Friday, March 23, 2012

CHPP Daily Brief - Friday, March 23, 2012



•  The Daily Brief
•  The Middle East in Focus
•  Today's Legislative Focus
•  How Attorneys Will Argue For and Against Obamacare
•  Hands Off My Health Care!
•  The Good News Corner
•  Worship with Us Today!

Capitol Hill Prayer Partners
"Partners in Prayer for Our Nation"
P.O. Box 5152
Herndon, VA 20172-1970
chpp@patriot.net


The Daily Brief  - Friday, March 23, 2012

"Go, my people, enter your rooms and shut the doors behind you; hide yourselves for a little while until his wrath has passed by." (Isaiah 26:20)

The Daily Brief


1. Fed officials clash on view of economy - Reuters

The gap between the Federal Reserve's dovish core and its hawkish wing was on display on Thursday as a top Fed official said the economy is in better shape even as Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke focused on a source of weakness. The U.S. economy grew 3 percent in the fourth quarter of 2011 but that rate was seen slowing to just under 2 percent in the first three months of this year.

- Abba, we thank You that there seems to be a slow improvement in our national economy. We praise You again, that You have promised to meet all the needs of those of us who trust in You. We ask for wisdom for our national leaders who make these financial decisions, and integrity in their actions. We pray for wisdom for ourselves as we assess our situations, and make good, godly decisions to improve our finances. We praise You, and ask that the economy will continue to improve.

- "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father's care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don't be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows." (Matt 10:29,30)

2. Jobless claims at 4-year low, lift recovery hopes - Reuters

The number of Americans claiming new unemployment benefits dropped to a four-year low last week, bolstering hopes a recent pick-up in job growth will prove lasting.

Home building permits near 3.5-year high - Reuters

Permits for homebuilding neared a 3.5-year high in February, suggesting a budding recovery in the housing market was still on track even though groundbreaking activity slipped.

- Father, we thank You that there are fewer newly unemployed workers than in previous months. We do ask that hope will be renewed in those who are still seeking employment and have grown weary in their search. We pray these "economic indicators" are realistic, and not being manipulated for political purposes. We ask You to reveal the truth and to encourage and provide for those needing jobs. We thank You for the encouraging reports concerning new homes being built, and ask that this trend will continue. Amen.

- "Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." (John 8:31-32)

3. US Intelligence to keep tabs on Americans with no ties to terror - Fox

Until now, the National Counterterrorism Center had to destroy immediately information about Americans that already was stored in other government databases when there were no clear ties to terrorism. Giving the NCTC expanded record-retention authority had been urged by members of Congress, who said the intelligence community did not connect strands of intelligence held by multiple agencies leading up to a failed bombing attempt on a U.S.-bound airliner on Christmas 2009.

- Lord we know that there is a thin line between the government's "need to know" personal information of private, law-abiding citizens, and those who may be involved in subversive activities against our national interests. We also know that the U.S. Constitution guarantees our freedom from intrusion into our private lives without due cause. We pray that those in Congress who wish to expand the authority of the gathering of information on the private sector, would also use wisdom and restraint in such pursuits. Amen.

- "Nothing in all creation is hidden from God's sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of him to whom we must give account."
(Hebrews 4:13)

4. U.S. Congress supports additional funding for Israel's Iron Dome systems - Haaretz News

The Iron Dome missile defense system has proven its effectiveness, as it successfully intercepted nearly 60 rockets fired from within the Gaza Strip last week. U.S. Congressmen were also impressed by the performance, and Rep. Howard L. Berman, (D-Valley Village) - the top Democrat on the House Foreign Affairs Committee - introduced the Iron Dome Support Act (IDSA) authorizing the President to provide assistance if requested by the Israeli government to procure additional Iron Dome anti-missile defense systems.

- "Lord of Hosts, we thank You that our government is blessing Your precious Land of Israel, in enabling them to acquire and expand their "Iron Dome Defense System"! We ask for increasing favor in Congress to expand these defense systems throughout Israel, and thank You for the privilege of doing so. We ask that Obama will "get on board" to show favor to Israel, or that You would give us a vetted and qualified President who will. We ask You to encourage Prime Minister Netanyahu, and give Him Your wisdom, as he works to protect Your people!

