The Daily Brief:
Legislative Snapshot
Saturday, February 24, 2018
"Precious in the sight of the LORD is the death of his saints." (Psalm 116:15)
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"Standing United Together . . . Under the Cross of Christ"
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Rev. Billy Graham to Lie in State in Capitol
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Rev. Billy Graham to Lie in Honor in U.S. Capitol Rotunda
Published by: Speaker Ryan Press Office
On Wednesday, February 28, the late Rev. Billy Graham will be brought to the U.S. Capitol, where he will lie in honor in the Rotunda until Thursday, March 1. Members of the public and Capitol Hill community are invited to pay their respects to the late reverend while he lies in rest.
Upon the arrival of Rev. Graham's casket, House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) will take part in a bicameral service.
Rev. Billy Graham was an American evangelist and minister, internationally known for his devout faith, inherent humility, and inclusive nature. Born in 1918, he spread the gospel in 185 countries during his 99 years on Earth, touching the lives of many and forever changing the course of the world's spiritual health. He served as an advisor to 12 consecutive U.S. presidents and reached millions more through radio, television, and film. Rev. Graham is survived by his five children and multiple grand- and great-grandchildren, fellow North Carolinians, and brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ.
Read Speaker Ryan and Leader McConnell's formal letter of invitation to Rev. Franklin Graham here.
Speaker Paul Ryan's Statement on the Passing of the Rev. Billy Graham
House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-WI) issued the following statement this morning on the passing of the Rev. Billy Graham:
"The life and ministry of the Rev. Billy Graham was dedicated to a sweeping mission: proclaiming the Gospel of Jesus Christ to every part of the world. Rev. Graham preached, in person, to more than 200 million people in 185 countries. Through books, radio, and television, he brought the Word of God into countless homes.
"As soaring a figure as he was, Rev. Graham connected with people on an elemental level. His reach was rooted in decency, humility, and love. He set a tone of ecumenical inclusion, advocated civil rights, and refused to accept the segregation of those attending his crusades. Rev. Graham's service is a testament that, with faith in God, one person can do so much good for the world.
"Beyond his achievements as a preacher and counselor to presidents, Rev. Graham will be remembered as a devoted husband to the late Ruth Bell Graham and a loving family man. The whole House sends its condolences to the Graham family at this time of loss."
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President Trump Honors Billy Graham
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President Trump Honors Billy Graham
Melania and I join millions of people around the world in mourning the passing of Billy Graham. Our prayers are with his children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and all who worked closely with Reverend Graham in his lifelong ministry.
Billy's acceptance of Jesus Christ around his seventeenth birthday not only changed his life-it changed our country and the world. He was one of the towering figures of the last 100 years-an American hero whose life and leadership truly earned him the title "God's Ambassador."
Billy's unshakeable belief in the power of God's word to transform hearts gave hope to all who listened to his simple message: "God loves you." He carried this message around the world through his crusades, bringing entire generations to faith in Jesus Christ.
In the wake of the September 11th attacks in 2001, America turned to Billy Graham at the National Cathedral, who told us, "God can be trusted, even when life seems at its darkest."
Reverend Graham would be the first to say that he did not do it alone. Before her passing, his wife Ruth was by his side through it all-a true partner, a wonderful mother, and a fellow missionary soul. He also built an international team and institution that will continue to carry on Christ's message.
Melania and I were privileged to get to know Reverend Graham and his extraordinary family over the last several years, and we are deeply grateful for their love and support.
Billy Graham was truly one of a kind. Christians and people of all faiths and backgrounds will miss him dearly. We are thinking of him today, finally at home in Heaven.
(Source: USA Today. Read more here.)
- Father, we thank You for the life and the ministry of Rev. Billy Graham. What an amazing man he was!
We pray that the mantle he wore would now be released all across this great nation, north, south, east and west, that hearts would be changed and that REVIVAL might break forth across our land. We ask this prayer in Your name, amen.
- "And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come." (Matthew 24:14)
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Exciting News in Jerusalem!
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Exciting News in Jerusalem!
