Special Emergency Prayer Call
This Tuesday, April 17, 2018
8:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. EDT
Sponsored by Maureen Bravo
Call in number: 712-770-4340
Enter code: 543555 #
Go here for more details.
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp1994@gmail.com
The Daily Brief:
Legislative Snapshot
Saturday, April 14, 2018
The eternal God is your refuge,
And underneath are the everlasting arms;
He will thrust out the enemy from before you,
And will say, 'Destroy!'
(Deuteronomy 33:27)
> > > To help sustain our work, please go here. Thank you!
"Standing United Together . . . Under the Cross of Christ"
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U.S. Launches Airstrikes in Syria
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"Pentagon:
US, allies launched 105 missiles in Syria, 'successfully' hit all three targets"
The Pentagon said Saturday that the U.S.-led allied missile strikes in Syria successfully hit all three targets and have "significantly crippled" Syrian President Bashar Assad's ability to make more chemical weapons.
"I think we dealt them a severe blow," Lt. Gen. Kenneth McKenzie, director of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said at the Pentagon after the overnight bombing. "We've attacked the heart of the Syrians' chemical weapons program."
McKenzie identified the targets as Barzah Research and Development, the Him Shinshar Chemical Weapons Storage Site and the Him Shinshar Bunker Facility. He also said a total 105 missiles were launched by air and sea, all hitting their targets within minutes.
The strikes, in Douma, near Damascus, were launched in response to evidence that the Assad regime killed civilians in an April 7 chemical attack, the latest in country's years-long civil war.
President Trump on Saturday hailed the strikes and thanked U.S. allies for joining in the campaign.
"A perfectly executed strike last night," he tweeted. "Thank you to France and the United Kingdom for their wisdom and the power of their fine Military. Could not have had a better result. Mission Accomplished!" (Fox News) Read more.
- Father God, we thank You that these strikes were fully successful in accomplishing the mission given. We thank You, too, that no civilians were killed in these strikes, and that our own military personnel were also not harmed.
We ask that Syrian President Bashar al-Assad would have a change of heart, and that any and all further use of chemical weapons would be canceled. In Your Name, amen.
- " . . . the battle is not yours, but God's." (2 Chronicles 20:15)
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President Trump Fights Sex Traffickers
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President Trump Fights Sex Traffickers
By Signing The Allow States And Victims To Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act, President Donald J. Trump Provides Invaluable Tools Needed To Fight The Scourge Of Sex Trafficking
"Human trafficking is a modern form of the oldest and most barbaric type of exploitation. It has no place in our world."
President Donald J. Trump
Human sex trafficking is an epidemic. According to the International Labor Organization, there may be nearly 25 million victims of forced labor across the world. That plight isn't confined to developing countries: Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has received reports of 22,191 sex trafficking cases in the United States.
The Trump Administration is taking the fight to human traffickers. Shortly after taking office, President Trump signed Executive Order 13773, "Enforcing Federal Law with Respect to Transnational Criminal Organizations and Preventing International Trafficking," to boost the government's response. Last month, Ivanka Trump led a bipartisan roundtable at the White House to discuss pending legislation.
Last week, President Trump took further action. The President signed the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017 (FOSTA), which gives both law enforcement officials and victims new tools to fight sex trafficking. Among these tools, FOSTA makes it easier to seek legal action against any websites that enable these crimes.
> > > Read more here.
Source: The White House
- Father God, we offer up a great chorus of PRAISE that our President and this Congress has taken these actions to rein in and hold accountable those who are guilty of human sex trafficking in our nation. We ask that each one be brought to justice, in Your Name, amen.
- "If a man is found kidnapping any of his brethren of the children of Israel, and mistreats him or sells him, then that kidnapper shall die; and you shall put away the evil from among you." (Deuteronomy 24:7)
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"A New Sheriff in Town"
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Attorney General Jeff Sessions promises "new sheriff in town" on trip to Mexico border
SANTA TERESA, New Mexico -- California says it's joining three other states in sending National Guard troops to the Mexican border. Up to 4,000 troops will assist in the crackdown on illegal crossings and drug smuggling. Attorney General Jeff Sessions visited the region Wednesday and delivered a pep talk to law enforcement.
Sessions also told Border Patrol agents and local sheriffs from the Southwest that he was going to deliver on his promise of a more secure border.
"With President Trump, we have a new era of support for law enforcement like we haven't seen in many years," Sessions said. "You might even say we have a new sheriff in town."
