns more than 10 rounds with the exception of .22 caliber rim fire ammunition. Apparently you can have a thousand round drum of those on your weapon and you're ok.

The amendment is identical to a different bill that was sponsored by Frank Lautenberg. (Freedom Post) Read more.

- Lift up every member of the United States Senate before the Throne of Grace. Now that the ploy to deprive us of our rights under the Second Amendment at the U.N. has been defeated, our enemies are trying again, with a new strategy. Let our senators see the truth, strip this amendment from the Cybersecurity Bill, and vote accordingly. We ask this in Jesus' Name, amen.

- "And he shall bring upon them their own iniquity, and shall cut them off in their own wickedness; yea, the Lord our God shall cut them off." (Psalm 94:23)

3. SENATE TO VOTE THIS WEEK ON U.N. CRPD TREATY

It's the latest threat to parents' rights that no one knows about--and yesterday, the Senate moved one step closer to making it the law of the land. Like most U.N. treaties, this one sounds harmless enough. But make no mistake--its innocuous name, Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD), masks a cunning attack on parental authority, unborn life, and U.S. sovereignty. . . It would bring our nation even closer to President Obama's apparent goal of putting America under global governance.

While this is a noble cause that embodies the American ethic--treating people with dignity and respect--it gives the U.N. a profound stake in U.S. law and the rights of people across the country. Specifically, the CRPD takes aim at parents, declaring that an international body--not moms and dads--will be the ultimate authority on issues like education.

The treaty slips in phrases like "best interest of the child," which, as Sen. Rick Santorum pointed out with me on last week's radio show, are "red alert alarm words." They mean that government officials or courts will be in the position of deciding what's in your child's best interest--not you. Under CRPD, the government would supersede parents in setting course plans for both gifted and special needs kids. The Homeschool Legal Defense Association is concerned--and rightly so. It maintains that this Convention signals a dramatic turnaround in parental rights.

And, of course, it wouldn't be a U.N. proposal if it didn't include a backdoor to greater abortion access. "The feminists saw to it that this treaty about disabilities includes language in Article 25 that requires signatories to 'provide persons with disabilities . . . free or affordable health care," Phyllis notes, "including in the area of sexual and reproductive health and population-based health programs.'" Translation: the global community could force America to sanction sterilization or abortion for the disabled--at taxpayer expense! Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.) tried to neutralize the threat yesterday during the mark-up in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. Unfortunately, his amendment (which would have stopped the treaty from forcing abortion policy on countries that sign) was thwarted by Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.)

Although Sen. DeMint managed to delay the CRPD a week, the Committee, including three of its Republicans--Sens. John Barrasso (Wy.), Richard Lugar (Ind.), Johnny Isakson (Ga.)--voted yesterday to send the treaty to the Senate floor, where it could be ratified as early as this week. Between now and then, it is absolutely critical for people to see that what's at stake in this debate, which is nothing short of our authority as parents--and as a nation. By law, the Convention will need 67 votes to pass, which means we need to persuade at least 34 senators to defeat it. Contact your senators today and urge them to vote down this deadly infringement on U.S. sovereignty. Your rights depend on it. (Family Research Council)

- Pray and ask God to move His Right hand on this evil bill to destroy it once and for all.

- "He did this so that all the peoples of the earth might know that the hand of the LORD is powerful and so that you might always fear the LORD your God." (Joshua 4:24)

4. HOUSE PASSES "AUDIT THE FED" BILL: 327 - 98

In a move that serves as a capstone to Rep. Ron Paul's colorful career, the House on Wednesday approved a bill that would let Congress's chief investigators conduct a full audit of the Federal Reserve's shrouded decision-making process.

- Thank You, Lord, for this first step toward a victory that has been a long time coming. We ask that the Senate will follow suit and cross party lines to do it!

- "So then each of us shall give account of himself to God." [Romans 14:12]

5. SENATOR CORNYN BLOCKS OBAMA NOMINEE FOR AIR FORCE CHIEF

Sen. John Cornyn (R-Texas) has blocked the White House's nominee to be the next Air Force chief of staff, The Hill has confirmed. Cornyn placed the hold on Gen. Mark Welsh's nomination over concerns with the sexual assault scandal at Lackland Air Force Base in Texas, his office said on Friday. The hold will - at least temporarily - delay Welsh replacing the retiring Gen. Norton Schwartz as Air Force chief.

