BREAKING!
President Trump Ends ObamaCare Abortion and Contraceptive Mandate!
See below!
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The Daily Brief:
Legislative Snapshot
Saturday, October 7, 2017
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Trump Instructs DOJ to Protect Religious
Freedom
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Trump Instructs DOJ to Protect Religious Freedom
The Trump administration strongly protected the free exercise of religion today by reversing Obama-era policies with new legal guidance issued to the Department of Justice (DOJ) by Attorney General Jeff Sessions.
The Attorney General issued two memoranda. The first addressed to all administrative agencies and executive departments, identifies 20 key principles of religious liberty. The guidance reminds agencies of their obligations under federal law to protect religious liberty, and summarizes twenty key principles of religious-liberty protections that agencies can use in that effort. It explains that agencies should use these principles to protect religious liberty in all aspects of their work, including as employers, rule-makers, adjudicators, contract- and grant-makers and program administrators.
On specific policies, the guidance states that government may not exclude religious organizations from secular aid programs and the IRS may not enforce the Johnson Amendment which restricts tax-exempt organizations, including churches and religious organizations, from endorsing or opposing candidates for elected office.
Attorney Sessions' second memorandum, addressed to DOJ components and United States Attorney's offices, directs the implementation of that guidance within the Department.
The DOJ earlier this year demonstrated a shift in policy from the Obama administration as it commented on Zarda v. Altitude Express at the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals, which contends that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 bans gender discrimination, but does not include sexual orientation or gender identity, in the workplace. The guidance today demonstrates further that the DOJ recognizes that religious liberty principles are in fact stalwart even when challenged by special interest groups.
(Canada Free Press)
To read the 20 key principles listed in this memorandum, please go here.
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Additional Information on DOJ Ruling
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Additional Information on DOJ Ruling
Listed below are several articles offering additional perspective on the Trump Administration's groundbreaking directives issued yesterday.
We offer praise to the Lord for this bold move by our President, amen.
1. BREAKING: Trump Administration Ends Rule Requiring Nuns to Fund Contraception - LifeSite News
The Obama administration's Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) began this mandate, often called the HHS contraceptive mandate. The Little Sisters of the Poor, pro-life nuns who care for the elderly, along with Hobby Lobby and other religious entities, refused to comply. The Little Sisters of the Poor providing contraceptive and life-ending drugs and devices would explicitly contradict their mission of respecting the dignity of every human life.
"HHS has issued a balanced rule that respects all sides-it keeps the contraceptive mandate in place for most employers and now provides a religious exemption," said Mark Rienzi, senior counsel at Becket and lead attorney for the Little Sisters of the Poor. "The Little Sisters still need to get final relief in court, which should be easy now that the government admits it broke the law."
The new rules, which are nearly 300 pages in total, prevent the Little Sisters of the Poor and other conscientious objectors from litigation. (Read more)
> > > Also reported by Breaking Christian News
2. Citing religious freedom, Trump backing off Obama-era rules - Associated Press
WASHINGTON (AP) - In a one-two punch elating religious conservatives, President Donald Trump's administration is allowing more employers to opt out of no-cost birth control for workers and issuing sweeping religious-freedom directions that could override many anti-discrimination protections for LGBT people and others.
At a time when Trump finds himself embattled on many fronts, the two directives - issued almost simultaneously on Friday - demonstrated the president's eagerness to retain the loyalty of social conservatives who make up a key part of his base. Leaders of that constituency were exultant.
"President Trump is demonstrating his commitment to undoing the anti-faith policies of the previous administration and restoring true religious freedom," said Tony Perkins, president of the Family Research Council. (Read more)
3. Trump Ends ObamaCare Abortion and Contraceptive Mandate - Liberty Counsel
The Trump administration announced today that employers will now be exempt from the federal requirement to provide insurance coverage for contraception in their health insurance plans if it conflicts with their sincerely held religious or moral beliefs. This now limits a rule created under the Obama administration's Affordable Care Act that required that employers, including non-church religious organizations, must cover all forms of contraception, from birth control pills to abortion drugs and devices at no cost to the employees.