. . . "The lack of a wall on the Southern border is an open invitation to illegal border crossings," Sessions said.
A new barrier, which will span 18 to 30 feet, is going up outside El Paso, Texas, over one of the country's busiest smuggling routes. Last year, agents with the El Paso sector caught more than 25,000 people crossing illegally and seized more than 34,000 pounds of marijuana.
"We know that it's going to serve as a significant deterrent for people trying to get through and it's going to increase the safety of our people in the area and the safety of the community on both sides," said Aaron Hull, the sector's patrol chief. (CBS News) Read more.
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The Trumpet
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The Trumpet
A weekly email of highlights for--and requests for action from--the conservative world
April 13, 2018
To read all the issues highlighted in this week's Trumpet, please go here.
TIMELY REQUESTS
1. [ALERT!] As the Administration considers proposing a
spending-rescissions package to Congress, feel free to send suggestions for
SPECIFIC items that should be rescinded. Please include as much background
information as possible, to increase the likelihood of our considering it, and
send your thoughts to:Paul Teller
Paul.S.Teller@who.eop.gov
2. The Senate should soon consider President Trump's nominee for NASA Administrator (Rep. Jim Bridenstine of Oklahoma) and for Secretary of State (Mike Pompeo). We'd be grateful for any public support of these two nominees and other conservative nominees. Below are brief biographies for these two nominees, for your convenience.
Jim Bridenstine to serve as Administrator of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).
Mr. Bridenstine was elected in 2012 to represent Oklahoma's First Congressional District. He serves on the House Armed Services Committee and the Science, Space and Technology Committee. Mr. Bridenstine began his naval aviation career flying the E-2C Hawkeye off the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier, from which he flew combat missions in Iraq and Afghanistan. While on active duty, he transitioned to the F-18 Hornet and flew as an "aggressor" at the Naval Strike and Air Warfare Center. After leaving active duty, Mr. Bridenstine returned to Tulsa, Oklahoma to be the Executive Director of the Tulsa Air and Space Museum & Planetarium and flew counter-drug missions in Central and South America in the Navy Reserve. He holds a triple major from Rice University and an M.B.A. from Cornell University. Mr. Bridenstine is currently a member of the 137th Special Operations Wing of the Oklahoma Air National Guard. Five dozen U.S. House Members recently wrote to Senate leadership to urge the speedy confirmation of Rep. Bridenstine.
Mike Pompeo to serve as Secretary of State.
Pompeo was sworn in as Director of the Central Intelligence Agency on January 23, 2017. As Director, he manages intelligence collection, analysis, covert action, counterintelligence, and liaison relationships with foreign intelligence services. Before becoming Director, Mr. Pompeo was serving in his fourth term as congressman from Kansas' 4th District. He served on the House Intelligence and Energy & Commerce Committee. Prior to his service in Congress, Mr. Pompeo founded Thayer Aerospace, where he served as CEO for more than a decade. He later became President of Sentry International, an oilfield equipment manufacturing, distribution, and service company. Mr. Pompeo graduated first in his class at the United States Military Academy at West Point in 1986 and served as a cavalry officer patrolling the Iron Curtain before the fall of the Berlin Wall. He also served with the 2nd Squadron, 7th Cavalry in the US Army's Fourth Infantry Division. After leaving active duty, Mr. Pompeo graduated from Harvard Law School, having been an editor of the Harvard Law Review.
Thank you, and enjoy an excellent weekend . . .
Paul Teller
Special Assistant to the President for Legislative Affairs
The White House
Paul.S.Teller@who.eop.gov
NOTE: This email update is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all relevant items.