- "And I will bless those who bless you [who confer prosperity or happiness upon you] and curse him who curses or uses insolent language toward you; in you will all the families and kindred of the earth be blessed [and by you they will bless themselves]." (Genesis 12:3)

5. Obama: Travyon Looks Like He Could Be My Son
- Fox News

Obama calls for investigation into killing of black Florida teen during press conference. The death of Trayvon Martin, 17, is now under investigation by the Justice Department and FBI. Obama, asked about the case Friday, noted that he doesn't want to interfere with the probe being led by his attorney general, Eric Holder. But he made clear that he empathizes deeply with the parents in the case, and called for investigators to "get to the bottom" of what happened. Read more.

- Come against the spirit that has been unleashed to stir up racial strife, violence and division in our nation -- one which has roots that go deep in our national conscience which yet need to be uprooted and healed. Speak peace to our land, and comfort to those who mourn, in Jesus' Name, amen.

- "For unto us a child is born, and unto us a son is given, and the government will be on his shoulders. And he will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace." (Isaiah 9:6)


6. Obama picks Dartmouth president to head World Bank - AP

Obama will nominate Dartmouth College President Jim Yong Kim to head the World Bank, a surprise pick for the international financial institution's top job, senior administration officials said. The Korean-born Kim is a physician by training and a prominent figure in global health and development circles.

- Lift up Mr. Kim as he prepares to lead the World Bank in these turbulent economic times, asking that he be granted "wisdom from above" as he sets policy decisions for this global organization.

- "I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you." (Psalm 32:8)

The Middle East in Focus

This week, for all the headlines cited below, please join us in proclaiming THIS DECREE:

"Not unto us, O LORD, not unto us, but unto Your name give glory, for Your mercy, and for Your truth's sake. Why should the nations say, Where is their God? But our God is in the heavens. He has done whatever He has pleased." (Psalm 115:1-3)

1. Israel won't cooperate with UN probe of settlements - Jerusalem Post

Israeli reacted with fury Thursday to a UN Human Rights Council decision to establish a fact-finding mission to probe the effects of settlements on Palestinian human rights, with Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu saying the council is "hypocritical" and should be "ashamed of itself."

2. UN orders first probe of Israeli settlements - Ynet News

The United Nations' Human Rights Council on Thursday passed a resolution ordering a first probe into how Israel's West Bank settlements may be infringing on Palestinians' rights.

3. U.S. Congress supports additional funding for Israel's Iron Dome systems - Ha'aretz

The Iron Dome Support Act (IDSA) authorizing the President to provide assistance if requested by the Israel to procure additional Iron Dome defense systems wins bipartisan support.

Today's Legislative Focus

From The Madison Project

www.madisonproject.com

Violence Against Women Act

In another attempt to "pick a fight" with Republicans, Democrats plans to introduce a bill (S. 1925) to reauthorize the 1994 Violence Against Women Act. This law represented a massive expansion of the federal government by intruding into the affairs of local law enforcement in dealing with domestic violence. It authorized $1.6 billion for programs to train law enforcement and community activists in dealing with such unfortunate problems.

Just like almost every other Democrat proposal, this is an insidious attempt to frame Republicans as "anti-women" because they don't support a puerile effort to throw money at a problem that is frankly not within the purview of the federal government. Democrats are close to securing enough Republican votes to reach 60. The egregious thing is that the bill has 6 Republican cosponsors; Scott Brown, Susan Collins, Mike Crapo, Mark Kirk, Lisa Murkowski, Olympia Snowe. Please call Senators Hutchison and Ayotte - two key votes - and tell them not to let Schumer lure them into this incestuous attempt to spear Republicans.

[NOTE: The number for the Capitol Hill Switchboard is: 202-224-3121. They will direct your call to the member of the House or the Senate you are trying to reach.]


How Attorneys Will Argue For and Against Obamacare

Inside the United States Supreme Court: Arguments for and against the Affordable Care Act

Beginning on Monday and continuing for three days, the United States Supreme Court will hear arguments for and against keeping the Affordable Care Act (i.e., "Obamacare") the law of the land.

Attorney Paul Clement will be arguing the case for The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), against The Affordable Care Act.

Donald B. Verrilli, Jr, Solicitor General will be arguing for Obama's administration.

The following are the five key points that will be argued over those three days, published by Intercessors for America.

1. THE INDIVIDUAL MANDATE

The government will argue: The individual mandate is necessary to achieve Congress' goals of lower costs and increased coverage.

NFIB will argue: Never in our history has the government forced individuals to buy a costly and unwanted product for the benefit of other individuals who do want to buy that product. If the mandate is constitutional, there will be nothing that the government isn't allowed to mandate Americans to purchase. There are other ways for Congress to lower costs and increase coverage that do not involve violating the Constitution.

