Saturday, December 9, 2017

CHPP Daily Brief: Legislative Snapshot Saturday, December 9, 2017




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The Daily Brief:
Legislative Snapshot
Saturday, December 9, 2017

"Stand firm, let nothing move you.
Always give yourselves fully to the work of the Lord."
(1 Corinthians 15:58)



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Week One: Advent . . . HOPE

Doing a Good Deed in Texas!

Good Deed Alert:

Five-Year Old Texas Church Shooting Survivor Wants Christmas Cards!


One of the youngest survivors of last month's shooting at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas is still stuck in the hospital recovering, and people are sending him Christmas cards to help bolster his spirits.

Five-year-old Ryland Ward lost his mother and two of his sisters on that tragic day, and was shot several times himself, sustaining an injury to his kidney and badly shattering his femur. His recovery has been slower than doctors had hoped, and it looks like he will be in the hospital for another six to eight weeks.

Sandy Ward, the boy's grandmother, told KSAT-ABC (San Antonio) that she still cries often and it's been tough, missing her daughter-in-law and two granddaughters as the Christmas holidays have approached. She's trying to focus her energy on Ryland, and his sister Rianna, who also survived the shooting.

The cards people have been sending Ryland have been a great comfort. Many have included a dollar bill, which Ryland is saving to get a go-cart when he gets out of the hospital.


Ryland also really loves getting photos of other kids and their pets.


> > > OK, CHPP family, you know what to do. Please send cards, along with a dollar and photos of your kids and pets, to this address:

Ryland Ward
P.O. Box 174
Sutherland Springs, Texas, 78161


We can't replace what Ryland lost, but we can brighten his hospital stay and let him know that the world is full of good and caring people.

(Source: RedState.com)

To view Ryan's photo, please go here.


P.S. We note that this article states that Ryan's doctors are saying that his recovery has been slower than they had hoped, and it looks like he will be in the hospital for another six to eight weeks. Let's offer a prayer now for Ryan's speedy and full recovery:

"Father God, we lift up this precious little child before Your Throne of Grace, and we ask You to intervene on his behalf. We thank You that You are the God who heals, so we come before you now, asking for Your healing touch to rest upon his little body. Thank You, Father God, for hearing our prayers today for Ryan Ward, in Your name, amen."

"By His stripes, we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)


The Daily Jot

Thursday, December 7, 2017

World stands against Trump's recognition of Jerusalem


President Donald Trump recognized Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and declared his intentions of moving the US Embassy to the holy city. Trump said, "I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. While previous presidents have made this a major campaign promise, they failed to deliver. Today, I am delivering. I've judged this course of action to be in the best interests of the United States of America and the pursuit of peace between Israel and the Palestinians. This is a long-overdue step to advance the peace process and to work towards a lasting agreement. Israel is a sovereign nation with the right like every other sovereign nation to determine its own capital. Acknowledging this as a fact is a necessary condition for achieving peace."

Trump's decision resulted in an outcry of condemnation by the United Nations and European Union, who sided with the likes of terrorist organizations like Hamas. Sponsors of Islamic terrorists-Saudi Arabia, Iran, Turkey, Palestinian Authority-- straightaway decried the announcement as declaring war in the Middle East. Think about this...the US Congress in an overwhelming bipartisan vote gave the US President authority to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital in 1995. Every president since has kicked the can down the road thinking the move was a barrier to achieving peace in the region. Trump says it's repeatedly doing the same thing while expecting different results. So far, the result is a massive and violent temper tantrum by radical Islamists who claim Jerusalem is historically their city.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Bekir Dozdag said, "Declaring Jerusalem a capital is disregarding history and the truths in the region." This claim doesn't meet the straight face test. It is the very homeland of God's people. History and truth confirm that Islam or Arabs had no claim to the region that God gave to Abraham. In Genesis 21:12, God said to Abraham, "in all that Sarah has said unto you, hearken unto her voice; for in Isaac shall your seed be called." Galatians 4:30 says, "Nevertheless what says the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman." Islam, not even a religion until over 600 years after Christ's death on the cross, claims Ishmael is the heir of Jerusalem and that God does not have a son.