If you know someone who wants to be added to this email list, please have that person email me with "ADD TRUMPET" in the subject header:
paul.s.teller@who.eop.gov
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Recent Floor Activity
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Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record
Related Headlines
Senate confirms NLRB nominee, giving Trump picks control over labor watchdog
House fails to advance a balanced budget amendment to counter high spending levels
Senate Confirms 3 Key Trump Administration Officials, 3 More Judges
House votes to exempt some banks from one of the biggest Dodd-Frank rules
House passes bill to streamline 'Volcker Rule'
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Congress Last Week
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Foreign Policy
GOP lawmaker: Thinking of leaving Syria 'a mistake'
Federal Spending
Senate Republicans View White House Rescissions Package as Non-Starter
Senate leader says open to talks on spending cuts package
New CBO Report Shows Spending On Abysmal Path
House Republicans propose food stamp changes for Farm Bill
Farm Bill Ties Food Stamps to Work, Adjusts Farm Aid
Struggle to replace Ryan could blow up Congress budget deal
Executive
Senate braces for showdown over Trump's nominees
Former intelligence heavyweights endorse Trump's CIA pick
Congress
More Unites Than Divides Senate Communicators From Both Parties
Senate ready to change the rules to speed up Trump nominees
House Speaker Ryan Announces Retirement at End of Term
Ryan Says Most in His Conference Want Him To Hold Onto Gavel Through November
Reports say Paul Ryan may leave speaker post by summer: 'Members won't follow a lame duck'
After Paul Ryan retires, Freedom Caucus has power in choosing
Conor Lamb Sworn In as House Member
House Speaker Ryan endorses McCarthy as successor: NBC interview
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Pending Activity
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Committee Activity
U.S. senate panel plans to repeal auto lending rules: Toomey
Senate plans future hearing on Cambridge Analytica, other firms
Facebook's Mark Zuckerberg testifies before Senate committees
Senators Face Off With Zuckerberg in Marathon Hearing
How the Senate's tech illiteracy saved Mark Zuckerberg
Ted Cruz Grills Mark Zuckerberg Over Facebook's Political Bias, Censorship
Pompeo moves to court moderate Dems ahead of tough vote in committee
House panel probes campus espionage
Facebook CEO: Social media regulation 'inevitable'
House oversight panel asks EPA for travel, condo documents
Senate panel to hold hearing on sexual abuse of Olympic athletes
House E&C, Senate HELP feel out health IT's role in opioid crisis
7 takeaways from the Zuckerberg hearings
Trump Pick for Top Diplomat Dismisses Claims He Is a War Hawk
Pompeo vows to raise State Department morale
Pompeo may fall short of majority support on Senate committee
Floor Outlook
House to vote next week on IRS reforms
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Senate Floor
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Program for Monday: Senate resume consideration of the motion to concur in the amendment of the House to S. 140, Amending the White Mountain Apache Tribe Water Rights Quantification Act, and votes on the motion to invoke cloture thereon at 5:30 p.m.
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Senate Committees
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Tuesday,
Apr. 17, 2018
Hearings to examine the nominations
of
Admiral Philip S. Davidson, USN, for reappointment to the grade of admiral and to be Commander, United States Pacific Command, and
General Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, USAF, for reappointment to the grade of general and to be Commander, United States Northern Command, and Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command, both of the Department of Defense.
Admiral Philip S. Davidson, USN, for reappointment to the grade of admiral and to be Commander, United States Pacific Command, and
General Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, USAF, for reappointment to the grade of general and to be Commander, United States Northern Command, and Commander, North American Aerospace Defense Command, both of the Department of Defense.
Hearings to examine proposed
budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2019 for the National Guard
and Reserve.
Hearings to examine the nominations
of
Thelma Drake, of Virginia, to be Federal Transit Administrator, Department of Transportation,
Jeffrey Nadaner, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce, and
Seth Daniel Appleton, of Missouri, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
Thelma Drake, of Virginia, to be Federal Transit Administrator, Department of Transportation,
Jeffrey Nadaner, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Secretary of Commerce, and
Seth Daniel Appleton, of Missouri, to be an Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development.
Hearings to examine the nomination
of Karl
L. Schultz, to be Admiral and to be Commandant of the Coast Guard, Department
of Homeland Security.
An oversight hearing to
examine deferred maintenance and operational needs of the National Park
Service.
Hearings to examine
United States policy in Yemen.
Hearings to examine Navy
shipbuilding programs in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal
year 2019 and the Future Years Defense Program.
Wednesday,
Apr. 18, 2018
Hearings to examine
abusive robocalls and how to stop them.
Hearings to examine the
appropriate role of states and the Federal government in protecting
groundwater.
Hearings to examine the nominations
of David
Williams, of Illinois, Robert
M. Duncan, of Kentucky, and Calvin
R. Tucker, of Pennsylvania, each to be a Governor of the United States
Postal Service.
An oversight hearing to
examine the Patent and Trademark Office.
Solvency of
Multiemployer Pension Plans
Hearings to examine the
history and structure of the multiemployer pension system.
