In This Issue• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 17a-1
• On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 17a-2
• This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
Greetings!
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net
On Capitol Hill This Week - Volume XVIII, Number 17a
May 31 - June 3, 2011
May 31 - June 3, 2011
SPECIAL EDITION
"Now there was a long war between the house of Saul and the house of David. But David grew stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul grew weaker and weaker." (2 Samuel 3:1)
This week, the House is in session, while the Senate is out of session.
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 17a-1
1. OBAMA NAMES NEW MILITARY LEADERSHIP PICKS
2. OBAMA ADDRESSES AIPAC; REPEATS CALL TO RETURN TO 1967 "LINES"
3. P.M. NETANYAHU WELCOMED BY JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS
4. BIBI: "ISRAEL WILL NOT RETURN TO THE INDEFENSIBLE LINES OF 1967"
5. DEADLIEST TWISTER IN DECADES RIPS THROUGH JOPLIN
6. G8 LEADERS OMIT MENTION OF 1967 BORDERS IN MIDDLE EAST STATEMENT
7. G8 PLEDGES $20 BILLION FOR TUNISIA AND EGYPT
8. OBAMA'S LIMO GETS STUCK WHILE EXITING U.S. EMBASSY IN DUBLIN
9. SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS ARIZONA LAW ON IMMIGRATION ISSUE
10. SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS CALIFORNIA DECISION, RELEASES 40,000 PRISONERS
1. OBAMA NAMES NEW MILITARY LEADERSHIP PICKS
Obama nominated Army Gen. Martin Dempsey on Monday as his pick to be the next chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, replacing Navy Adm. Mike Mullen, whose term ends Sept. 30. Dempsey, an accomplished veteran of the Iraq war and the current Army chief of staff who's only been in his post for one month, will need Senate confirmation.
Obama also named Adm. James Winnefeld, the commander of Northern Command, to be his vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs. While not a household name, sources describe him as a smart officer, who is well-known at the White House. One source described him as "Mullen's guy."
In a Rose Garden announcement, the president said Dempsey is "one of our nation's most respected and combat-tested generals." Obama said both men have had the trust and respect of the troops on the front lines and in Congress.
The president also named Gen. Ray Odierno to be his Army chief of staff, a position that lives up to a promise by Defense Secretary Robert Gates to give Odierno, who is winding down at U.S. Joint Forces Command, a great job following a brutally long four years in Iraq. (Fox News) Read more.
- As these military leaders prepare to go before the Congress for their confirmation hearings, lift each one up in prayer. May Army Gen. Martin Dempsey, Adm. James Winnefeld, and Gen. Ray Odierno be led by the Spirit of the Most High God -- our own Commander-in-Chief -- in all the decisions that they must make for the defense of our nation. Amen.
- "I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you shall go: I will guide you with my eye." (Psalm 32:8)
2. OBAMA ADDRESSES AIPAC; REPEATS CALL TO RETURN TO 1967 "LINES"
Obama on Sunday sought to soothe Israeli fury over his new Middle East peace proposals by making clear that the Jewish state would likely be able to keep some settlements in any final deal with the Palestinians. Obama, addressing Israel's staunchest U.S. supporters, repeated his view that long-stalled peace talks should start on the basis of the Jewish state's 1967 borders, an assertion that angered Israel, exposed a deep rift in its relations with Washington and raised further doubts about peace prospects.
But Obama, in his speech to Washington's most powerful pro-Israel lobbying group (AIPAC), sought to ease tensions with the close U.S. ally over Obama's endorsement three days earlier of a longstanding Palestinian demand on the borders of their future state. Obama stressed that he expected the two sides to eventually negotiate an accord that included land swaps that would take into account the "new demographic realities on the ground," signaling that Israel would be allowed to keep some Jewish settlements built on occupied land. (Reuters) Read more.
- God, move all the world to recognize and respect the leadership of Netanyahu as sole Prime Minister of Israel, because it is under his leadership, under God that this nation and its people are guided and survive. One nation lead by its own leader. God, we ask for holy warring angels to come and surround the Biblical borders of Israel, for no man would dare fight the protecting angels of Israel who withstand its enemies. In Jesus Name.
- "I will lift up mine eyes unto the hills, from whence comes my help. My help comes from the Lord, which made heaven and earth. He will not suffer your foot to be moved: He that keeps Israel shall neither slumber nor sleep. The Lord shall preserve you from all evil: He shall preserve your soul. The Lord shall preserve your going out and your coming in from this time forth, and even forevermore." (Psalm 121)
3. P.M. NETANYAHU WELCOMED BY JOINT SESSION OF CONGRESS
Congress Shows Almost Unanimous Approval of Speech
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed a joint session of Congress today. He got a rousing reception from members of both political parties as he delivered a passionate defense of the American/Israeli alliance, described the failure of the peace process and boldly outlined his vision of a future Palestinian state. Netanyahu spoke with just a few notes and without the assistance of a teleprompter. . .