The history and the truths in the region undeniably confirm the Abrahamic covenant that God gave the land of Jerusalem to the lineage of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, not the seed of Ishmael as claimed by Mohammad some 2,500 years later. This is not so much about the land-there is plenty of land in the Middle East-- as it is about usurpation. It is a family feud as old as Ishmael and Esau, ultimately over the line of Messiah. The Koran repeatedly says that God has no son, and that Christians and Jews are infidels that should be put to death. Iran and Turkey, two major players in the end times, agree. Trump's move may well accelerate the knitting together of the prophetically foretold end time coalition that comes against Israel and is destroyed when Christ returns. We are truly watching history in the making.

Have a Blessed and Powerful Day!

Bill Wilson
www.dailyjot.com


Prayer for Jerusalem

Prayer for Jerusalem

By Anne Graham Lotz


Dear Friends,

Anne Graham Lotz has written an anointed prayer for President Trump at this time in our nation's history, as he has now recognized Jerusalem as the capital of the nation of Israel.

Her prayer includes several prayer points, covering our President and Israel in intercession at this critical hour.
We encourage all of you to go to this link to read Anne's prayer, and to stand in agreement with Anne Graham Lotz and with Capitol Hill Prayer Partners, as we continue to pray for the peace of Jerusalem. Thank you.

Religious Freedom at SCOTUS

Supreme Court seems divided in case of baker who refused to create a wedding cake for a same-sex couple

The Supreme Court seemed closely divided Tuesday over whether the First Amendment protects a Colorado baker from creating a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, with Justice Anthony M. Kennedy likely to cast the deciding vote. Kennedy, who wrote the court's 5 to 4 decision in 2015 saying gay couples have a constitutional right to marry, speculated about what might happen if a decision in baker Jack C. Phillips's favor prompted requests for bakers across the country to refuse to make cakes for same-sex couples. Would the federal government feel vindicated? Kennedy asked. On the flip side, just moments later, Kennedy sharply questioned Colorado Solicitor General Frederick R. Yarger. The justice seemed offended by a comment made during the deliberations of the Colorado Civil Rights Commission when one commissioner said: "And to me it is one of the most despicable pieces of rhetoric that people can use to - to use their religion to hurt others." At one point, Kennedy and some conservative justices raised the possibility that the proceedings against baker Jack C. Phillips had been infected by bias.
Supreme Court deeply divided over gay wedding cake
The Supreme Court appeared divided down the middle Tuesday over a Colorado baker's refusal to design a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, the latest test in the continuing legal battle between gay rights and religious expression. In one of the most animated oral arguments the high court has held, justices on both sides peppered four lawyers with questions to illustrate how their decision might affect other merchants, such as chefs and florists, and other minority groups, such as Catholics and African Americans.
Pivotal Justice Kennedy poses tough questions in gay wedding case
The U.S. Supreme Court on Tuesday appeared sharply divided in the closely watched case of a Christian baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple, with pivotal Justice Anthony Kennedy voicing concerns about endorsing discrimination against gay people but also about anti-religious bias.
Kennedy seems conflicted in Supreme Court wedding cake case
On a sharply divided Supreme Court, the justice in the middle seemed conflicted Tuesday in the court's high-stakes consideration of a baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple in 2012. The court's fault lines were laid bare in a riveting argument that focused equally on baker Jack Phillips' right to refuse to put his artistic talents to use in support of something in which he disagrees and the Colorado couple's right to be treated like any other two people who wanted a cake to celebrate their marriage. Both views were reflected in the questions and comments of Justice Anthony Kennedy, the author of all the court's major gay-rights decisions and a fierce defender of free speech. The outcome of the case seemed to rest with the 81-year-old justice, who often finds himself with the decisive vote in cases that otherwise divide the court's conservatives and liberals.
Transcript of oral arguments held before the United States Supreme Court Tuesday, December 5, 2017 (PDF)
Father, you know clearly your will in these kinds of situations, and for your people to be free to obey you. You also know American jurisprudence better than anyone and pathways to get to your will in this case. Make your way clear, and bring to light all the motivations at work in this case and that that should be at work. May you be honored and glorified in establishing anew the freedom to present our bodies a living sacrifice for you with many doing just that in our nation.
"I will set no wicked thing before mine eyes" (Psalm 101:3).
"And He answered and said to them, "Have you not read that He who made them at the beginning 'made them male and female,'" (Genesis 1:27; Matthew 19:4; Mark 10:6).