The Trump administration stated legal reasons for issuing two rules: one for religious and the other for moral objections. The administration acknowledges that the Affordable Care Act law did not provide protection for nonreligious, moral conscientious objections as required by the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. Both rules would take effect as soon as they are on display at the office of the Federal Register.
Liberty Counsel filed an amicus brief in 2016 on behalf of Little Sisters of the Poor, a group of nuns dedicated to serving the elderly poor, whose case went to the U.S. Supreme Court. Little Sisters of the Poor argued that the ObamaCare mandate violated their free exercise rights under the Religious Freedom Restoration Act. The U.S. Supreme Court sent several cases representing Christian colleges, ministries and businesses dealing with religious exemptions to the ObamaCare contraception and abortion drugs and devices mandate back to lower courts to get the sides to reach a compromise. (Read more)
4. Faith-Based Groups Free to Believe after HHS Rollback - Family Research Council
Congress wants to take another crack at repealing Obamacare, but the president isn't going to sit on his hands until it does. After months of watching the Senate fumble its replacement plan, Donald Trump is taking some matters into own hands. And conservatives will be relieved to know that the unconstitutional HHS mandate is one of them. In a huge victory for religious liberty, the Department of Health and Human Services dealt a death blow to Barack Obama's order that forced faith-based groups to offer free contraceptives -- even if it violated their conscience. (Read more)
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Thank President Trump!
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URGENT!
Thank President Trump & Jeff Sessions for Directing Federal Agencies to Respect Religious Freedom
> > > Below please find the text of a petition you can sign, thanking President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions for their directives, safeguarding our religious liberty.
"I thank President Trump and Attorney General Jeff Sessions as they work to vigorously defend religious liberty. The Department of Justice guidance makes clear no federal employee, contractor or citizen should be forced to choose between their livelihood and their faith. I stand with the president and attorney general as they follow through on their promise to undo the anti-faith policies of the previous administration and restore true religious freedom."
To add your name to this petition, go here.
(Source: Family Research Council)
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A Prayer of Thanksgiving
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A Prayer of Thanksgiving
- Father God, tonight our hearts are full of joy at this news. We thank You for those who have worked with President Trump to roll back the damage to our religious liberty and pro-life agendas rendered by the past administration. We come against all forms of backlash to these measures, and we ask for Your hand of blessing and protection to rest upon President Trump, Attorney General Jeff Sessions, and each staff member who have worked to make this happen, in Your name, amen.
- "And I will restore to you the years that the locust hath eaten, the cankerworm, and the caterpiller, and the palmerworm, my great army which I sent among you." (Joel 2:25)
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Recent Floor Activity
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Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record
Related Headlines
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House passes bill banning abortions after 20-week mark
House clears bill to combat crimes against elderly
House rejects Democratic budget alternatives
Senate approves Trump pick to join Federal Reserve Board
House passes 2018 budget plan, setting stage for tax reform
Senate votes to confirm key Trump immigration official
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Congress Last Week
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Second Amendment
Rep. Steve Scalise on why he supports gun rights
Scalise 'absolutely' as strong as ever on 2nd Amendment
Bump stocks ban earns bipartisan support
Steve Scalise throws out first pitch at Nationals game
Tax Reform
Paul Ryan: Republicans agree on tax plan
Four Republican senators who could make or break tax reform
Kevin Brady: Senate Republicans need to back tax plan
Health Care Policy
Speaker Paul Ryan says the health care fight isn't over
Cassidy Eyes Changes to Health Care Bill While Trying to Win Support
Senate leaves town with no Obamacare fix
Chuck Schumer confirms call with Trump: 'The president wanted to make another run at repeal and replace'
Immigration
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Pending Activity
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Committee Activity
U.S. Senate panel approves self-driving car legislation
Head of U.S. Senate intelligence panel says Russia-Trump campaign collusion issue still open
Senate Committee Advances Children's Health Care Bill
Russia 'still trying to create chaos' in U.S. elections, Senate panel says
U.S. House committee examining barriers to Puerto Rico recovery-official
House committee approves $10-billion infusion for Trump border wall
Judiciary Committee advances Catholic judge over Democrats' objections
Senate Budget Committee advances 2018 budget plan
U.S. House committee sets new hearing on Kaspersky software
Floor Schedule
House GOP bill includes $1B boost for Puerto Rico's Medicaid program
Mitch McConnell: Puerto Rico aid package is coming this month
Lindsey Graham to introduce 20-week abortion ban in Senate
Lindsey Graham says he doesn't support ending filibuster as he introduces abortion ban
Pro-life senators pledge vote for 20-week abortion ban
Catholic law professor's judicial nomination advances along partisan lines
House to consider disaster relief next week
Congress next week: Hurricane relief and whistleblower protection
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Senate Floor
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Next week is a State Work Period for Senators.