"My hold on General Welsh will remain until I feel the Air Force is adequately addressing the unacceptable situation at Lackland and taking corrective steps to reform their training program to prevent this from happening again," Cornyn said in a statement to The Hill. The Lackland scandal has seen a dozen Air Force basic training instructors accused of sexual assault with more than 30 victims involved.

- God, You are calling for mass repentance at Lackland Air Force Base and an immediate military discipline to be enforced over all the basic training instructors accused of sexual assault with more than 30 victims involved. Deliver and heal these victims. Cleanse by the power of the blood of Jesus and put in place a new set of rules and restrictions that will halt this situation. Strengthen Sen. John Cornyn to stand by his convictions regarding the hold he has placed on Gen. Mark Welsh's nomination. Use him mightily to reform the training program at Lackland. In Jesus' Name we ask, amen.

- "The face of the Lord is against them that do evil, to cut off the remembrance of them from the earth. The righteous cry, and the Lord hears, and delivers them out of all their troubles." (Psalm 34:16-17)

6. HOUSE MAJORITY LEADER ERIC CANTOR URGES ISLAMIC TOLERANCE

The Majority Leader of the House, Eric Cantor, is one of the most conservative men I have ever met. After the GOP leadership had a meeting with the new head of the party, Mitt Romney, there was a shift in Majority Leader Cantor's stance. The first Jewish Majority Leader announced that the GOP needed to he tolerant of Muslims and homosexuals. (Note: Eric Cantor has been assigned more security than any other congressman because of the Islamist threats against him.) His statement came at the same time Senator John McCain walked onto the Senate floor and denounced Congresswoman Michele Bachmann for her "Islamophobia." (Religious Freedom Coalition)

For more insight on this prayer request, please go to the article in World Magazine: "What if Michele Bachmann is right?"

- Holy Father, may the blood of Christ be upon Michelle Bachmann that no Islamic threat nor action touch her nor deter her from standing and defending the good and exposing the works of evil in the White House. God, You are Lord over all and we implore You to send mighty angels on assignment in and around the White House and protect those who will speak out in boldness against wickedness and those things that weaken America. Gather an army of righteous leaders who will stand on the principles of righteousness and win our country back to God. In the Name of Jesus, we pray, amen.

- "Let all the earth fear the Lord: let all the inhabitants of the world stand in awe of Him. For He spake, and it was done, He commanded, and it stood fast." (Psalm 33:8-9)

7. SENATE REJECTS TAX CUTS FOR WEALTHY AMERICANS

The Senate approved a measure to extend former President Bush's tax cuts to all but high-income Americans. Wednesday's 51-40 vote on the $250 billion bill was split along party lines, with Republicans opposing the measure.

"Today, the economy is growing slower than it was in December 2010," Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., said. "This is more about the election than it is the economy. And I'm sure a few arms have been twisted in order to get a result." Democrats, who want to raise taxes on the wealthy, say it would help cut the deficit. But the GOP said raising taxes in a weak economy is a bad idea.

Congress must reach an agreement on what to do about tax rates for the wealthy by the end of the year or President Bush's tax cuts will expire and taxes would go up for everyone. (Christian Coalition for America)

- Father, we pray that Your holy presence surround this entire tax situation and there be protection from our God to hold back the arm of the enemy. Lift this curse of increased taxes against the wealthy and the lesser income families. Break this yoke from off the Americans' income. In the Name of Jesus we pray, amen.

- "Then shall stand up in his estate a raiser of taxes in the glory of the kingdom: but within few days he shall be destroyed, neither in anger, nor in battle." (Daniel 11:20)

8. THIS WEEK IN CONGRESS: WRAPPING UP BEFORE SUMMER BREAK

The Senate last week passed Democratic tax legislation that conformed to President Barack Obama's plan to extend the rates to only Americans making $250,000 or less per year; now the Republican-controlled House will have a chance to vote the bill down. Meanwhile, a House vote also is expected on its version of the extension, which continues the tax cuts for all income brackets.

Legislators also are hoping to finalize a new round of Iran sanctions that meets the approval of both houses. The sanctions legislation passed months ago in the House and Senate, but some are concerned that trade loopholes authorized by the Obama administration could keep the final package from winning House support.

Finally, the House may vote on a package that extends disaster aid programs and other farm support, while holding off on bringing up the farm bill until after the August summer break.