An oversight hearing to
examine the 30th anniversary of tribal self-governance, focusing on successes
in self-governance and an outlook for the next 30 years.
Hearings to examine
proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2019 for the Army
Corps of Engineers and the Bureau of Reclamation within the Department of the
Interior.
Hearings to examine
proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2019 for the Department
of Housing and Urban Development.
Hearings to examine
accelerating new technologies to meet emerging threats.
Hearings to examine
Olympic abuse, focusing on the role of national governing bodies in protecting
our athletes.
Hearings to examine
strengthening and reforming America's immigration court system.
Hearings to examine Air
Force modernization in review of the Defense Authorization Request for fiscal
year 2019 and the Future Years Defense Program.
Thursday,
Apr. 19, 2018
Hearings to examine the
posture of the Department of the Navy in review of the Defense Authorization
Request for fiscal year 2019 and the Future Years Defense Program.
Hearings to examine the
semiannual testimony on the Federal Reserve's supervision and regulation of the
financial system.
Closed hearings to
examine an intelligence program update and global threat assessment.
Hearings to examine
proposed budget estimates and justification for fiscal year 2019 for the Department
of Health and Human Services.
An oversight hearing to
examine energy-related challenges and opportunities in remote and rural areas of
the United States.
Hearings to examine
tackling opioid and substance use disorders in Medicare, Medicaid, and human
services programs.
Business meeting to
consider
S. 994, to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for the protection of community centers with religious affiliation,
S. 2644, to ensure independent investigations and judicial review of the removal of a special counsel, and
the nominations of
John B. Nalbandian, of Kentucky, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit,
Kari A. Dooley, to be United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut,
Dominic W. Lanza, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona,
Michael Y. Scudder, of Illinois, and Amy J. St. Eve, of Illinois, both to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit,
Charles J. Williams, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Iowa, and
Joseph H. Hunt, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Attorney General, and
Steven L. Gladden, to be United States Marshal for the Middle District of North Carolina, both of the Department of Justice.
S. 994, to amend title 18, United States Code, to provide for the protection of community centers with religious affiliation,
S. 2644, to ensure independent investigations and judicial review of the removal of a special counsel, and
the nominations of
John B. Nalbandian, of Kentucky, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit,
Kari A. Dooley, to be United States District Judge for the District of Connecticut,
Dominic W. Lanza, to be United States District Judge for the District of Arizona,
Michael Y. Scudder, of Illinois, and Amy J. St. Eve, of Illinois, both to be a United States Circuit Judge for the Seventh Circuit,
Charles J. Williams, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Iowa, and
Joseph H. Hunt, of Maryland, to be an Assistant Attorney General, and
Steven L. Gladden, to be United States Marshal for the Middle District of North Carolina, both of the Department of Justice.
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House Floor
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MONDAY, APRIL 16TH
On Monday, 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. 3607 – 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, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Tom McClintock / Natural Resources Committee)
2) H.R. 4609 – West Fork Fire Station Act of 2017 (Sponsored by Rep. Scott Tipton / Natural Resources Committee)
3) H.R. 3961 – Kissimmee River Wild and Scenic River Study Act of 2018, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Darren Soto / Natural Resources Committee)
4) H.R. 146 – Eastern Band Cherokee Historic Lands Reacquisition Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Chuck Fleischmann / Natural Resources Committee)
5) H.R. 443 – James K. Polk Presidential Home Study Act (Sponsored by Rep. Scott DesJarlais / Natural Resources Committee)
6) S. 167 – National Memorial to Fallen Educators Act (Sponsored by Sen. Jerry Moran / Natural Resources Committee)
TUESDAY, APRIL 17TH
On Tuesday, 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. 2905 – Justice for Victims of IRS Scams and Identity Theft Act of 2018, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. David Young / Judiciary Committee)
2) H.R. 4403 – Moving Americans Privacy Protection Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Denham / Ways and Means Committee)
3) H.R. 5440 – To require notice from the Secretary of the Treasury in the case of any closure of a Taxpayer Assistance Center. (Sponsored by Rep. Karen Handel / Ways and Means Committee)
4) H.R. 5446 – To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to restrict the immediate sale of seized property by the Secretary of the Treasury to perishable goods, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Drew Ferguson / Ways and Means Committee)
5) H.R. 5438 – To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to allow officers and employees of the Department of the Treasury to provide to taxpayers information regarding low-income taxpayer clinics, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. George Holding / Ways and Means Committee)
6) H.R. 5437 – To require the Secretary of the Treasury to establish a program for the issuance of identity protection personal identification numbers, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Erik Paulsen / Ways and Means Committee)
7) H.R. 5439 – To provide for a single point of contact at the Internal Revenue Service for the taxpayers who are victims of tax-related identity theft, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jim Renacci / Ways and Means Committee)
8) H.R. 5443 – To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to require electronic filing of the annual returns of exempt organizations and provide for making such returns available for public inspection, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Mike Kelly / Ways and Means Committee)
9) H.R. 2901 – To amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to make permanent Volunteer Income Tax Assistance matching grant program (Sponsored by Rep. Carlos Curbelo / Ways and Means Committee)
10) H.R. 1512 – Social Security Child Protection Act of 2018, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Kenny Marchant / Ways and Means Committee)
H.R. 5192 – Protecting Children from Identity Theft Act, as amended (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Carlos Curbelo / Ways and Means Committee)
WEDNESDAY, APRIL 18TH AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.