US Embassy in Jerusalem Will Open in May
President Donald Trump announced today that the new U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem will open in May 2018 to coincide with the 70th anniversary of when David Ben Gurion announced the establishment of the Jewish state and Israel took its place among the nations on May 14, 1948.
Secretary of State Rex Tillerson signed off on the security plan yesterday for moving the embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony is being planned for mid-May.
Several possible sites are being considered. The most likely plan involves a phased approach to opening the embassy in Jerusalem's Arnona neighborhood at an existing U.S. facility that handles consular affairs like passports and visas. The U.S. could initially retrofit a small suite of offices in that facility to accommodate U.S. Ambassador David Friedman and one or two top aides such as his chief of staff. The rest of the embassy staff would remain in Tel Aviv until the Arnona facility is expanded to accommodate more personnel.
President Donald Trump announced in December that Jerusalem is the capital of Israel, and promised to begin the process of relocating the U.S. Embassy in Israel from Tel-Aviv to Jerusalem. He has held to his promise despite facing a backlash from the Palestinian Authority and its supporters. Trump said, "I promised to look at the world's challenges with fresh eyes. We cannot solve our problems by making the same failed assumptions and repeating the same failed strategies of the past."
(Source: Liberty Counsel)
Read more here.
- Father God . . . God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob . . . we lift up this breaking news before Your Throne of Grace. We thank You that this administration is so eager to honor Your land that these plans to move our Embassy to Jerusalem have now been accelerated.
We ask that Your grace would abide over each worker who will be involved in this process, and that all would be done decently and in order. In Your name, amen.
- "And my God will supply all your needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus." (Phil. 4:19)
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Trump Statement on Obamacare
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Trump: ObamaCare being wiped out 'piece by piece'
President Trump argued Friday that ObamaCare is being "wiped out" in a "piece-by-piece" way despite the failure of the GOP Congress to repeal the law.
Trump, speaking to the Conservative Political Action Conference Friday, pointed to a number of actions that Republicans have taken against the law, including repealing the individual mandate to buy health insurance as part of the tax-cut bill.
He also appeared to reference a rule his administration put out this week allowing for new "short-term plans" that are cheaper and skimpier than ObamaCare insurance plans.
Trump lamented that legislation to entirely repeal the law failed by one vote in the Senate, but added, "I think we may be better off the way we're doing it, piece by piece, ObamaCare is just being wiped out."
"The individual mandate essentially wipes it out, so I think we may be better off," Trump said. "And people are getting great health-care plans and we're not finished yet."
Democrats have accused Trump of "sabotaging" the law, not only by repealing the individual mandate, but with other cuts to budgets intended to help sign people up for health care under the law.
Experts have warned that steps taken by Trump could damage the stability of the law's marketplaces and raise premiums, but that the law's core - an expansion of Medicaid and subsidies that help people afford coverage - will remain unless Congress acts. (The Hill) Read more.
- Father God, we thank You that our President is still fighting
to see the Affordable Care Act (aka, Obamacare) repealed and replaced by a
better strategy for our people. We again ask that Your wisdom would guide
President Trump, step by step, throughout this process, so that, in the end, we
may see a health care plan set in place that will be a blessing to all of our
people. Amen.
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"Therefore I exhort first of all that supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and all who
are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness
and reverence." (1 Timothy 2:1,2)
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Floor Record
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Weekly Digest of the Congressional Record
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Congress Last Week
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Immigration
Senate's voting order on immigration plans a likely factor in vote failures
Immigration reform faces high hurdle in the House
Flake Offers DACA Compromise, Pledges to Push for a Vote
Congress Must 'Show Leadership' in Reforming Immigration, 2 Lawmakers Tell CPAC
Congress
Those who want to repeal the filibuster today will regret it tomorrow
Would bigger be better for the House?
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Pending Activity
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Committee Activity
House panel sets Feb 28 hearing on Puerto Rico's power restoration
Floor Outlook
House Cancels Votes for Billy Graham to Lie in Honor in Capitol Rotunda
House to consider bill to combat online sex trafficking
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Senate Floor
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Program for Monday: Senator Peters will be recognized to deliver Washington's Farewell Address.