Netanyahu concluded by graciously thanking the United States for its "unwavering support for Israel." "Thank you for ensuring that the flame of freedom burns bright throughout the world," he said. "May God bless all of you. And may God forever bless the United States of America."
There was a tremendous reaction to Netanyahu's address. Members of Congress interrupted Netanyahu 29 times with standing ovations. One headline on the Fox Nation website read: "Netanyahu Delivers Epic Pro-American Speech to Congress."
If you have children or grandchildren in college, I strongly encourage you to share today's report with them. I know they will benefit from this "reality check." Given the rise of anti-Semitism and anti-American rhetoric on our college campuses, it will surely stand in stark contrast to the misinformation and propaganda our young adults are being taught about Israel and our own nation at our institutions of higher learning. (Gary Bauer)
- Offer a chorus of praise for the strong support that was demonstrated last week by our Congress for Mr. Netanyahu, and for Israel. In praying now for 17 years on-site on Capitol Hill, we have never witnessed a move of unity like the one that was evident last week, across the board, in the United States Congress. Continue to cry out to the Lord that He might show us His mercy in the midst of judgment, for clearly, the vast majority of our people -- and our leaders -- do honor the apple of His eye. Praise God!
- For thus says the LORD of hosts: "He sent Me after glory, to the nations which plunder you; for he who touches you touches the apple of His eye." (Zech. 2:8)
[To gain a greater perspective about the tremendous response shown by Congress by this speech, please see the article titled, "Congress Gets an American President -- For a Day." Go here.]
4. BIBI: ISRAEL WILL NOT RETURN TO THE INDEFENSIBLE BOUNDARIES OF 1967
Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Tuesday that Israel "will be generous" in giving back land to establish a Palestinian state, but will not return to the 1967 borders and will not agree to a divided Jerusalem.
Netanyahu, in an address before a joint meeting of Congress, outlined his terms for peace following a dispute with Obama over the boundaries of a future Palestinian state. Obama last week called for a two-state solution based on Israel's borders before the 1967 Six Day War. Netanyahu, along with pro-Israel members of Congress, said those lines would endanger the security of Israel -- a claim the prime minister repeated Tuesday.
"Israel will not return to the indefensible boundaries of 1967," he said. "Israel will be generous on the size of the Palestinian state, but we'll be very firm on where we put the border with it. . . Peace must be anchored in security," Netanyahu said. (Fox News) Read more.
- Give thanks for this brilliantly articulated speech, which left no doubt where Israel now stands on several U.S.- Israeli policy issues. May the anointing and favor that rests upon Mr. Netanyahu continue to increase, as that of his enemies decrease. Amen.
- "Now there was long war between the house of Saul and the house of David: but David waxed stronger and stronger, and the house of Saul waxed weaker and weaker." (2 Samuel 3:1)
READ NETANYAHU'S ENTIRE SPEECH TO THE US CONGRESS. (Go here)
We also encourage you to view the short You tube clip, Israel's defensible borders. [Source: Hebrew National News Alerts)
5. DEADLIEST TWISTER IN DECADES RIPS THROUGH JOPLIN
Within hours after Obama gave his AIPAC speech, a cluster of deadly tornadoes touched down in the heartland of America, with the deadliest one tearing through Joplin Missouri. The Joplin, Mo., tornado now ranks among the ten deadliest tornadoes of all time. The near mile-wide tornado last week killed at least 139 people and took out 2,000 buildings in its destructive wake.
On Tuesday evening, the area was again threatened with severe weather. A tornado warning was issued for a time in Joplin and surrounding areas. The storm-ravaged town avoided another direct hit, as the supercell moved north of Joplin. (Fox News) Read more.
For more details on this storm, see also Hebrew National News Alerts. Go here.
- Father, our heart goes out to the victims and families who have been affected by this especially destructive tornado. We pray for healing for the injured who hang in the balance; and we pray for comfort for those who have survived and must face rebuilding their lives. With You, all things are possible, and we pray for these devastated people to know You and Your power to restore what the enemy has taken.