On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m.
On Friday, no votes are expected in the House.
H.R. 5444 – Taxpayer First Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Lynn Jenkins / Ways and Means Committee)
H.R. 5445 – 21st Century IRS Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Mike Bishop / Ways and Means Committee)
Legislative Program for next week
Mr. McCARTHY. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, 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 Tuesday and Wednesday, the House will meet at 10 a.m. for morning hour and noon for legislative business.
On Thursday, 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 today.
Next Tuesday, April 17, is also Tax Day. While this is a day Americans usually dread, I am pleased that this will be the last year they will have to file under the old and burdensome Tax Code. Because of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act, not only will filing be simpler, Americans will keep more of their hard-earned money, on top of the bonuses and increased wages we have already seen.
In addition, the House will vote on several important bills aimed at safeguarding all taxpayers next week.
First, there is H.R. 5192, the Protecting Children From Identity Theft Act, sponsored by Representative Carlos Curbelo. Studies have shown the rate of ID theft is actually 50 times higher among children than adults. This bipartisan bill would modernize fraud detection systems to prevent such theft from occurring in the first place.
Second, H.R. 5444, the Taxpayer First Act, sponsored by Representative Lynn Jenkins, which would improve the independent appeals process at the IRS, along with other crucial taxpayer services within the agency.
Lastly, H.R. 5445, the 21st Century IRS Act, sponsored by Representative Mike Bishop. This bill would boost cybersecurity and other IT systems in the IRS to ensure the agency serves all taxpayers effectively and efficiently.
Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the House passing all these critical bills without delay.
Full floor colloquy on next week's House schedule
Text of Bills for the Week of April 16, 2018
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House Committees
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Monday, April 16, 2018
H.R. 5192 — Protecting Children from Identity Theft Act (Rules Committee Print 115-68 — Showing the text of H.R. 5192 as ordered reported by the Committee on Ways and Means); H.R. 5444 — Taxpayer First Act; H.R. 5445 — 21st Century IRS Act
Tuesday, April 17, 2018
FY 2019 Budget - Office of Public and Indian Housing
State Sponsors of Terrorism: An Examination of Irans Global Terrorism Network.
Continued Oversight Over the Internal Revenue Service
FY 2019 - Members of Congress and Outside Witnesses
H.R. ____, the Innovations in Mentoring, Training, and Apprenticeships Act; H.R. 5503, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration Authorization Act of 2018
Oversight of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission and the FY2019 Budget
Jobs and Opportunity: Federal Perspectives on the Jobs Gap
H.R. 5040, H.R. 5129, H.R. 5274, and H.R. 5480
Semi-Annual Testimony on the Federal Reserves Supervision and Regulation of the Financial System
Small Business Retirement Plans and the IRS Employee Plans Fee Change
Oversight of the Surface Transportation Board Reauthorization Act of 2015
FY 2019 Member Day Hearing
FY 2019 Budget - United States Coast Guard
Fraud, Mismanagement, Non-Compliance, and Safety: The History of Failures of the Corporation for National and Community Service
Oversight of the Federal Bureau of Prisons
Promoting DOD's Culture of Innovation
FY 2019 Member Day Hearing
FY 2019 Budget - Indian Health Service
FY 2019 Budget - General Services Administration
From Core to Edge: Perspective on Internet Prioritization
FY 2019 Budget - Members of Congress
FY 2019 Budget - Food and Drug Administration
FY 2019 Budget - U.S. Government Accountability Office
H.R. 4528 (Rep. Darren Soto), To make technical amendments to certain marine fish conservation statutes, and for other purposes; H.R. 5248 (Rep. Daniel Webster), To amend and enhance the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Moratorium Protection Act to improve the conservation of sharks. Sustainable Shark Fisheries and Trade Act; and H.R. 1456 (Rep. Edward R. Royce), To prohibit the sale of shark fins, and for other purposes. Shark Fin Sales Elimination Act of 2017.