Following the address, Senate resumes consideration of the nomination of Elizabeth L. Branch, of Georgia, to be United States Circuit Judge for the Eleventh Circuit, and votes on the motion to invoke cloture thereon at 5:30 p.m.
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Senate Committees
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Wednesday,
Feb. 28, 2018
Hearings to examine the
President's proposed budget request for fiscal year 2019 for the Department
of State and redesign plans.
Thursday,
Mar. 1, 2018
Hearings to examine the nomination
of John
F. Ring, of the District of Columbia, to be a Member of the National
Labor Relations Board.
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House Floor
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MONDAY, FEBRUARY 26TH
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) S. 772 – AMBER Alert in Indian Country Act of 2017, as amended (Sponsored by Sen. John McCain / Judiciary Committee)
2) H.R. 767 – SOAR to Health and Wellness Act of 2018, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Steve Cohen / Energy and Commerce Committee)
3) H.R. 880 – MISSION ZERO Act, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Michael Burgess / Energy and Commerce Committee)
4) H.R. 1222 – Congenital Heart Futures Reauthorization Act of 2017, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Gus Bilirakis / Energy and Commerce Committee)
5) H.R. 2410 – Sickle Cell Disease Research, Surveillance, Prevention, and Treatment Act of 2017 (Sponsored by Rep. Danny Davis / Energy and Commerce Committee)
6) H.R. 2422 – Action for Dental Health Act of 2017 (Sponsored by Rep. Robin Kelly / Energy and Commerce Committee)
7) H.Res. 443 – Recognizing the importance and effectiveness of trauma-informed care, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. Mike Gallagher / Energy and Commerce Committee)
TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 27TH
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. 5078 – TRID Improvement Act of 2018, as amended (Sponsored by Rep. French Hill / Financial Services Committee)
H.R. 4296 – To place requirements on operational risk capital requirements for banking organizations established by an appropriate Federal banking agency, Rules Committee Print (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer / Financial Services Committee)
H.R. 1865 – Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017 (Subject to a Rule) (Sponsored by Rep. Ann Wagner / Judiciary Committee)
WEDNESDAY, FEBRUARY 28TH AND THE BALANCE OF THE WEEK
On Wednesday the House will meet at 9:00 a.m. in pro forma session. No votes are expected in the House.
On Thursday and Friday, no votes are expected in the House.
Text of Bills for the Week of Feb. 26, 2018
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House Committees
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Monday, February 26, 2018
Workforce Development: Closing the Skills Gap
H.R. 4296 — To place requirements on operational risk capital requirements for banking organizations established by an appropriate Federal banking agency. (Rules Committee Print 115-60 — Showing the text of H.R. 4296 as ordered reported by the Committee on Financial Services); H.R. 4607 — Comprehensive Regulatory Review Act (Rules Committee Print 115-61 — Showing the text of H.R. 4607 as ordered reported by the Committee on Financial Services); H.R. 1865 — Allow States and Victims to Fight Online Sex Trafficking Act of 2017
Full Committee Business Meeting: Adoption of the Committees FY 2019 Budget Views and Estimates Letter, pursuant to House Rule X, clause 11(c)(3)
Tuesday, February 27, 2018
The FY 2019 Foreign Affairs Budget
CBO Oversight: The Role of Behavioral Modeling in Scoring and Baseline Construction
The Public Face of TSA: Examining the Agencys Outreach and Traveler Engagement Efforts.
Occupational Hazards: How Excessive Licensing Hurts Small Business
Federalism Implications of Treating States as Stakeholders
Monetary Policy and the State of the Economy
the Budget Views and Estimates Letter of the Committee on Agriculture for the agencies and programs under the jurisdiction of the Committee for fiscal year 2019
A More Effective and Collaborative OSHA: A View from Stakeholders
The State of Aviation Safety
A Review of Sexual Harassment and Misconduct in Science
Terrorism and Iran: Defense Challenges in the Middle East
State of the Nations Energy Infrastructure
Implementation of the Survivors' Bill of Rights Act
Adoption of Ways and Means Committee Views and Estimates on the Fiscal Year 2019 Federal Budget
Competition in the Pharmaceutical Supply Chain: The Proposed Merger of CVS Health and Aetna
Oversight Hearing "Liquified Natural Gas and U.S. Geopolitics"
How Red Tape Affects Community Banks and Credit Unions: A GAO Report
Womens Role in Countering Terrorism
"Doing Business with DHS: Industry Recommendations to Improve Contractor Employee Vetting.