- "For the Lord shall comfort Zion: he will comfort all her waste places: and he will make her desert like the garden of the Lord; joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and voice of melody." (Isaiah 51:3) KJV
6. G8 LEADERS OMIT MENTION OF 1967 BORDERS IN MIDDLE EAST STATEMENT
Canada Objected to Specific Mention of the 1967 Borders
Group of Eight leaders had to soften a statement urging Israel and the Palestinians to return to negotiations because Canada objected to a specific mention of 1967 borders, diplomats said on Friday. Group of Eight leaders had to soften a statement urging Israel and the Palestinians to return to negotiations because Canada objected to a specific mention of 1967 borders, diplomats said on Friday.
Canada's right-leaning Conservative government has adopted a staunchly pro-Israel position in international negotiations since coming to power in 2006, with Prime Minister Stephen Harper saying Canada will back Israel whatever the cost. (Reuters) Read more.
See also: Hebrew National News Alerts. Go here.
- Call forth the BLESSING due to Canada for its very strong stand with Israel! Praise God!
- "May the LORD bless you from Zion, He who made heaven and earth." (Psa 134:3)
7. G8 PLEDGES $20 BILLION FOR EGYPT AND TUNISIA
The world's big wealthy democracies have endorsed a $20-billion-plus package of assistance to Egypt and Tunisia, asserting a willingness to support transitions to democracy in North Africa and the Middle East. Leaders of many of the Group of Eight countries meeting in Deauville, France, had raised fears that the pro-Democracy movements dubbed the Arab spring could be derailed by economic hardship which could lead to a rise of extremism.
They closed their summit with a "declaration on the Arab spring" that pledged to back concrete economic political reforms across North Africa and the Middle East, starting with Egypt and Tunisia, two countries which ousted dictators but face economic downturn. "We stand ready to extend this long term global Partnership to all countries of the region engaging in a transition towards free, democratic and tolerant societies, beginning with Egypt and Tunisia, in association with countries wishing to support transition in the region," the G8 declaration stated. (The Globe and Mail)
- There is now a very fine line between what Obama calls "democracy" in the "Arab Spring," and the carefully designed takeover of these same nations by the Muslim Brotherhood. For more on this, please see the comment, below, by a brother in Israel. In the U.S., the appropriation of these funds must be approved by Congress. Please pray they be granted wisdom in doing so.
- "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
A comment from Feryl Honorof, A Citizen of Israel
" The Muslim Brotherhood is rapidly gaining control of Egypt and the peace agreement that once existed between Egypt and Israel is quickly falling apart. As many of us now understand this has been the plan all along. Please understand, Israel is in a very dangerous place! The funding of what Barack Obama calls "The Arab Spring," the fight for democracy in the middle east, is in actuality, the financing and military arming of the radical Islamic Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt and other middle east nations. The Christians in Egypt are in great fear of what is coming next, as radical elements gain control."
8. OBAMA'S LIMO GETS STUCK WHILE EXITING U.S. EMBASSY IN DUBLIN
Obama made quite an exit Monday as his armored car attempted to leave the U.S. Embassy in Dublin, Ireland.
As crowds of onlookers patiently waited for a glimpse of the president, the White House motorcade began to peel out of the embassy via the exit ramp Monday morning. But when the car--the armored Cadillac nicknamed "The Beast" by the Secret Service --holding Obama and wife Michelle reached the gate, a loud "clang" resounded and the car lurched.
A reporter with Ireland's RTE network said the car's low underbelly appeared to have caught on a piece of metal possibly related to the embassy gate. AFP reports that the Obamas eventually switched to another car to drive to the Marine Force One helicopter en route to Moneygall--the town where the president's great-great-great grandfather once lived. (Yahoo News)
To read more and to view a video of this incident, go here.
- Continue to pray for the safety of the President and the First Lady during all of their overseas travels. Happily, this brief incident ended up being a minor inconvenience for the First Family during their trip to one of Obama's ancestral homes. His personal limousine may be a heavily protected "Beast" to the Secret Service, but only our God is able to fully protect us and to keep us from harm. Amen.
- "Again I say to you that if two of you agree on earth concerning anything that they ask, it will be done for them by My Father in heaven." (Matthew 18:19)
9. SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS ARIZONA LAW ON IMMIGRATION ISSUE
Penalizes Employers Over Illegal Immigrant Workers
The Supreme Court has sustained Arizona's law that penalizes businesses for hiring workers who are in the United States illegally, rejecting arguments that states have no role in immigration matters. By a 5-3 vote, the court said Thursday that federal immigration law gives states the authority to impose sanctions on employers who hire unauthorized workers. The decision upholding the validity of the 2007 law comes as the state is appealing a ruling that blocked key components of a second, more controversial Arizona immigration enforcement law. Thursday's decision applies only to business licenses and does not signal how the high court might rule if the other law comes before it. (Christian Coalition of America) Read more.