On Wednesday, the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee will hold a second hearing on profligate waste and mismanagement in the disgraced General Services Administration. Thursday, the House Judiciary Committee will consider a bill by Rep. Steve King (R-Iowa) to make English the official language of the United States and require naturalized citizens to learn it. (Human Events)

- As the leadership of the Senate and the House set the agenda for the rest of this election year, lift up a prayer that they will know what to address, and the order of congressional business. Pray for extra strength this week for all members and their staffs, as we anticipate the normal "rush" of activity to take place before everyone leaves town for vacation.

- "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go; I will counsel you with My eye upon you." (Psalm 32:8)

9. LEGISLATION TO PREVENT GOVERNMENT SHUTDOWN WILL WAIT UNTIL SEPTEMBER

House Republicans have no plans to move forward this week on a catch-all spending bill to avert the government shutdown, sources confirmed Monday.Congress will instead leave town for a five-week recess without voting on a continuing resolution or even introducing it, these sources said.

"No CR this week," one GOP aide said, adding that there is "zero chance" of text appearing this week.

A new spending bill wasn't included on House Majority Leader Eric Cantor's (R-Va.) weekly schedule released late Friday and sources said that there are no plans to change that.
Without a resolution to keep the government operating, the government would shut down after September 30. Both sides have reason to avoid that, but they won't get to a vote until closer to the deadline day.

After the five-week recess, the House will have only eight legislative days in September in which to complete its work before the election. (The Hill) Read more.

- As noted above, please be sure to keep the congressional calendar for the remainder of this year in your prayers. With only 8 business days after Labor Day, Congress will have to move very fast to finish up its business this year, unless they go into a lame duck session after November 6. Pray!

- "The steps of a man are established by the LORD, And He delights in his way." (Psalm 37:23)

	At the White House

At the White House

1. OBAMA ISSUES RACIST EXECUTIVE ORDER
2. OBAMA HONORS START OF RAMADAN
3. "IT WORKED!" OBAMA PROUD OF FAILED ECONOMIC POLICIES
4. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S DEBT JUMPS MORE THAN $1TRILLION
5. TIMOTHY GEITHNER TESTIFIES AT CONGRESSIONAL HEARING
6. CATHOLIC BUSINESS OWNERS SCORE WIN AGAINST OBAMACARE MANDATE
7. OBAMA CIRCUMVENTS N.C. LAWMAKERS TO FUND ABORTION
8. TOP REPUBLICAN WARNS LEAKS ONGOING
9. DHS STOCKS UP ON RIOT GEAR IN ANTICIPATION OF CIVIL UNREST
10. OBAMA TO TRANSFORM U.S. MILITARY INTO SOCIAL WORKERS
11. THE PRESIDENCY: FORCING HOMOSEXUALITY ON AMERICA

1. OBAMA ISSUES RACIST EXECUTIVE ORDER

On Thursday Barack Obama Issued a racist Executive Order. The Order titled, White House Initiative on Educational Excellence for African Americans sets forth a new policy for a group of people that is pretty vast is just taken at face value. After all, this could also refer to many whites because Africa is a continent, not a nation. However, the people in view here are those with dark skin, not Caucasians. (Freedom Outpost) Read more.

To read Obama's policy, go here.

- Father, take this Executive Order under Your control and let it be carried out exactly as the Lord our God deems appropriate. You are Lord over all and we trust that what You want accomplished will be accomplished and what is set up here to cause a breach between races be under the blood of Jesus and wiped out so this not be used to further divide the people in America. We speak peace and safety and the Word of the Lord be against any uprising in our country. In Jesus' Name.

"For the wisdom of this world is foolishness with God. For it is written, He takes the wise in their own craftiness. And again, The Lord knows the thoughts of the wise, that they are vain and empty." (I Corinthians 3:19-20)

2. OBAMA HONORS START OF RAMADAN

Last week Barack Obama marked the beginning of Ramadan by saying to Muslims that the "United States continues to stand with those who seek the chance to decide their own destiny, to live free from fear and violence, and to practice their faith freely." While he undercuts Christianity at home - under his Obamacare abortifacient/contraceptive mandate, resistant Catholic and Protestant schools, hospitals, and charities will soon face crushing fines - he never fails to tout Islam abroad. One would think his allies at the ACLU might cringe at his lavish tributes to global Islam as a great and blameless religion and his "Iftar dinners" at the White House. But they don't. His undiluted enthusiasm for Islam, which amounts to a case of Islamophilia, never triggers any of the usual separation-of-church-and-state objections and anxieties from them. (The American Spectator) Read more.