Housing Choice Voucher Program: An Oversight and Review of Legislative Proposals
Safeguarding Trade Secrets in the United States
Reinforcing the U.S.-Taiwan Relationship
H.R. 1506; H.R. 2322; H.R. 3832; H.R. 4334; H.R. 4635; VA Medicinal Cannabis Research Act of 2018 and, a draft bill to make certain improvements in the Family Caregiver Program
Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request for Missile Defense and Missile Defeat Programs
Wednesday, April 18, 2018
FY 2019 Budget - U.S. Forest Service
FY 2019 Budget - Office of Management and Budget
H.R. 2, Agriculture and Nutrition Act of 2018
U.S. Policy Toward a Turbulent Middle East
Composite Materials Strengthening Infrastructure Development
Top Management and Performance Challenges Identified Government-wide by the Inspector General Community
Oversight and Reform of the Department of Defense 4th Estate
FY 2019 Budget - Member Day Hearing
From Boston to Austin: Lessons Learned on Homeland Threat Information Sharing
FY 2019 Oversight Hearing on Health and Human Services Biodefense Activities
Full Committee will consider the following bills:
- H.R. 788 (Rep. Duncan D. Hunter), To amend the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act to facilitate the establishment of additional or expanded public target ranges in certain States. Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act;
- H.R. 1026 (Rep. Richard M. Nolan), To revise the authorized route of the North Country National Scenic Trail in northeastern Minnesota and to extend the trail into Vermont to connect with the Appalachian National Scenic Trail, and for other purposes. North Country National Scenic Trail Route Adjustment Act;
- H.R. 1037 (Rep. Stephen F. Lynch), To authorize the National Emergency Medical Services Memorial Foundation to establish a commemorative work in the District of Columbia and its environs, and for other purposes;
- H.R. 2991 (Rep. Lloyd Smucker), To establish the Susquehanna National Heritage Area in the State of Pennsylvania, and for other purposes. Susquehanna National Heritage Area Act;
- H.R. 3400, (Rep. Rob Bishop), To promote innovative approaches to outdoor recreation on Federal land and to open up opportunities for collaboration with non-Federal partners, and for other purposes. Recreation Not Red-Tape Act;
- H.R. 4069 (Rep. Don Young), To amend the Migratory Bird Treaty Act to clarify the treatment of authentic Alaska Native articles of handicraft containing nonedible migratory bird parts, and for other purposes; and
- H.R. 4645 (Rep. Greg Gianforte), To amend the Wild and Scenic Rivers Act to designate certain segments of East Rosebud Creek in Carbon County, Montana, as components of the Wild and Scenic Rivers System. East Rosebud Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.
FY 2019 Budget - Bureau of the
Census
An Examination of the Small Business Administrations 7(a) Loans to Poultry Farmers
FY 2019 Budget - United States Department of Agriculture
FY 2019 Budget - The Judiciary
FY 2019 Budget - Office of Compliance
Libya Fractured: The Struggle for Unity
The Dayton Legacy and the Future of Bosnia and the Western Balkans
Game Changers: Artificial Intelligence Part III, Artificial Intelligence and Public Policy
Fiscal Year 2019 Energy, Installations and Environment Budget Request
FY 2019 Budget - Congressional Budget Office
Ground Force Modernization Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2019
Thursday,
April 19, 2018An Examination of the Small Business Administrations 7(a) Loans to Poultry Farmers
FY 2019 Budget - United States Department of Agriculture
FY 2019 Budget - The Judiciary
FY 2019 Budget - Office of Compliance
Libya Fractured: The Struggle for Unity
The Dayton Legacy and the Future of Bosnia and the Western Balkans
Game Changers: Artificial Intelligence Part III, Artificial Intelligence and Public Policy
Fiscal Year 2019 Energy, Installations and Environment Budget Request
FY 2019 Budget - Congressional Budget Office
Ground Force Modernization Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2019
FY 2019 - Member Day Hearing
Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Hearing #2 (closed)
FY 2019 Budget - Department of State and Foreign Operations Programs
Do Not Call: Combating Robocalls and Caller ID Spoofing
Examining Tax-Exempt Private Activity Bonds for All Aboard Floridas Brightline Passenger Rail System
Army Fiscal Year 2019 Budget Request Readiness Posture
Military Health System Reform: Pain Management, Opioids Prescription Management and Reporting Transparency
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A Word of Clarification (Mike Pompeo)
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A Word of Clarification:
Updated Information for Prayer for Mike Pompeo
Dear Friends,
Thank you for lifting up Mike Pompeo's nomination in prayer to be confirmed in Congress. We are extremely grateful to know that President Trump has chosen Mike Pompeo to serve as our next Secretary of State.