- Thank You Lord, for this victory in the Supreme Court! We ask that more states now begin to clamp down on the immigration violations across the borders of America, not to harm the innocents, but to protect the nation.
- "O sing unto the Lord a new song; for He has done marvelous things: His right hand and His holy arm have gotten Him the victory." (Psalm 98:1)
10. SUPREME COURT UPHOLDS CALIFORNIA DECISION, RELEASES 40,000 PRISONERS
In all the big news of the past week, a very controversial United States Supreme Court decision has been largely ignored. In a 5-to-4 decision, the Supreme Court ordered California to release more than 40,000 prisoners, arguing that prison overcrowding had created conditions that amounted to "cruel and unusual" punishment. The decision was backed by the court's four liberal justices, including two appointed by President Obama, and Justice Anthony Kennedy.
This decision will have severe consequences. As other court-ordered prisoner releases have demonstrated, people may be killed, raped or robbed as result. In the 1990s, Philadelphia was forced to release thousands of prisoners under court order. In less than two years, the police had arrested and charged many of the released prisoners for committing nearly 10,000 new crimes, including 79 murders, 90 rapes and nearly 1,000 robberies.
The court's conservatives were incredulous. In his dissenting opinion, Justice Antonin Scalia warned that "terrible things are sure to happen as a consequence of this outrageous order." Justice Samuel Alito argued that the court should have issued a narrow ruling to address specific problems on a case-by-case basis. Instead, Alito wrote, the liberal majority freed "the equivalent of three Army divisions" of criminals, which he feared would "lead to a grim roster of victims." (Gary Bauer)
- Lord, we pray for better wisdom for the Supreme Court of our land. We pray they make judgments more wisely than this ruling on Monday. We pray that they will get their priorities right and that honest men and women will be protected from those who are soon to be released. We pray for You to make changes in the lives of those released so that they are not a menace to society.
- "Wisdom is better than weapons of war." (Ecclesiastes 9:18a") KJV
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 17a-2
FOCUS ON ISRAEL
1. EGYPT TO OPEN RAFAH CROSSING PERMANENTLY
Egypt will opened its only crossing with the Gaza Strip this weekend, the Cairo military government announced on Wednesday, significantly easing a four-year blockade on the Hamas-ruled territory but setting up a potential conflict with Israel.
- Father, we ask for You to ramp up Your protection for Israel in the face of this action by Egypt. We ask for the help of Your Angelic Host to stand guard against the weapons that flow through Gaza, that no secrecy is able to hide the works of Hamas. (UK Telegraph)
- "Their webs shall not become garments, neither shall they cover themselves with their works; their works are works of iniquity, and the act of violence is in their hands." (Isaiah 59:6)
2. ISRAEL PREPARES FOR BORDER VIOLENCE
The Israeli military is preparing for the possibility of violent protests along its borders in the coming days, aiming to avoid a repeat of deadly unrest that erupted earlier this month, a senior military official told The Associated Press on Sunday. Facebook-organized activists have called for demonstrations next weekend in Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan to mark the anniversary of the 1967 Mideast war, in which Israel captured the West Bank, Gaza Strip east Jerusalem and Golan Heights.
The commissioner tells the Post that his forces face a "new reality" in attempts to infiltrate Israel's borders. "In this reality, we are obligated, as a security force, to expect all possibilities and various scenarios, and prepare accordingly. This is a national mission and a national challenge," Danino told the paper. Another official said the army hopes to avoid civilian casualties but would set "red lines" for the demonstrations. That means Israel will not allow demonstrators to burst across the borders during the coming week's protests -- as they did on the Syria-Israel border on May 15 -- or to enter Jewish settlements in the West Bank in September. He said Israel will not react to nonviolent demonstrations, including large gatherings near the settlements, but that it would be forced to take action in "life-threatening" situations. (Fox News)
Read more.
- Set up ambushes of PRAISE in the face of Israel's enemies; then wait before the LORD to see what He will do with her enemies. Pray!
- And when he had consulted with the people, he appointed those who should sing to the LORD, and who should praise the beauty of holiness, as they went out before the army and were saying:
"Praise the LORD, For His mercy endures forever." Now when they began to sing and to praise, the LORD set ambushes against the people of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir, who had come against Judah; and they were defeated. (2 Chronicles 20:21,22)
3. HAMAS MOVING HQ FROM SYRIA TO EGYPT, WARNS NETANYAHU
Hamas is moving its headquarters from Damascus to Egypt, and the terror group is strengthening itself in the Sinai, Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu told the Knesset Foreign Affairs and Security Committee Monday.