- In this month, when every Moslem worldwide is seeking to please his god, please join us in intercession for their souls. As each one bows five times a day to Mecca, on his or her prayer rug, ask our Lord to stand between that act of false worship, and His grace. Cancel curses being spoken to allah; and praise our King of Kings that He is in control, and that He does have a plan for the multitudes now caught in the grip of this false religion.

- "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." (Luke 23:34)

3. "IT WORKED!" OBAMA PROUD OF FAILED ECONOMIC POLICIES

After 41 months with unemployment above eight percent, President Obama proudly told supporters at another campaign event last week that "we tried our plan - and it worked."

It worked?

Was the president's economic plan supposed to include "the longest streak . . . of unemployment of 8% or higher since the Great Depression?" The 30 "worst months for employment in the past 25 years?" Were people under 30 to be "desperately trying to find full time jobs?" Was small business optimism supposed to tank? Were millions of Americans supposed to be out of work for more than six months?

Was his plan to add more than $5 trillion to the national debt (instead of cutting the deficit in half as promised)? To submit a budget that got zero votes in Congress (while Senate Democrats failed to offer a budget for three years)? To duck his jobs council for six months? To send energy and jobs to China by rejecting Keystone XL? To insult small business owners by telling them "you didn't build that?"

Was this is all part of the "plan" that "worked?" (Christian Coalition of America) Read more.

- Our Father God, we pray that Americans will be wise and see through the false statements calculated to to mislead the country about the fruit of this Presidency. Lord, may Americans cast their votes in the fall based on reality and not on hype and emotion. Father, raise up people in the media to fact check these wild statements. In Your Name, Amen.

- "For they that are such serve not our Lord Jesus Christ, but their own belly; and by good words and fair speeches deceive the hearts of the simple." (Romans 16:18)

4. FEDERAL GOVERNMENT'S DEBT JUMPS MORE THAN $1TRILLION

Debt now increases for the 5th straight fiscal year By the end of the third quarter of fiscal 2012, the new debt accumulated in this fiscal year by the federal government had already exceeded $1 trillion, making this fiscal year the fifth straight in which the federal government has increased its debt by more than a trillion dollars, according to official debt numbers published by the U.S. Treasury.

Prior to fiscal 2008, the federal government had never increased its debt by as much as $1 trillion in a single fiscal year. From fiscal 2008 onward, however, the federal government has increased its debt by at least $1 trillion each and every fiscal year.

The federal fiscal year begins on Oct. 1 and ends on Sept. 30. At the close of business on Sept. 30, 2011-the last day of fiscal 2011-the total debt of the federal government was $14,790,340,328,557.15. By June 29, the last business day of the third quarter of fiscal 2012, that debt had grown to $15,856,367,214,324.44-an increase for this fiscal year of $1,066,026,885,767.29. (Christian Coalition of America)

- Dear Heavenly Father, forgive us for electing people who would run up our debt unwisely for selfish purposes of reelection and control. We pray the government will cut spending instead of trying to borrow more money, as so much of it comes from hostile foreign countries. We pray that our officials would use our money wisely. O Lord, deliver us from the bondage of debt.

- "While they promise them liberty, they themselves are the servants of corruption: for of whom a man is overcome, of the same is he brought in bondage." (2 Peter 2:19)

5. TIMOTHY GEITHNER TESTIFIES AT CONGRESSIONAL HEARING

Travels to Europe this Week

The Treasury announced Friday that Geithner would be powwowing with "senior government officials" in Europe as the continent continues to grapple with an economic crisis that poses a major threat to the U.S. recovery. While U.S. officials, including Geithner, have insisted that Europe has the ability to handle the crisis on its own, the president's top economic adviser recently identified the crisis as "the biggest risk to our economy."

Testifying before the House and Senate banking committees this week, Geithner said Europe's woes are worsening the global economic slowdown and are weighing on the United States. He added that if conditions worsened, America's rocky recovery could be thrown off track.
"A severe crisis in Europe would necessarily have very substantial, adverse effects on the United States," he said in his testimony. (The Hill) Read more.