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Senate Committees
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No Senate committees are scheduled to meet in Washington, D.C., or around the country next week.
Senators may have scheduled town hall meetings in their states. Check with your senator's local office for times and locations.
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House Floor
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MONDAY, OCTOBER 9TH
On Monday, the House is not in session. No votes are expected in the House.
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 10TH
On Tuesday, the House will meet at 12:00 p.m. for morning hour and 2:00 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m.
Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:
1) H.R. 294 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2700 Cullen Boulevard in Pearland, Texas, as the Endy Nddiobong Ekpanya Post Office Building” (Sponsored by Rep. Pete Olson / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
2) H.R. 452 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 324 West Saint Louis Street in Pacific, Missouri, as the “Specialist Jeffrey L. White, Jr. Post Office” (Sponsored by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
3) H.R. 1858 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 4514 Williamson Trail in Liberty, Pennsylvania, as the “Staff Sergeant Ryan Scott Ostrom Post Office” (Sponsored by Rep. Tom Marino / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
4) H.R. 2254 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 2635 Napa Street in Vallejo, California, as the “Janet Capello Post Office Building” (Sponsored by Rep. Mike Thompson / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
5) H.R. 2302 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 259 Nassau Street, Suite 2 in Princeton, New Jersey, as the “Dr. John F. Nash, Jr. Post Office” (Sponsored by Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
6) H.R. 2464 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 25 New Chardon Street Lobby in Boston, Massachusetts, as the “John Fitzgerald Kennedy Post Office” (Sponsored by Rep. Stephen Lynch / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
7) S. 1617 – To designate the checkpoint of the United States Border Patrol located on United States Highway 77 North in Sarita, Texas, as the Javier Vega, Jr. Border Patrol Checkpoint (Sponsored by Sen. John Cornyn / Transportation and Infrastructure Committee)
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 11TH
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.
Legislation Considered Under Suspension of the Rules:
1) H.R. 2105 – NIST Small Business Cybersecurity Act of 2017, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Daniel Webster / Science, Space, and Technology Committee)
2) H.R. 2763 – The Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer Improvements Act of 2017, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Steve Knight / Small Business Committee / Science, Space, and Technology Committee)
3) S. 190 – Power And Security Systems (PASS) Act (Sponsored by Sen. Cory Gardner / Energy and Commerce Committee)
4) S. 920 – National Clinical Care Commission Act (Sponsored by Sen. Jeanne Shaheen / Energy and Commerce Committee)
5) H.R. 378 – Bonuses for Cost-Cutters Act of 2017, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Chuck Fleischmann / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
6) H.R. 2196 – To amend title 5, United States Code, to allow whistleblowers to disclose information to certain recipients. (Sponsored by Rep. Steve Russell / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
7) H.R. 2229 – All Circuit Review Act (Sponsored by Rep. Elijah Cummings / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
8) H.R. 2989 – Frederick Douglass Bicentennial Commission Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
9) H.R. 3031 – TSP Modernization Act of 2017, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Elijah Cummings / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
10) H.R. 3243 – FITARA Enhancement Act of 2017 (Sponsored by Rep. Gerry Connolly / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
THURSDAY, OCTOBER 12TH AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Thursday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.
On Friday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m.