He also noted that the Muslim Brotherhood, from which Hamas sprung, also has become a more powerful force in Egypt since the ouster of Hosni Mubarak. P. M. Netanyahu stated his concern about the inability of the provisional military regime in Egypt to exercise sovereignty in the Sinai, which borders Israel. Bedouin and Hamas terrorists are also smuggling weapons from Iran, Sudan, Syria and elsewhere into Gaza from Sinai. Al-Qaeda also has brought 400 terrorists into the area, according to an Egyptian official quoted by an Arab news agency.
The de facto dominance of Bedouin tribes and allied terrorists in the Sinai has set the stage for further stockpiling of advanced arms by Hamas and for plotting terrorist attacks at tourist and holy sites in Egypt. (Arutz 7 News)
- Praise the Lord for the wisdom of Israel's Prime Minister and the alertness of his officials in detecting the movements of Hamas. Praise the Lord that the Israeli intelligence agencies will be able to thwart all terrorist plottings, as we pray. Ask the LORD to prevent the leader of Hamas from setting up his headquarters in Egypt, and for all of his resources to wither and die.
- Do not fret because of evildoers, Nor be envious of the workers of iniquity. For they shall soon be cut down like the grass, And wither as the green herb. (Psalm 37:1)
On Capitol Hill This Week; Vol. XVIII, No. 17b
FOCUS ON LEGISLATION
1. HOUSE REJECTS DEBT CEILING INCREASE
2. OBAMA'S BUDGET UNANIMOUSLY REJECTED BY SENATE VOTE: 97 - 0
3. THE BUDGET: SOMETHING ELSE TO CONSIDER
4. PATRIOT ACT EXTENSION PASSES; SIGNED INTO LAW
5. HOUSE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS VALUES AMENDMENTS TO DoD AUTHORIZATION
6. GOODWIN LIU WITHDRAWS APPEALS COURT NOMINATION
7. HOUSE REPUBLICANS FILE BILL TO CUT PRO-ABORTION UNFPA FUNDING
8. HOUSE TO VOTE ON WITHDRAWING TROOPS FROM LIBYA
9. LAWMAKER URGES U.S. TO CUT FOREIGN AID TO MIDEAST
10. H.R. 1006: "THE JERUSALEM EMBASSY AND RECOGNITION ACT OF 2011"
11. CONGRESS AUTHORIZES A JEWISH CHAPLAINS MEMORIAL AT ARLINGTON CEMETERY
12. H.RES.254: URGING AMERICANS TO PRAY FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE FLOODS; TORNADOES
1. HOUSE REJECTS DEBT CEILING INCREASE
House Republicans have engineered the defeat of their own proposed $2.4 trillion increase in the debt limit, a political gambit designed to reinforce a demand for spending cuts to accompany any future increase in government borrowing.
The vote Tuesday was 97-318, far below the two-thirds majority needed for passage.
Republicans signaled well in advance that the debt limit vote was political theater and did not portend a final refusal to grant an increase.
Democrats criticized the GOP for playing political games with the nation's credit rating. (Fox News) Read more.
- Offer praise that Congress is drawing a line in the sand against an increase of our debt ceiling. We all know that this nation cannot afford to keep "throwing money out the window," but that, instead, it is time to take a prudent and sober view of our financial state. Pray that the Senate will follow the lead of the Congress and that, in time, the president too will see the light and pass a bill more in line with reality. Pray!
- Re: the debt: "This far and no further, and here shall your proud waves be stopped." (Job 38:11)
2. OBAMA'S BUDGET UNANIMOUSLY REJECTED BY SENATE VOTE: 97 - 0
The budget proposal released by the White House back in February didn't win a single vote in the Senate on Wednesday -- the final tally was 0-97. Senate Republicans pushed for the vote as a counterpoint to the defeat of Rep. Paul Ryan's budget plan. (Politico)
- Father, we thank You for the unanimous rejection of this budget which did not address the sin of overspending. We ask for a budget plan that truly addresses the financial problems in the nation and ask that Your Word and wisdom would be used to guide our legislators in implementing such a plan. If the budget plan recently passed in the House of Representatives meets this criteria, we ask that you would prosper it. Father, we also ask that You would prepare the hearts and minds of the people of the USA for the changes that need to be made to return Your nation to financial stability.
- "However there need be no poor people among you, for in the land the LORD your God is giving you, if only you fully obey the LORD your God and are careful to follow all these commands I am giving you today. For the LORD your God will bless you as he has promised, and you will lend to many nations but will borrow from none. You will rule over many nations but none will rule over you." (Deut. 15: 4-6)
3. THE BUDGET: SOMETHING ELSE TO CONSIDER
Something that hasn't received much press yet is the fact that Sen. Pat Toomey's budget from Pennsylvania received more votes (42) than any of the others. What's even better is that he does it without touching entitlements and returns spending to fiscal year 2006 levels--the last time the treasury ran a surplus--when we ran FY 06 levels during early FY 07. (Tim McGhee; CHPP)
To read the transcript of Senator Toomey's speech go here.
