Please be sure to notice our summary
of late-breaking news about Thursday's
strikes in Syria. Thank you.
Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp1994@gmail.com
"Praying for All in Authority"
Saturday, April 8, 2017
"Standing Together as One
. . . Under the Cross of Christ"
The crowds that went ahead of Him and those that followed were shouting: "Hosanna to the Son of David!" "Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord!" "Hosanna in the highest!" (Matthew 21:9)
> > > Special Edition: Focus on Syria Strikes
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No Snapshot Next Weekend
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Congress Enters Into Two-Week District Work Period
The annual Congressional Spring District Work Period is also scheduled to take place in the time of Passover and Easter Sunday.
Accordingly, Congress (House and Senate) have both now gone into recess and will return on Monday, April 24, 2017.
In addition to honoring these holidays with their families, members of Congress will also be working in their own district offices at that time. You may wish to contact your own member of Congress or Senator at this time in the offices in your own home state.
The Legislative Snapshot will not be published next weekend, but will return on Saturday, April 29th. Thank you.
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Gorsuch Confirmed
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Republicans go 'nuclear' to advance Gorsuch
WASHINGTON - Republicans altered longstanding Senate tradition today to advance Supreme Court nominee Neil Gorsuch after a successful Democratic filibuster.
Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., petitioned a cloture vote to end debate on Gorsuch and move toward a confirmation vote, but Democrats held together to block the needed 60-vote majority 55-45 in the first-ever partisan filibuster of a Supreme Court nominee. Without a way forward, McConnell deployed what's been called the "nuclear option"-changing the rules to lower the vote count necessary to advance high court nominees.
Senate confirms Gorsuch to Supreme Court
WASHINGTON - The Senate confirmed Neil Gorsuch to the Supreme Court Friday 54-45, filling an open spot on the high court left vacant for 14 months.
Gorsuch will replace Justice Antonin Scalia, a conservative stalwart on the court who died abruptly in Februrary 2016.
Democrats pulled out all stops to block Gorsuch's confirmation. They attacked Gorsuch's record, tried to discredit him with plagiarism accusations, maligned the groups that supported him, and staged the first-ever partisan filibuster for a Supreme Court nominee.
But in the end, it only took Republicans 65 days from when President Donald Trump announced Gorsuch's selection to confirm him to the bench. Sen. Johnny Isakson, R-Ga., was absent for the vote because of back surgery, and Sens. Joe Donnelly, D-Ind., Heidi Heitkamp, D-N.D., and Joe Manchin, D-W.V., voted with the GOP to confirm Gorsuch.
Gorsuch's supporters claim he fits the same judicial mold as Scalia and will return the Supreme Court to a 4-4 ideological balance with Justice Anthony Kennedy as the swing vote.
Gorsuch, 49, is the youngest Supreme Court justice since Justice Clarence Thomas won confirmation 25 years ago at age 43.
Monday, April 10, 2017
Swearing-in ceremonies:
9 AM at Supreme Court: private & official
11 AM at White House: public & ceremonial
Contentious cases await Trump's U.S. high court nominee Gorsuch
Why Justice Gorsuch will have an immediate (and big) impact on the Supreme Court
President Donald J. Trump Congratulates Judge Neil M. Gorsuch on his Historic Confirmation.
The United States Senate today voted to confirm Judge Neil M. Gorsuch as the next Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States. Judge Gorsuch replaces the late Justice Antonin Scalia. President Donald J. Trump released the following statement on Judge Gorsuch's confirmation:
"It is a great honor to announce the historic confirmation of Judge Neil M. Gorsuch as Associate Justice to the Supreme Court of the United States. Judge Gorsuch's confirmation process was one of the most transparent and accessible in history, and his judicial temperament, exceptional intellect, unparalleled integrity, and record of independence makes him the perfect choice to serve on the Nation's highest court. As a deep believer in the rule of law, Judge Gorsuch will serve the American people with distinction as he continues to faithfully and vigorously defend our Constitution.
"I would also like to thank Justice Scalia and his wife Maureen for their immeasurable service to this country. Justice Scalia's legacy of fidelity to our laws and our Constitution will never be forgotten."
Judge Gorsuch will be sworn into office on Monday, April 10, 2017, in two ceremonies. The Chief Justice of the United States will administer the first oath of office in a private ceremony at 9:00 a.m. at the Supreme Court. At 11:00 a.m., Justice Anthony M. Kennedy will administer the second oath of office in a public ceremony at the White House. Further guidance will be provided.
(Source: The White House.)
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Activity Summaries
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Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record
@PrayforCongress Moment: April 3-7, 2017
GAVEL DOWN: Closing out the Week in Congress (Apr. 3-7, 2017)
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Senate Last Week
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Senate
The nomination of Neil Gorsuch dominated activity in the Senate this week.