- The name "Timothy" means "honoring God." Lift up Timothy Geithner, and intercede that all he does in his discussions in Europe would, indeed, honor God -- and not man. The LORD knows the plans He has for the nations, and in Christ, there is hope for our future.
- "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jer. 29:11 KJV)

6. CATHOLIC BUSINESS OWNERS SCORE WIN AGAINST OBAMACARE MANDATE

The Catholic family that owns a Colorado-based company won a court victory in their battle to stop the Obama administration from requiring them to provide insurance coverage for abortion-inducing drugs, sterilization and contraception, a mandate they say violates their religious beliefs and First Amendment rights.

Hercules Industries, a Denver-based heating ventilation and air conditioning manufacturer that employs nearly 300 full-time workers, got an injunction in federal court which stops enforcement of the controversial ObamaCare mandate. The company's lawyers said they needed the injunction immediately because if the mandate is enforced, it must begin immediately making changes to its health plan, which renews on Nov. 1.

In his order, Colorado District Judge John Kane said that the government's arguments "are countered, and indeed outweighed, by the public interest in the free exercise of religion."
House Speaker John Boehner heralded the court's ruling.

"I join millions of my fellow Americans in welcoming this ruling, which is a major victory in the effort to restore the religious liberty that has been demolished by the Obama administration's actions this year," Boehner said. (Fox News)

(Prayer repeated from Section B of this week's OCAP.)

- Father, we thank you for this huge victory for Hercules Industries. We ask that you make it complete for all Americans.

- "...being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ." (Philippians 1:6)

7. OBAMA CIRCUMVENTS N.C. LAWMAKERS TO FUND ABORTION

President Obama is coming under fire for funnelling more than $400,000 to Planned Parenthood in North Carolina.

The president has been an outspoken supporter for the nation's biggest abortion provider. But political observers say what makes this situation different is that he's intentionally trying to undermine a state legislature.

On July 3, the North Carolina legislature passed a budget adjustment bill redirecting $343,000 in family planning funding from Planned Parenthood.

In response, the Obama adminstration decided to give $426,000 in federal grants directly to Planned Parenthood affiliates in that state.

It''s not the first time the administration has done that. "President Obama's decision to overrule the North Carolina legislature today marks the third time this month - and the fifth time in the last year - that he has stepped in to contract directly with the nation's largest abortion provider," Susan B. Anthony List President Marjorie Dannenfelser said in a statement. (Christian Coalition of America)

- Our Mighty God of all the Earth, we know You are stronger than this situation of a sitting president so obviously by-passing a state's law to feed his own political interests. Lord, we pray that this maneuver will fail in the end. We speak a stoppage of all abortion activities in this United States and say this is a life-affirming country.

- "For yet a little while, and the wicked shall not be: yea, thou shalt diligently consider his place, and it shall not be." (Psalms 37:10)

8. TOP REPUBLICAN WARNS LEAKS ONGOING

The chairman of the powerful House Intelligence Committee told Fox News that security leaks out of the Obama administration have not stopped despite an internal probe, and that President Obama has not done enough to turn off the spigot.

Without providing specifics about the new leaks, Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Mich., said the damaging release of sensitive information continues.

"We've seen more leaks, absolutely," Rogers told Fox News in an interview Monday. "This is an opportunity for the president to be bold, to take a stand, to step up and say, 'My administration will cooperate fully and that my staff should not and will not participate in coordinated or uncoordinated leaking of classified information for any reason. It's a crime.'"

Rogers, following up on criticisms of the leaks made last week by Dianne Feinstein, the Democratic chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee, Rogers agreed that human intelligence assets had been comprised. "We know that sources have self selected out of cooperation around the world," Rogers explained. "We know that operations have had to change. We know that operations have had to shut down."

Based on the work by his committee investigators, the congressman joined other Republicans by claiming that the classified information came from a small group of people who have access to the White House. "It is very clear that somebody who had access to the White House situation room, had very senior covert action classified material was responsible for some of these leaks," he said. "That is not a big group of people."

On the level of cooperation from the White House, Rogers suggested it was lacking. "I don't feel comfortable today that this administration has made every person available when the investigator needs to talk to them and the records they need to provide in a timely way. I'm not comfortable yet," Rogers said. (Fox News) Read more.

- Continue to bathe this very dangerous situation in your prayers. Ask our Lord to station his angels around any who may be in harm's way, until the source(s) of these leaks are found, and the leaks stopped. Pray!