- Pray in the Spirit over this very complex issue, for only our Holy God can know and fathom all of the ins and outs of this ongoing budget debate. Pray that all ideas put forth for the good of our people will surface, receive consideration, and pass into law; and that all others would end up in the ash heap of history. Pray!
- "The effectual, fervent prayer of a righteous man availeth much." (James 5:16)
4. PATRIOT ACT EXTENSION PASSES; SIGNED INTO LAW
Minutes before a midnight deadline, Obama signed into law a four-year extension of post-Sept. 11 powers to search records and conduct roving wiretaps in pursuit of terrorists. "It's an important tool for us to continue dealing with an ongoing terrorist threat," Obama said Friday after a meeting with French President Nicolas Sarkozy. With Obama in France, the White House said the president used an autopen machine that holds a pen and signs his actual signature. It is only used with proper authorization of the president.
The law, enacted after the terrorist attacks of 9/11, has drawn criticism from the right and the left over what's viewed as abuses of privacy laws. (MSNBC) Read more.
- Only our Omniscient God can know all the fine details that have been included in this mammoth bill. Our job, as intercessors for our leaders, is to simply pray that the Patriot Act be used for our protection, and not for our detriment. Pray for all in authority, asking our Lord to turn the hearts of all towards righteousness.
- "Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; he directs it to whatever ends he chooses." (Proverbs 21:1; The Message)
5. HOUSE COMMITTEE CONSIDERS VALUES AMENDMENTS TO DoD AUTHORIZATION
Last week, the House Armed Services Committee (HASC) considered a series of amendments during three markup sessions that values voters would support. All three were passed in committee, and sent to the floor for inclusion in the final passage of the Authorization Bill for the Department of Defense.
Please hold these three items in prayer, asking that each one be included in the final authorization bill, and passed without comment. Thank you!
- "For the eyes of the Lord are toward the righteous, and his ears attend to their prayers." (I Peter 3:12)
a) Marriage Amendment: Upholding the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA)
Last month, the Office of the Chief of Navy Chaplains released new guidelines that would allow the use of base facilities for same-sex marriages (given that the state in which the base was centered allowed same-sex marriage). The notice also outlined that Navy chaplains may officiate these weddings. Both of these moves seem to be in contradiction with the Defense of Marriage Act (DOMA). And so, Rep. Todd Akin, along with 62 Congressmen, sent a letter to Secretary of the Navy Ray Mabus outlining the DOMA violation and requesting that the Secretary reverse course. Thankfully, Rear Admiral Mark Tidd, chief of Navy chaplains, announced Tuesday that the policy has been "suspended until further notice pending additional legal and policy review." The quick action by lawmakers is given the credit for this reversal in policy in the news reports.
Still, the decision by the Navy to go forward with this policy in the first place shows a need for clarifying language in statute. That is why Rep. Akin offered an amendment to the Defense Authorization bill (H.R. 1540) during markup in the House Armed Services Committee (HASC). This amendment clearly states that marriage ceremonies taking place on military installations can only occur if the marriage is in accordance with the definition of marriage as outlined in DOMA. The amendment passed by a vote of 38 to 23.
b) DADT Amendment: Certifying Implementation of DADT
Another amendment brought before HASC during markup was one dealing with the military's policy on homosexuals in service. Rep. Duncan Hunter offered an amendment to require that all four military service chiefs certify that implementation of the "Don't Ask, Don't Tell (DADT)" repeal won't impact combat readiness and effectiveness. This amendment mirrors H.R. 337, the Restore Military Readiness Act, which was introduced by Rep. Hunter earlier this year. This amendment also passed by a vote of 33 to 27.
c) DOMA Amendment: Emphasizing DOMA in the Military
Lastly, Rep. Vicky Hartzler offered an amendment to DoD Authorization which emphasizes DOMA in the military. The amendment defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman for the purpose of military benefits, regulations and policy. This amendment passed by a vote of 39 to 22. The National Defense Authorization Act then passed out of committee by a vote of 60 to 1.
6. GOODWIN LIU WITHDRAWS APPEALS COURT NOMINATION
Following a Senate vote upholding the filibuster Republicans mounted against the nomination of pro-abortion activist Goodwin Liu for a federal appeals court position, Liu has submitted a letter to Obama withdrawing his nomination.