Other activity included:
Congressional Clock Running Out to Repeal Obama Regulations
McConnell: 'Very confident' Congress can avoid government shutdown
Filibuster-proof majority of senators want to save the filibuster
Other Nominations
Senate committee approves No. 2 for Trump's Justice Department
Senate committee moves top Justice Department picks to floor votes
Senate Banking panel votes in favor of Clayton's SEC nomination
Trump's SEC pick Jay Clayton gets closer to confirmation
Senate banking panel advances Trump's SEC nominee
Senate confirms Homeland Security deputy
Senators battle over FDA nominee's financial ties
Senate panel approves Trump's Air Force secretary pick
Foreign Policy
Senators praise Trump over Syrian military strike
McConnell: Trump had authority for strikes
GOP leaders ask Trump to share Syria strategy
Trump preparing broad Syria strategy for Congress
McConnell: New war bill not needed for Trump's Syria strikes
McConnell: Assad must go
Military tells Congress: 'One strike mission' in Syria
McConnell 'open' to new Russia sanctions
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House Last Week
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House of Representatives
Fiscal Year 2017 Spending
Ailing US Military Needs More Than a Continuing Resolution
Hoyer: GOP will need Dems' help to prevent shutdown
What Democrats want in shutdown fight
Pelosi: No deal yet on bill to avert shutdown
Tax Reform
House Republican tax chief to huddle with Democrats
Ryan says tax reform could take longer than healthcare overhaul
House tax committee plans public hearings on tax overhaul
Head of House conservatives: Tax reform possible by August
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Health Care Policy
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How Republicans Can Unravel Obamacare Without Repealing It
Republicans Want to Keep at It on Health Care Overhaul
Trump Slowly Wades Back Into Choppy Health Care Waters
Jordan would work with Democrats 'if they're willing to do what we told the voters we'd do'
White House, conservatives mull deal to revive Obamacare repeal
To Bring Down Premiums, Congress Must Reverse Regulations
Freedom Caucus, Tuesday Group meet with Pence
House Speaker Ryan says healthcare talks at 'conceptual stage'
Ryan tamps down expectations for new ObamaCare repeal bill
Rand Paul meets with Freedom Caucus on Obamacare repeal
Key questions on potential deal on repealing and replacing Obamacare
Paul Ryan addresses new GOP health care plan
Top conservative group backs Pence health care framework
Trump pressing House GOP for tweaks in healthcare bill: report
GOP leader suggests House could be called back from recess to vote on health bill
Despite Deceptive Headlines, Obamacare Remains Unpopular
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Reference Links
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Congressional information and news
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Update: Syria Strikes
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Update: Syria Strikes
Below please find several headlines related to the news in the past 24 hours about the U.S. missile strikes on the two bases in Syria where their chemical weapons were stored. We ask our prayer partners to prayerfully consider each item, praying in the Spirit over each one and asking for our Lord's perfect will to be done among the nations in the aftermath of this much-needed action by our nation. Thank you.
1. U.S. strikes Syrian military airfield in first direct assault on Bashar al-Assad's government - Washington Post
The U.S. military launched 59 cruise missiles at a Syrian military airfield early Friday in the first direct American assault on the government of President Bashar al-Assad since that country's civil war began nearly six years ago.
The operation, which the Trump administration authorized in retaliation for a chemical attack killing scores of civilians this week, dramatically expands U.S. military involvement in Syria and exposes the United States to heightened risk of direct confrontation with Russia and Iran, both backing Assad in his attempt to crush his opposition.
Syria and Russia swiftly denounced the attack, launched at around 3:40 a.m. local time Friday (8:40 p.m. EDT Thursday) from U.S. ships in the eastern Mediterranean. (Read more)
2. Initial reports indicate Syrian airbase 'almost completely destroyed' after US strike - Fox News
The Syrian airfield targeted by United States airstrikes early Friday was "almost completely destroyed," a human rights group in the country said.
The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the missile attack damaged over a dozen hangars, a fuel depot and an air defense base. About 60 U.S. Tomahawk missiles hit the Shayrat air base, southeast of Homs, a small installation with two runways.
At least seven Syrian soldiers were killed and nine wounded in the airstrike, the country's military said. The governor of Homs province said he did not believe the strikes caused a large number of "human casualties." A Syrian official said the attack caused deaths and a fire, but did not elaborate. (Read more)
3. Syria airstrikes: International community reacts to US bombing of airfield - Fox News
President Trump's swift and telegraphed action to punish Syria for a suspected chemical weapons attack earlier this week, by pummeling a key air base with missiles, was roundly praised by leaders around the world.
Trump, who authorized the launch of 59 Tomahawk missiles from Navy warships in the Mediterranean Sea on an air base near Homs at 3:45 a.m local time, had said his thinking on Syria had changed following Tuesday's chemical attack that left scores of civilians dead.
Although Russia and Syrian state television blasted the move as "aggression," leaders from around the world solemnly praised the act as a measured and fair response to dictator Bashar al-Assad's suspected use of chemical weapons in the town of Idlib on Tuesday. (Read more)
4. Russia warns of serious consequences from U.S. strike in Syria - Reuters
Russia warned on Friday that U.S. cruise missile strikes on a Syrian air base could have "extremely serious" consequences, as President Donald Trump's first major foray into a foreign conflict opened up a rift between Moscow and Washington.