Recent Floor Activity

Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record


Related Headlines

House votes to start conference with Senate on final tax bill
Senate confirms Nielsen to head Homeland Security
House passes bill to fund overtime pay for Secret Service agents
House passes measure to limit aid to Palestinians over 'martyr payments'
House crushes Al Green's bid to impeach President Trump
Senate votes to go to conference with House on tax-cut package
Concealed carry reciprocity bill passes House
Congress passes bill to avert government shutdown, setting up pre-Christmas showdown

Congress Last Week

National Security

Section 702 of Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act splits Democrats, Republicans
Trump meeting with Congressional leaders moved to Situation Room for military briefing, says White House

Immigration

Durbin: Cornyn and Grassley Undermining DACA Deal
Senate GOP's Immigration Bill Without Path to Citizenship Panned

Tax Reform

Highlights of Senate, House GOP bills to overhaul tax code
John Barrasso, Wyoming senator: House and Senate tax bills 'not that far apart'
Here's how the House and Senate tax bills compare
5 key questions for the House-Senate tax negotiations
Mitch McConnell names GOP senators for tax bill conference committee
Paul Ryan: House could support mandate repeal and fix for Obamacare subsidies in tax bill
Schumer announces Senate Democratic conferees for tax legislation

Federal Spending

Paul Ryan says GOP plans to work on entitlement reform in 2018

Health Care Policy

U.S. Senate tax bill accomplishes major Obamacare repeal goal
Consumer Choice for Health Care Lags Behind Rhetoric
Susan Collins hints Trump's backing could get ACA stabilization bills through House
House Republicans calls for Democrats to make concessions to get a vote on Obamacare bills

Congress

The Senate landscape is shifting dramatically
McConnell thanks Sen. Strange for his 'extraordinary commitment'
Lawmakers look for ways to prevent sexual harassment in Congress

Pending Activity

Committee Activity

Science panel asks DHS for update on government-wide Kaspersky Lab purge
Grassley reveals deep partisan split in Senate Judiciary Committee's Russia probe
Justice Department opens probe into Planned Parenthood's fetal tissue practices
U.S. House committee 'may reconsider' WHO cancer agency funds

Floor Schedule

Republicans push for final tax cut bill by end of year

Senate Floor
Senate Floor Schedule
Program for Monday: Senate resumes consideration of the nomination of Leonard Steven Grasz, of Nebraska, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eighth Circuit, and votes on the motion to invoke cloture thereon at 5:30 p.m.

Senate Committees
Senate Committee Meetings Schedule
Monday, Dec. 11, 2017
Business meeting to consider the nomination of Stephen Alexander Vaden, of Tennessee, to be General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture.
Tuesday, Dec. 12, 2017
Hearings to examine digital decision-making, focusing on the building blocks of machine learning and artificial intelligence.
An oversight hearing to examine the permitting processes at the Department of the Interior and the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for energy and resource infrastructure projects and opportunities to improve the efficiency, transparency, and accountability of federal decisions for such projects.
Hearings to examine the cost of prescription drugs, focusing on an examination of the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine report "Making Medicines Affordable: A National Imperative".
An oversight hearing to examine the Ensuring Patient Access and Effective Drug Enforcement Act.
Hearings to examine the future of Zimbabwe.
Hearings to examine national ocean policy, focusing on stakeholder perspectives.
To receive a closed briefing on certain intelligence matters.
Wednesday, Dec. 13, 2017
Business meeting to consider the nominations of
Kenneth L. Marcus, of Virginia, to be Assistant Secretary for Civil Rights, and
Johnny Collett, of Kentucky, to be Assistant Secretary for Special Education and Rehabilitative Services, both of the Department of Education,
Scott A. Mugno, of Pennsylvania, to be an Assistant Secretary, and
William Beach, of Kansas, to be Commissioner of Labor Statistics, both of the Department of Labor, and other pending nominations.
Hearings to examine safeguarding American agriculture in a globalized world.
Hearings to examine using force, focusing on strategic, political, and legal considerations.
Hearings to examine an update on research, diagnosis, and treatment for traumatic brain injury/concussion in servicemembers.
To receive a closed briefing on Department of Defense global counterterrorism operations.
Business meeting to consider pending calendar business.
An oversight hearing to examine the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.
Hearings to examine implementation of the 21st Century Cures Act, focusing on responding to mental health needs.
Hearings to examine the nominations of
Elizabeth L. Branch, of Georgia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit,
R. Stan Baker, to be United States District Judge for the Southern District of Georgia,
Charles Barnes Goodwin, to be United States District Judge for the Western District of Oklahoma,
Matthew J. Kacsmaryk, to be United States District Judge for the Northern District of Texas,
Matthew Spencer Petersen, of Virginia, to be United States District Judge for the District of Columbia, and
Eli Jeremy Richardson, to be United States District Judge for the Middle District of Tennessee.
Hearings to examine the consumer welfare standard in antitrust.
Thursday, Dec. 14, 2017
Commission on Security and Cooperation in Europe
Hearings to examine the Magnitsky Act at five, focusing on assessing accomplishments and challenges.
Hearings to examine United States policy and strategy in the Middle East.
Hearings to examine the nominations of
Margaret Weichert, of Georgia, to be Deputy Director for Management, Office of Management and Budget, and
John Edward Dupuy, of Virginia, to be Inspector General, Office of Personnel Management.
To receive a closed briefing on certain intelligence matters.