The Senate Judiciary Committee approved Liu's nomination for the federal appeals court in the western United States in April on a 10-8 party line vote. Last week, the Senate voted 52-43 against stopping the Republican filibuster with Republican senators Lindsay Graham, Dick Lugar, John McCain, Olympia Snowe, Susan Collins and Scott Brown all voting to stop the nomination from moving forward. Democratic Sen. Ben Nelson of Nebraska joined them while "pro-life Democrats" Bob Casey and Joe Manchin voted to allow the nomination of the abortion activist to move ahead. Lisa Murkowski, a pro-abortion Republican, was the lone GOP vote for ending the filibuster.
"In light of last week's unsuccessful cloture vote . . . I respectfully ask that you withdraw my nomination from further consideration by the United States Senate," Liu wrote to Obama in his letter, according to Politico. "With no possibility of an up-or-down vote on the horizon, my family and I have decided that it is time for us to regain the ability to make plans for the future. In addition, the Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit has noted the 'desperate need for judges' to fill current vacancies, and it is now clear that continuing my nomination will not address that need any time soon," he said. (Lifesite News)
- Praise You Lord for this clear victory, and answer to our prayer! We pray for Mr Liu, that You will touch his soul and change his life for Your kingdom. We also ask for nominees that are more balanced in their approach.
- "Because of His strength I will wait upon You; for God is my defense." (Psalm 59:9)
7. HOUSE REPUBLICANS FILE BILL TO CUT PRO-ABORTION UNFPA FUNDING
Spurred on by a public vote in which pro-life advocates said cutting funding for the pro-abortion UNFPA agency was their top desire, Congressional Republicans have filed legislation to yanks millions from the UN organization.
Earlier this month, LifeNews.com reported on a public vote House Republicans were taking, seeing input from American voters on which one of three ideas for saving taxpayer dollars was the most attractive and should become the next bill pushed in Congress. With thousands of pro-life advocates encouraged to vote, legislation cutting UNFPA funding won out and will now become the next piece of legislation Republicans will advance.
Rep. Renee Ellmers, of North Carolina, will be introducing legislation soon."This is going to save American taxpayers $400 million dollars over a 10 year period and it's just another part of what we're doing here in Washington to cut wasteful spending that we see happening," she said in a new video introducing the bill. "And I am very excited to be part of this program and each week we will have more cuts coming forward."
The legislation would result in cutting the funding President Barack Obama put in place for the UNFPA, an agency that promotes abortion and works hand-in-hand with family planning officials in China enforcing the one-child, forced-abortion policy. (LifeSite News)
- Any vote for life is a vote we want to support in prayer, and in action. Please track the progress of this bill with us, and take action to call your own member of Congress to support Rep. Ellmers' bill when it is introduced. It is time to take action for life!!
- "Thy people shall volunteer freely in the day of Thy power." (Psalm 110:3 NASB)
8. HOUSE TO VOTE ON WITHDRAWING TROOPS FROM LIBYA
An increasingly war-weary House will vote this week on legislation that would halt the U.S. military intervention in Libya. The vote comes just days after lawmakers nearly approved a measure to expedite the American withdrawal from Afghanistan. The office of Majority Leader Eric Cantor (R-Va.) said Friday the House would take up a resolution introduced by anti-war Rep. Dennis Kucinich (D-Ohio) that directs the president to remove U.S. armed forces from Libya. The liberal Democrat is acting under authority of the 1973 War Powers Resolution, which enables legislators to force a vote on troop withdrawal measures under certain conditions. The measure is not expected to pass, but a significant number of votes in favor could send a sobering message to the White House, which has struggled to win congressional support for the military intervention in Libya. Both Republican and Democratic leaders criticized Obama for a lack of consultation with Congress in the run-up to the military deployment, and the House has ignored his request for a resolution supporting the mission. (The Hill) Read more.
- The situation in Libya is complicated, at best. Pray that all hidden facts would be revealed to these members of Congress -- behind closed doors, if necessary -- as they weigh this decision. Pray for wisdom. Pray.
- "If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God, who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him." (James 1:5)
9. LAWMAKER URGES U.S. TO CUT FOREIGN AID TO MIDEAST
While America's standing in the Middle East couldn't get much lower, you wouldn't know it looking at the U.S. foreign aid budget. Of proposed U.S. assistance for 2012, almost two-thirds is earmarked for Muslim nations and one-third goes to Arab countries. Yet, despite those billions in aid, opinion polls show most Arab citizens still have an unfavorable view of America and most Muslim nations routinely vote against U.S. interests in the United Nations.