The warships USS Porter and USS Ross in the Mediterranean Sea launched dozens of Tomahawk missiles at the Shayrat air base, which the Pentagon says was involved in a chemical weapons attack this week. They catapulted Washington into confrontation with Russia, which has advisers on the ground aiding its close ally Assad.
"We strongly condemn the illegitimate actions by the U.S. The consequences of this for regional and international stability could be extremely serious," Russia's deputy U.N. envoy, Vladimir Safronkov, told a meeting of the U.N. Security Council on Friday.
Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev charged that the U.S. strikes were one step away from clashing with Russia's military.
U.S. officials informed Russian forces ahead of the missile strikes and avoided hitting Russian personnel. (Read more)
5. Russian warship steams toward US destroyers that launched Syria strikes - Fox News
A Russian warship entered the eastern Mediterranean Friday and was heading toward the area where two U.S. Navy destroyers launched missile strikes into Syria, Fox News has learned.
The Russian frigate, Admiral Grigorovich RFS-494, crossed through the Bosphorus Strait "a few hours ago" from the Black Sea, according to a U.S. defense official.
The Russian warship is now in the eastern Mediterranean steaming in the direction of the U.S. warships. The Admiral Grigorovich is armed with advanced Kalibr cruise missiles. (Read more)
> > > This ship is heading towards the Syrian port of Tartus.
6. Tensions rise as Russia reinforces Syrian air defences and warns of 'considerable damage' to ties with US after missile strike - The Telegraph UK
"To protect key Syrian infrastructure a range of measures will be taken reinforce and improve the effectiveness of the Syrian armed forces air defence," the Russian ministry of defence said in a statement on Friday morning.
The US on Friday fired dozens of cruise missiles at Shayran air base near the western city of Homs from which it said a deadly chemical weapons attack was launched this week. (Read more)
7. Alert Issued for American Citizens in Moscow by U.S. Embassy - Threats USA
US Embassy Moscow warns Americans in country of tense political climate and need for highest level of vigilance & situational awareness. Low profile recommended. (Read the embassy statement here.)
8. Haley to UN: US 'prepared to do more' in Syria - CNN
US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley warned Friday that the United States "is prepared to do more" in response to Syria's use of chemical weapons and delivered a sharp rebuke to Russia for its support of the Syrian regime.
"The United States took a very measured step last night," Haley said. "We are prepared to do more. But we hope that will not be necessary. It is time for all civilized nations to stop the horrors that are taking place in Syria and demand a political solution."
Haley also slammed Russia, which has troops in Syria to support President Bashar al-Assad's regime. The council meeting took place as the United States and allies press for a resolution condemning the Assad regime for the bombing. Russia is likely to veto the resolution.
"Every time Assad has crossed the line of human decency, Russia has stood beside him," Haley told the council.
Russia "bears considerable responsibility" for Assad's use of chemical weapons, Haley said. "The joint investigative mechanism has found beyond any doubt that the Syrian regime has used chemical weapons against its own people multiple times," Haley said. (Read more)
9. Netanyahu welcomes US attack on Syria base - ABC News
srael's prime minister has welcomed the U.S. attack on a Syrian air base saying he "fully supports" President Trump's decision. Benjamin Netanyahu said Friday in a statement that "In both word and action" Trump "sent a strong and clear message" that "the use and spread of chemical weapons will not be tolerated."
Israel's Channel 2 TV said Israel along with other allies was notified about the U.S. strike.
The attacks in neighboring Syria have worried Israel, which has warned against "game-changing" weapons reaching Hezbollah in Lebanon from the country, which supports the militant group. Last month Israel shot down an anti-aircraft missile fired at its planes as they struck a suspected Hezbollah weapons convoy.
Israel also has treated several thousand Syrians wounded in fighting and provided humanitarian aid to some Syrian communities near the Israeli frontier in the Golan Heights. (Read more)
10. Syria strikes: The story behind Trump's '72-hour evolution' - Fox News
The timeline of the president's decision-making and the mission itself was detailed late Friday by White House Press Secretary Sean Spicer and other U.S. officials. The president's top spokesman described the course of events as a "72-hour evolution" that involved "updates and options and refinements" before a final decision. (Read more)
11. Statement by President Trump on Syria - The White House
To read this statement by President Trump, please go here.
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The Bible Readathon
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Our Bible Readathon Continues
"Thy Word is a lamp unto my feet and a light unto my path." (Psalm 119:105)
We are now reading the Word of God every night from midnight to 6:00 a.m. EST. We are reading through the whole Word, from Genesis to Revelation, and beginning again in Genesis when finished.
Our numbers of readers continues to grow over time. All are welcome to join!
The access code is: 350430#. Please call at any time from midnight to 6:00 a.m. EST. WELCOME!
[Note: we are reading from these versions of the Scripture: King James, New King James, New American Standard, and NIV.]