House Floor
House Floor Schedule
MONDAY, DECEMBER 11TH
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. 3359 – Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency Act of 2017, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Michael McCaul / Homeland Security Committee)
2) H.R. 3669 – Securing General Aviation and Commercial Charter Air Carrier Service Act of 2017, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Ron Estes / Homeland Security Committee)
3) H.R. 2706 – Financial Institution Customer Protection Act of 2017, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer / Financial Services Committee)
4) H.R. 3093 – Investor Clarity and Bank Parity Act (Sponsored by Rep. Michael Capuano / Financial Services Committee)
5) H.R. 1730 – Protecting Religiously Affiliated Institutions Act of 2017, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. David Kustoff / Judiciary Committee)
TUESDAY, DECEMBER 12TH
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. 2880 – Promoting Closed-Loop Pumped Storage Hydropower Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Morgan Griffith / Energy and Commerce Committee)
2) H.R. 2872 – Promoting Hydropower Development at Existing Nonpowered Dams Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Larry Bucshon / Energy and Commerce Committee)
3) H.R. 1733 – To direct the Secretary of Energy to review and update a report on the energy and environmental benefits of the re-refining of used lubricating oil (Sponsored by Rep. Susan Brooks / Energy and Commerce Committee)
4) H.R. 4171 – To amend title 5, United States Code, to extend the authority to conduct telework travel expenses test programs, and for other purposes, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Greg Gianforte / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
5) H.R. 2815 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 30 East Somerset Street in Raritan, New Jersey, as the “Sergeant John Basilone Post Office” (Sponsored by Rep. Leonard Lance / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
6) H.R. 1208 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 9155 Schaefer Road, Converse, Texas, as the “Converse Veterans Post Office Building” (Sponsored by Rep. Henry Cuellar / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
7) H.R. 3638 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1100 Kings Road in Jacksonville, Florida, as the “Rutledge Pearson Post Office Building” (Sponsored by Rep. Al Lawson / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
8) H.R. 3655 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1300 Main Street in Belmar, New Jersey, as the “Dr. Walter S. McAfee Post Office Building” (Sponsored by Rep. Christopher Smith / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
9) H.R. 4042 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 1415 West Oak Street, in Kissimmee, Florida, as the “Borinqueneers Post Office Building” (Sponsored by Rep. Darren Soto / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
10) H.R. 4285 – To designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 123 Bridgeton Pike in Mullica Hill, New Jersey, as the “James C. Billy Johnson Post Office Building” (Sponsored by Rep. Frank LoBiondo / Oversight and Government Reform Committee)
11) H.Res. 407 – Condemning the persecution of Christians around the world, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Glenn Grothman / Foreign Affairs Committee)
12) H.Res. 336 – Reaffirming a strong commitment to the United States-Mexico partnership (Sponsored by Rep. Eliot Engel / Foreign Affairs Committee)
13) H.Res. 357 – Reaffirming the strategic partnership between the United States and Canada, recognizing bilateral cooperation that advances United States national interests, and urging increased bilateral cooperation on security, economic issues, and energy, and for other purposes, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Jeff Duncan / Foreign Affairs Committee)
H.R. 3971Community Institution Mortgage Relief Act of 2017, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Claudia Tenney / Financial Services Committee)
WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 13TH
On Wednesday, the House will meet at 10:00 a.m. for morning hour and 12:00 p.m. for legislative business.