"If we are giving money to countries consistently voting against our interest, we ought to cut them off," says Congressman Steve Chabot (R-OH) who sits on the House Foreign Affairs Committee. "But Congress is going to need to get some backbone here because it consistently gives Presidents the ability to waive the cutoff of that money." (Fox News)
- Pray that legislation will be introduced to cut off the funds that are now going to our enemies. In this time of economic distress, to do otherwise would be foolish.
- "For evildoers shall be cut off; But those who wait on the LORD, They shall inherit the earth." (Psalm 37:9)
10. H.R. 1006: "THE JERUSALEM EMBASSY AND RECOGNITION ACT OF 2011"
Congressman Dan Burton has introduced H.R. 1006 "To recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel, to relocate to Jerusalem the United States Embassy in Israel, and for other purposes." This bill defines U.S. policy towards Jerusalem and the sense of the Congress, in part, as:
(a) POLICY.-It is the policy of the United States to recognize Jerusalem as the undivided capital of the State of Israel, both de jure and de facto.
(b) SENSE OF CONGRESS.-It is the sense of Congress that- (1) Jerusalem must remain an undivided city in which the rights of every ethnic and religious group are protected as they have been by Israel since 1967; (2) every citizen of Israel should have the right to reside anywhere in the undivided city of Jerusalem; (3) the President and the Secretary of State should publicly affirm as a matter of United States policy that Jerusalem must remain the undivided capital of the State of Israel; (4) the President should immediately implement the provisions of the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 (Public Law 104-5) and begin the process of relocating the United States Embassy in Israel to Jerusalem; and (5) United States officials should refrain from any actions that contradict United States law on this subject.
- After the groundbreaking and historic speech delivered to the Joint Session of Congress last week by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pray that Congress will now take action in response. May the 29 standing ovations given to Mr. Netanyahu by this Congress translate into action by the passage of this very important bill, giving our nation a legal foundation in all future talks related to the boundaries of Israel and the moving of our Embassy to Jerusalem. Pray!
- "May the LORD bless you from Zion, He who made heaven and earth." (Ps 134:3)
11. CONGRESS AUTHORIZES A JEWISH CHAPLAINS MEMORIAL AT ARLINGTON CEMETERY
Congress has authorized a Jewish Chaplains Memorial at Arlington National Cemetery. Although 13 Jewish chaplains have died while on active duty, there is no memorial in their honor. Groups have been working to change that, and have raised private funds to pay for the memorial, designed the memorial, and now have Congressional authorization from the House needed to erect the memorial. The final vote on H.R. 1627 was 380 to zero with 51 present/not voting. (Religious Freedom Coalition)
- Offer praise for the passage of this bill. It is time to honor those chaplains who have served our Jewish men and women in uniform. Praise Yeshua for this move!
- "Pay everyone . . . honor to whom honor is due . . .." (Romans 13:7)
12. H.RES.254: URGING AMERICANS TO PRAY FOR THE VICTIMS OF THE FLOODS; TORNADOES
The full title of this bill reads: "H.Res. 254: Encouraging people in the United States to join together in prayer for the victims of the destructive tornadoes and flooding in the South and Midwest and the devastating drought and dangerous wildfires in the South and Southwest."
- Join with our members of Congress tonight in offering a prayer for the thousands who are now homeless in the wake of these disasters; and who may be grieving the loss of family and friends. We serve a God who is called "Counselor." Call upon Him now for mercy.
- " . . . and His Name will be called . . . Counselor. . ." (Isaiah 9:6)
Israelis mark Jerusalem Day
Several thousand Israelis are expected to descend on the capital Tuesday and Wednesday as the city celebrates its 44th Jerusalem Day in remembrance of the 1967 Six Day War and the reunification of the city. On Tuesday, all night concerts with leading Israeli artists will be playing all over the capital, while on Wednesday a parade through the center of the city will take place. In addition, hundreds of people are expected to simultaneously mark the death of the Prophet Samuel believed to be buried in the Nabi Samwil National Park just north of the city. (ICEJ News)
- Major protests and demonstrations are expected to take place tomorrow as the Israelis honor Jerusalem Day. Continue to cover the land in prayer, for our Father can and will protect His own, if we but ask.
- "Pray for the peace of Jerusalem . . ." (Psalm 122:6)
More Information on the Hill
For more detailed and current information on what Congress has done and is doing in the House and Senate, please visit Deeper Inside the Mountain.
This Week, Worship Our Lord As . . .
HOPE OF ISRAEL (Meekvay Yisrael)
"O LORD, the hope of Israel, All who forsake You shall be ashamed." (Jeremiah 17:13)
You are my Hope, O Meek-vay Yisrael. My sorrow may endure for the evening, but joy comes in the morning. You are my Hope; when all else fails, there is You. Help me never to give up on Your Wonderful Name.
(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)