S. 585 – Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Sen. Ron Johnson / Oversight and Government Reform Committee / Veterans Affairs Committee)
Legislation Related to Disaster Supplemental Appropriations
Additional Legislative Items are Possible
Printable PDF
Legislative Program for next week
Mr. Speaker, on Monday, no votes are expected in the House on account of Columbus Day. On Tuesday, the House will meet at noon for morning hour and 2 p.m. for legislative business. Votes will be postponed until 6:30 p.m. On Wednesday and Thursday, the House will meet at 10 a.m. for morning hour and noon for legislative business. On Friday, the House will meet at 9 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes of the week are expected no later than 3 p.m.
Mr. Speaker, the House will consider a number of suspensions next week, a complete list of which will be announced by close of business tomorrow.
In addition, the House will consider S. 585, the Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act, sponsored by Senator Ron Johnson. Dr. Kirkpatrick was a psychologist who was fired from the VA medical center where he worked after raising concerns about patients' medications. He committed suicide the day he was fired.
This bill will enhance whistleblower protections while ensuring supervisors who retaliate against whistleblowers are punished. I look forward to the House passing this bill and continuing our work to fundamentally change the culture of the VA.
Mr. Speaker, I also expect the House to make a motion to go to conference on the National Defense Authorization Act.
Finally, Mr. Speaker, I expect the House to consider an additional supplemental package to assist the ongoing recovery efforts following Hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria.
Full floor colloquy on next week's House schedule
Text of Bills for the Week of Oct. 9, 2017
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House Committees
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Tuesday, October 10, 2017
S. 585 — Dr. Chris Kirkpatrick Whistleblower Protection Act of 2017
Wednesday, October 11, 2017
HR 477, HR 1116, HR 1585, HR 1645, HR 1699, HR 2121, HR 2148, HR 2201, HR 2396, HR 2706, HR 2954, HR 3072, HR 3299, HR 3312, HR 3758, HR 3857, HR 3898, HR 3903, HR 3911, HR 3948, HR 3971, HR 3972, and HR 3973.
Review of the U.S. Governments Role in Protecting International Religious Freedom
NISTs Physical Security Vulnerabilities: A GAO Undercover Review
"Examining How Covered Entities Utilize the 340 — B Drug Pricing Program"
Confronting the Full Range of Iranian Threats
Hearing
- H.R. 219 (Rep. Don Young of AK), To correct the Swan Lake hydroelectric project survey boundary and to provide for the conveyance of the remaining tract of land within the corrected survey boundary to the State of Alaska. "Swan Lake Hydroelectric Project Boundary Correction Act";
- H.R. 2630 (Rep. Paul Gosar), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to convey certain land to La Paz County, Arizona, and for other purposes. "La Paz County Land Conveyance Act";
- H.R. 3373 (Rep. Eleanor Holmes Norton), To amend the District of Columbia Stadium Act of 1957 to extend for an additional 50 years the lease under which the government of the District of Columbia uses the ground under and the parking facilities associated with Robert F. Kennedy Memorial Stadium; and
- H.R. 3607 (Rep. Tom McClintock), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to establish fees for medical services provided in units of the National Park System, and for other purposes.
Examining
the 2017 Agenda for the Commodity Futures Trading Commission
Building a 21st Century Infrastructure for America: Highways and Transit Stakeholders Perspectives
"Member Day: Testimony and Proposals on the Opioid Crisis."
Transforming GPO for the 21st Century and Beyond: Part 4
Evaluating the Paperwork Reduction Act Part II: Are Burdens Being Reduced?
Legislative Hearing on the Discussion Draft of the "Accessing Strategic Resources Offshore Act" or "ASTRO Act."
H.R. ___, a bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to reauthorize appropriations for the Federal Communications Commission, to provide for certain procedural changes to the rules of the Commission to maximize opportunities for public participation and efficient decisionmaking, and for other purposes.
Security Clearance Investigation Challenges and Reforms
H.R. 815; H.R. 3018; H.R. 3634; H.R. 3949; H.R. 3965; a draft bill entitled, To amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the applicability of certain provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to housing and business loan programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and a draft bill entitled, To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to the use of educational assistance provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs for flight training programs
The State Department and USAID FY 2018 Africa Budget
U.S. Policy Toward Lebanon
Opportunities to Expand U.S. Trade Relationships in the Asia-Pacific Region
Thursday, October 12, 2017
The Future of Housing in America: Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
H.R. 535 and H.R. 1698
Fostering Womens Entrepreneurial Success
Department of Energy Missions and Management Priorities
Assessing First Responder Communications.