To clarify: his hearing on this past Thursday was not held in the House Committee on Foreign Relations, but in the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations.
We were blessed to see his steadfast position during that hearing, as members of the opposition party continued to grill him with questions about his Christian faith -- questions that have nothing to do with assuming this position in the President's cabinet. Please see the article below from the Family Research Council, reporting this news.
We now ask that his nomination be upheld by that Committee quickly and sent to the full Senate Chamber for confirmation as soon as possible. Thank you.
- Father, we do ask this prayer, in Your name, amen.
- "He who has begun a good work in you will continue until the day of Christ Jesus." (Philippians 1:6)
Pompeo and Circumstance
If Mike Pompeo approaches the world's crises in the same calm, dignified, knowledgeable way that he handled today's hearing, the Department of State will be in excellent hands. Americans on both sides couldn't help but be impressed by the CIA Director's measured, expert testimony -- in many ways showing just how wise Donald Trump was to nominate him.
Pompeo, who has a long history with the intelligence community -- dating back to his days in the U.S. House -- deftly handled the complicated questions thrown at him, barely stopping to consult his notes. When Democrats tried to goad him into contradicting Trump, the director politely -- but firmly -- reminded the committee that his job was to be the face of the president's agenda abroad. On being called a defense hawk who's willing to take severe action, Pompeo soberly explained that as a veteran:
I know firsthand the painful sacrifices of our men and women in uniform. So when journalists, most of whom have never met me, label me -- or any of you -- as 'hawks,' 'war hardliners,' or worse, I shake my head. There are few who dread war more than those of us who have served in uniform. And there is a great deal of room between a military presence and war. War is always the last resort. I would prefer achieving the President's foreign policy goals with unrelenting diplomacy rather than by sending young men and women to war.
. . . The most blatant attempt to undermine Pompeo's values came from Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), who insisted that complaints about discrimination had gone up under the CIA director (video here). Citing atheist activist Mikey Weinstein as her only source, she asked Pompeo to explain how he could hold pro-family, pro-faith beliefs and still run a diverse department. "Well," he responded, "Look at my record. As CIA Director, I've treated everyone with dignity and respect. I've promoted them regardless of race, religion, or gender . . . and I've held them accountable when they needed it . . . I didn't undermine a single policy . . . I'm proud of the work I did to continue to develop and create a diverse workforce."
Then, to the obvious surprise of Shaheen, he demolished Weinstein's phony "intel" with an actual statistic: complaints like these had actually decreased 40 percent from 2016-17. "And I'm proud of that," he said. Dumbfounded, Shaheen stumbled to thank him and conclude her time. Later, when Senator Cory Booker (D-N.J.) tried to paint Pompeo as a hater or Islamophobe, Mike asked him to stop and consider the facts. "My record is exquisite in dealing with people of very different faiths . . . I've heard these critiques . . . I promise I will treat persons of other faith or no faith with the dignity they deserve."
Booker's attack became more intense, suggesting that Christians who believe in the Bible's definition of sexuality had no business running a government agency. Mike replied simply, "When I was a politician, I had a very clear view that [a same-sex couple] should not be married. Senator, I continue to hold that view." When Booker interrupted and asked how he could lead the State Department with that belief, Pompeo reminded him that you can disagree with someone and still treat them with respect. "We have married gay couples at the CIA, you should know. My respect for every individual, regardless of sexual orientation, is the same."