Joint Hearing of the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees to receive the Legislative Presentation of the Disabled American Veterans
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Terrorism and Iran: Defense Challenges in the Middle East
Combating the Opioid Crisis: Helping Communities Balance Enforcement and Patient Safety
Joint Hearing of the House and Senate Veterans' Affairs Committees to receive the Legislative Presentation of The American Legion
Update on the Restoration of Puerto Ricos Electric Infrastructure
Full Committee
How Red Tape Affects Community Banks and Credit Unions: A GAO Report
Zimbabwe After Mugabe
Legislative Hearing on the following bills:
- H.R. 1992 (Rep. Andy Barr), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the site of the Camp Nelson Civil War Heritage Park in Jessamine County, Kentucky, and for other purposes. Camp Nelson Heritage Park Study Act
- H.R. 3008 (Rep. Michael Conaway), To authorize the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study of the George W. Bush Childhood Home, located at 1412 West Ohio Avenue, Midland, Texas, and for other purposes. George W. Bush Childhood Home Study Act
- H.R. 4731 (Rep. Stacey Plaskett), To extend the retained use estate for the Caneel Bay resort in St. John, United States Virgin Islands, and for other purposes.
- H.R. 5005 (Rep. Al Lawson Jr.), To direct the Secretary of the Interior to conduct a special resource study to determine the suitability and feasibility of establishing the birthplace of James Weldon Johnson in Jacksonville, Florida, as a unit of the National Park System.
MACRA and MIPS: An Update on the Merit-based Incentive Payment System
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Border Patrol on Private Property
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Back stateside, the U.S. Border Patrol is “aggressively using a little-known authority to set up checkpoints and search private property to crack down on illegal immigration,” The New York Times reported Wednesday from America’s southern border — extending a related report 11 days ago from America’s northern border by the Toronto Star.
What’s new here: “a little-known federal law” is being used to allow Border Patrol officers to work “without permission on private property and setting up checkpoints up to 100 miles away from the border.”
One small problem: A man near Encinal, Texas, told the Times “he found a [CPB] surveillance camera hidden in a tree near his house.” The man “removed the camera and kept it as evidence of federal officers trespassing on his property… State officials have threatened to arrest him on theft charges. [The man] sued both agencies.”
The eventual bigger problem: “Inevitably, one of these cases is going to get to the Supreme Court, which will have to revisit the seemingly limitless government authority the department claims it has,” said Stephen I. Vladeck, a professor at the University of Texas School of Law.
The Toronto Star’s report begins in Syracuse, N.Y., where Americans are being stopped by CPB officers and asked if they are a citizen of the U.S. The Star’s bottom line: “The bus and train checks are not new. But they appear to be happening more often near the Canadian border than they did in the five years prior to Trump’s tenure. And they have attracted renewed scrutiny around the country as Trump touts his crackdown on illegal immigration and gives the Border Patrol more money and leeway.” Read on, here.
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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 Ninth President: William Henry Harrison
(1841)
[Note: President Harrison died in office.]
[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 ninth president, William Henry Harrison.]
WILLIAM HENRY HARRISON, 1840, TO METHODIST CHURCH PASTOR IN CINCINNATI PRIOR TO HIS ELECTION:
I know there are some of my political opponents who will be ready to impugn my motives in attending this revival-meeting at this peculiar time; but I care not for the smiles or frowns of my fellow- countrymen. God knows my heart and understands my motives. A deep and an abiding sense of my inward spiritual necessities brings me to this hallowed place night after night.
(Source: Prayers and Presidents: Inspiring Faith from Leaders of the Past; by William J. Federer; p. 59)
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About Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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About Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
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