H.R. 1638Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Bruce Poliquin / Financial Services Committee)
H.R. 4324Strengthening Oversight of Irans Access to Finance Act, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Roger Williams / Financial Services Committee)
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 14TH
On Thursday, the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. for legislative business. Last votes expected no later than 3:00 p.m.

H.R. 2396Privacy Notification Technical Clarification Act (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Dave Trott / Financial Services Committee)
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 15TH
On Friday, no votes are expected in the House.
Printable PDF

Legislative Program for next week
Legislative Program for next week continued


Text of Bills for the Week of Dec. 11, 2017


House Committees
House Committee Meetings ScheduleWeek of December 10 - 16, 2017
Tuesday, December 12, 2017

"The Opioid Epidemic in Appalachia: Addressing Hurdles to Economic Development in the Region"

H.R. 4508, Promoting Real Opportunity, Success, and Prosperity through Education Reform (PROSPER) Act.

H.R. 1865, the Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017 and H.R. 2595, the Strengthening the Department of Homeland Security Secure Mail Initiative Act

Update on the Corporate Average Fuel Economy Program (CAFE) and Greenhouse Gas Emissions Standards for Motor Vehicles

Examining Concerns of Patient Brokering and Addiction Treatment Fraud

Protecting North Korean Refugees

An Update on the Implementation of the Forever GI Bill, the Harry W. Colmery Educational Assistance Act of 2017

Cambodias Descent: Policies to Support Democracy and Human Rights

The Future of the North American Free Trade Agreement

H.R. 1638 — Iranian Leadership Asset Transparency Act (Rules Committee Print 115-47 — Showing the text of H.R. 1638 as ordered reported by the Committee on Financial Services); H.R. 2396 — Privacy Notification Technical Clarification Act; H.R. 4015 — Corporate Governance Reform and Transparency Act of 2017 (Rules Committee Print 115-46 — Showing the text of H.R. 4015 as ordered reported by the Committee on Financial Services); H.R. 4324 — Strengthening Oversight of Irans Access to Finance Act (Rules Committee Print 115-48 — Showing the text of H.R. 4324 as ordered reported by the Committee on Financial Services)

The Committee on Natural Resources has scheduled a markup beginning on Tuesday, December 12, 2017 at 5:00 p.m.

Wednesday, December 13, 2017

Markup of

  • H.R. 1486, (Mr. Thompson of Mississippi) the Securing American Non-Profit Organizations Against Terrorism Act of 2017.
  • H.R. 4433, (Mr. Correa) the Securing Department of Homeland Security Firearms Act of 2017.
  • H.R. 4553, (Mr. Garrett) the Terrorist Screening and Targeting Review Act of 2017.
  • H.R. 4555, (Mr. Rutherford) the DHS Interagency Counterterrorism Task Force Act of 2017.
  • H.R. 4559, (Mr. Estes of Kansas) the Global Aviation System Security Reform Act of 2017.
  • H.R. 4561, (Mr. Bilirakis ) the Security Assessment Feasibility for Equipment Testing and Evaluation of Capabilities for our Homeland Act.
  • H.R. 4564, (Mr. Higgins of Louisiana) the Post-Caliphate Threat Assessment Act of 2017.
  • H.R. 4567, (Mr. Katko) the DHS Overseas Personnel Enhancement Act of 2017.
  • H.R. 4569, (Mr. Gallagher) the Counterterrorism Information Sharing Improvement Act of 2017.
  • H.R. 4577, (Mr. Rogers of Alabama) the Domestic Explosives Detection Canine Capacity Building Act of 2017.
  • H.R. 4578, (Mr. Vela) the Counter Terrorist Network Act.
  • H.R. 4581, (Mr. Fitzpatrick) the Screening and Vetting Passenger Exchange Act of 2017.
Thursday, December 14, 2017

Legislative hearing on H.R. 4558 (Rep. Chris Stewart), To provide greater conservation, recreation, economic development and local management of Federal lands in Garfield and Kane Counties, Utah. Grand Staircase Escalante Enhancement Act


Reference Links
Links to Congressional news and information
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