Other times, he highlighted the importance of human rights, responding to Senator Marco Rubio's (R-Fla.) call to make that a priority. "Make no mistake: America is uniquely blessed, and with those blessings comes a duty to lead. As I have argued throughout my time in public service, if we do not lead the calls for democracy, prosperity, and human rights around the world, who will? No other nation is equipped with the same blend of power and principle." His predecessor, he implied, put human rights -- and more importantly, religious liberty -- on the backburner. He would not. That anticipated priority was highlighted in the letter of support from 50 international religious freedom groups, who applaud Pompeo's commitment to make the issue of religious freedom a top focus in our foreign policy. (Family Research Council) Read more.
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Prayers for Ambassador Brownback
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Prayers for Ambassador Sam Brownback:
Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom
Now traveling in Turkey and in Bangladesh
Will take action on behalf of imprisoned Pastor Andrew Brunson
Introduction:
Pastor Andrew Brunson has been detained for more than a year now in Turkey on false charges of somehow being associated with the plotters of the failed coup there a couple of years ago. He has a hearing scheduled for this coming Monday, April 16th. Please find below a list of people associated with the case and specific things about those people that we can pray for. Thank you!
Prayer Requests:
1.) Amb. Sam Brownback, Ambassador at Large for International Religious Freedom - he is personally working to try to bring about Pastor Brunson's release and has publicly stated that he hopes to be there for the hearing. Pray that the Lord will work things out in such a way that he will be able to attend and signal that this is a big deal to the United States and an albatross around Turkey's neck that it ought to want to get rid of.
2.) U.S. Chargé d'Affaires (the person who serves as our acting ambassador, since we don't currently have an ambassador to Turkey) Philip Kosnett - as our relations with Turkey have soured in recent years, CG Kosnett is in a difficult position, having to manage that relationship as best he can while trying to advocate for the interests of American citizens like Pastor Brunson.
3.) Vice President Mike Pence has taken a personal interest in Pastor Brunson's case and is also working to try to figure out an exit to this situation that Turkey will find palatable.
4.) The staff at the U.S. Embassy in Ankara, Turkey, the staff in the Office of International Religious Freedom who work on European matters, the Desk Officers who work on relations with Turkey in the State Department's Bureau of European and Eurasian Affairs, and the staff at the White House, like Retired Rear Admiral (Upper Half) Garry Hall, who is the Senior Director at the National Security Council whose portfolio covers matters of religious freedom abroad.
5.) Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, that he will recognize that continuing to hold Pastor Brunson is not in Turkey's interest and that he will recognize a face-saving way to release Pastor Brunson sooner rather than later.
> > > Please note: the entire list of prayer points for this trip includes 20 items. To view all of these prayer targets, please go here.
The Trip to Bangladesh
After he completes his visit to Turkey, Ambassador Brownback will then travel to Bangladesh, to examine first-hand the persecution of a Hindu sect by the Muslims in that nation.
Please pray that he will receive accurate intelligence reports during this part of his trip, and offer praise to the Lord that this visit represents the desire of the Trump administration to call for the ending of genocide and religious persecution around the world, no matter which religion may be involved. Thank you.
Pray, too, for the protection of Ambassador Brownback and his entourage during this entire journey.
BONUS!
Intercessors for America is providing a means for you to offer a prayer for Ambassador Brownback each week. We are told that the ambassador does read these prayers, and is blessed by each one.
Please go here to find out how you, too, may offer a prayer for Ambassador Sam Brownback.
THANK YOU, IFA!
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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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Prayers and Presidents
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Prayers and Presidents
Our Fifteenth President: James Buchanan
(1857-1861)
[Each week, we will publish one prayer that was spoken by each of our presidents, in chronological order. Today's prayer was written by our fifteenth president, James Buchanan.]
I appear before you this day to take the solemn oath "that I will faithfully execute the office of President of the United States and will to the best of my ability preserve, protect, and defend the Constitution of the United States."
In entering upon this great office I must humbly invoke the God of our fathers for wisdom and firmness to execute its high and responsible duties in such a manner as to restore harmony and ancient friendship among the people of the several States and to preserve our free institutions throughout many generations.
. . . We ought to cultivate peace, commerce, and friendship with all nations, and this not merely as the best means of promoting our own material interests, but in a spirit of Christian benevolence toward our fellow-men, wherever their lot may be cast.
James Buchanan, Inaugural Address, March 4, 1857
(Source: Prayers of the Presidents, Dr. Larry Keefauver, p. 61.)
Read more here.
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About Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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About Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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