- "For whatever is hidden is meant to be disclosed, and whatever is concealed is meant to be brought out into the open." (Mark 4:22)

9. DHS STOCKS UP ON RIOT GEAR IN ANTICIPATION OF CIVIL UNREST

The Department of Homeland Security has ordered masses of riot gear equipment to prepare for potential significant domestic riots at the Republican National Convention, Democratic National Convention and next year's presidential inauguration. The DHS submitted a rushed solicitation to the Federal Business Opportunities site on Wednesday, which is a portal for Federal government procurement requisitions over $25,000.

The request gave the potential suppliers only one day to submit their proposals and a 15-day delivery requirement to Alexandria, Virginia. As the brief explains, "the objective of this effort is to procure riot gear to prepare for the 2012 Democratic and Republican National Conventions, the 2013 Presidential Inauguration and other future similar activities." (Cowboy Byte) Read more.
- Begin to pray now over all matters related to election activity in our nation this fall. It is the Lord's desire that we live in peace. Amen.

- "For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, thoughts of peace, and not of evil, to give you an expected end." (Jer. 29:11KJV)

10. OBAMA TO TRANSFORM U.S. MILITARY INTO SOCIAL WORKERS

Progressive organizations behind White House policy have crafted specific, second-term plans for President Obama to transform the U.S. Armed Forces into a social work-style organization designed to combat "global warming," fight global poverty, remedy "injustice," bolster the United Nations and increase "peacekeeping" forces worldwide. The groups, already instrumental in influencing Obama's first-term defense agenda, call for massive, second-term slashes to the military budget. The savings are to be used to invest in "sustainable energy" and in fighting worldwide climate change.

This detailed blueprint, titled "A Report of the Task Force on a Unified Security Budget for the United States" (or 2012 Unified Security Budget), lays out a future Obama "defense" agenda. The report takes issue with the use of forces on the ground in various countries to secure or influence the longer-term strategic position of other nations. It recommends scaling back all U.S. ground forces by 20 percent; reducing the Navy's surface fleet by 20 percent - including two carriers and carrier combat air wings - and reducing the Air Force by two combat air wings, while cutting standing peacetime overseas deployments in Europe and East Asia by up to 50,000 troops at a time. (World Net Daily) Read more.
[Original source: "Fool Me Twice," by Aaron Klein and Brenda Elliot.]

- We would like to pretend that this report is not true, but the documentation cited is solid. Ask our Lord to deliver the mind of our sitting "king" from a spirit of insanity to that of a sound mind. In this fallen world, a nation needs a strong, well-equipped and thoroughly trained army to defend its citizens. Anything less is treason.

- "At the same time that my sanity was restored, my honor and splendor were returned to me for the glory of my kingdom. My advisers and nobles sought me out, and I was restored to my throne and became even greater than before." (Daniel 4:36)

11. THE PRESIDENCY: FORCING "HOMO" SEXUALITY ON AMERICA

The man who was running the White House for Obama for two years has vowed to shut down any business in Chicago whose owners say they are Christians who oppose homosexuality. Mayor Rahm Emanuel is not just the mayor of Chicago, he is a spokesman for the Barack Obama campaign and the former Chief of Staff to the President. The mayor has stated that those who want to practice free speech will not be allowed to do business in his city. (Religious Freedom Coalition)

- Oh God, we pray for Rahm Emanuel's soul to be saved and redeemed by the blood of Jesus Christ, who died and shed His blood on a cross and was raised from the dead so that men like Rahm Emanuel and the entire world could be cleansed from all their sin and find life everlasting in the mighty atonement of Christ. Touch this man and speak to him so that he can be pulled out of the jaws of hell and receive Jesus. Show him how much You love him, Lord. Bind the powers of darkness and death off him by the blood of Jesus, and we pray his heart will be tender to hear and repent. In Jesus' Name, amen.

- "For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. For God sent not His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved." (John 3:16-17) 

	This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .

ANCIENT OF DAYS
(Ah-teek Yo-meen)

"I watched till thrones were put in place, And the Ancient of Days was seated; His garment was white as snow, And the hair of His head was like pure wool." (Daniel 7:9)

From before time was, You Are. Father, to know that You are the Ancient of Days, gives me great peace and assurance for the days ahead. Thank You for this shalom . . . this peace.


(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)