Hearing on the 2020 Census
Pending Legislation
21st Century Trade Barriers: Protectionist Cross Border Data Flow Policies' Impact on U.S. Jobs (Rescheduled)
Draft legislation, the Asset and Infrastructure Review Act of 2017, and H.R. 2773, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to sell Pershing Hall
Empty Threat or Serious Danger: Assessing North Koreas Risk to the Homeland.
Oversight Improvements Needed: SBA OIGs Review of the Microloan Program
Building a 21st Century Infrastructure for America: Highways and Transit Stakeholders Perspectives
"Member Day: Testimony and Proposals on the Opioid Crisis."
Transforming GPO for the 21st Century and Beyond: Part 4
Evaluating the Paperwork Reduction Act Part II: Are Burdens Being Reduced?
Legislative Hearing on the Discussion Draft of the "Accessing Strategic Resources Offshore Act" or "ASTRO Act."
H.R. ___, a bill to amend the Communications Act of 1934 to reauthorize appropriations for the Federal Communications Commission, to provide for certain procedural changes to the rules of the Commission to maximize opportunities for public participation and efficient decisionmaking, and for other purposes.
Security Clearance Investigation Challenges and Reforms
H.R. 815; H.R. 3018; H.R. 3634; H.R. 3949; H.R. 3965; a draft bill entitled, To amend title 38, United States Code, to eliminate the applicability of certain provisions of the Administrative Procedure Act to housing and business loan programs of the Department of Veterans Affairs; and a draft bill entitled, To amend title 38, United States Code, to make certain improvements to the use of educational assistance provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs for flight training programs
The State Department and USAID FY 2018 Africa Budget
U.S. Policy Toward Lebanon
Opportunities to Expand U.S. Trade Relationships in the Asia-Pacific Region
Thursday, October 12, 2017
The Future of Housing in America: Oversight of the Department of Housing and Urban Development
H.R. 535 and H.R. 1698
Fostering Womens Entrepreneurial Success
Department of Energy Missions and Management Priorities
Assessing First Responder Communications.
Hearing on the 2020 Census
Pending Legislation
21st Century Trade Barriers: Protectionist Cross Border Data Flow Policies' Impact on U.S. Jobs (Rescheduled)
Draft legislation, the Asset and Infrastructure Review Act of 2017, and H.R. 2773, to authorize the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to sell Pershing Hall
Empty Threat or Serious Danger: Assessing North Koreas Risk to the Homeland.
Oversight Improvements Needed: SBA OIGs Review of the Microloan Program
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Update: Awaken the Dawn
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Awaken the Dawn in DC with 50 Prayer Tents for 50 States: Will This Unprecedented Worship Gathering on the National Mall Usher in the Next Great Awakening?
"Awaken the Dawn is a worship movement, a prayer movement, and a missions movement. Our dream is to see a generation galvanized with the glory of Jesus and the presence of God-a millennial generation who ushers in the next Great Awakening. It's not just an idea. It's not just talk. It is time for this generation to take its place in history." -David Bradshaw, Lead Pastor of Awakening Community Church
(Breaking Christian News)
Go here to read the entire article.
> > > Footnote from CHPP:
Beginning tomorrow and for the next 3 days, rain is in the forecast here in Washington, D.C.
We are due to be hit by Tropical Storm Nate, with the following:
Sunday: Light rain on and off throughout the day
MONDAY: Heavy rain all day! (This is when Lou Engle is scheduled to speak at the RISE UP event!
Tuesday: More rain, tapering off through the day.
Needless to say, we do not need rain here in D.C. this weekend! Please join us in decreeing God's Word over the weather:
IT IS WRITTEN:
"Even the winds and the waves obey him!"
(Matthew 8:27)
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Reference Links
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Prayer Guide
- Legislative Branch — @PrayforCongress
- Executive Branch — @PrayforPOTUS, @PrayforMedicine
- Judicial Branch — @PrayforSCOTUS
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About Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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About Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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