2. THE MANDATE IS CONSTITUTIONAL

The government will argue: The mandate is constitutional because the Commerce Clause gives Congress the authority to regulate the sale of goods and services, such as health insurance.

NFIB will argue: Congress has authority to regulate commerce but not to force people to engage in it. The government cannot compel individuals to enter a marketplace they do not want to enter - i.e., the government has no authority to compel a healthy, young individual to purchase health insurance they do not need nor want. For example, Congress can force those who have chosen to enter the car market to purchase insurance, but it cannot require pedestrians to buy car insurance simply in order to lower prices for current drivers.

3. THE 'FREE RIDER' PROBLEM


The government will argue: The individual mandate takes care of the "free rider" problem where people with insurance are paying for those who are uninsured and don't pay their medical bills.

NFIB will argue: The mandate treats every uninsured citizen as if he is a "free-rider" cheating his neighbors, but that's not the case. For every uninsured person who uses free emergency care, there are thousands of other healthy people who are paying for coverage that they never use.

4. THE INDIVIDUAL MANDATE AS A TAX


The government will argue: The individual mandate is a tax. Wait, no, it's a penalty, because we promised not to raise taxes. Actually, yes, it really is a tax - so the mandate is constitutional under the government's taxing powers.

NFIB will argue: Government officials, including Obama, have fervently denied the mandate was a tax, yet now government lawyers are claiming the mandate is a tax. The government had it right the first time. Taxes and penalties are different things. Taxes are levied to raise revenues to pay for government expenditures that benefit the tax payers, while penalties are imposed as a punishment for breaking the law. And that is how the individual mandate works: it legally requires virtually every American to buy insurance, and imposes a monetary penalty on those who fail to comply.

5. THE INDIVIDUAL MANDATE AND ITS RELATIONSHIP TO THE HEALTH CARE LAW


The government will argue: The individual mandate is essential to certain parts of the health care law but not to others. If the mandate is struck down, only the provisions that ban insurers from discriminating against those with preexisting conditions should fall. The remainder of the law can remain intact.

NFIB will argue: The mandate is essential to the entire law, not just parts of it. Removing the mandate and allowing other provisions to remain is akin to removing the engine of a car and expecting it to run. Without the inclusion of the mandate, nothing even remotely resembling the current law would have been passed by Congress or signed by Obama.

Please note: Intercessors for America is putting forth a call for prayer and fasting during these hearings, March 26, 27, 28.

Please consider how the Lord would desire you to respond to this urgent call to pray. Let IFA know you are joining them by emailing at ifa@ifapray.org

Hands Off My Health Care!

The fight to repeal ObamaCare kicks into high gear next week when the Supreme Court begins its historic marathon hearing. Whatever the court does, the debate doesn't end there. The most important decision regarding the fate of ObamaCare will be made by the American people at the polls on November 6th. In the meantime, it is important that politicians on both sides of the aisle know just how strongly we feel about it.

That is why I am proud to co-sponsor the "Hands Off My Health Care" rally in Washington, D.C., on March 27th. Thousands of Americans are coming to the nation's capital next Tuesday to remind our lawmakers that ObamaCare is contrary to the Constitution and the will of the people. If you would like to join this rally, visit www.HandsOffMyHealthCare.com. (Gary Bauer)

The Good News Corner:

Dear Sara,

We thought you'd be encouraged to hear how one patriotic citizen is mobilizing others in her city and surrounding areas to put up "IN GOD WE TRUST" in every school and classroom; and to encourage legislators to stand boldly to protect God's rightful place in America's past, present, and future. It only takes one!

Dr. Green originally caught the vision at the Oklahoma Prayer Caucus launch when she and several other Texas citizens drove hours to participate in the historic event. She was extremely encouraged to see the leaders of Oklahoma take a bold stand for faith and religious freedom, and now has been working diligently with legislators in Texas to duplicate the vision originated by the Members of the Congressional Prayer Caucus.

Additionally, she has begun an initiative to attend every school board meeting in Wichita Falls and all surrounding counties. Dr. Green has also enlisted many citizens to attend the meetings with her to encourage school boards to put up "IN GOD WE TRUST" in all schools in her area. This is just one of the initiatives she is spearheading as a pro-active effort to protect religious liberty. Please join your state and national leaders and other citizens like Dr. Green in this effort - the time is now!

Blessings,
Lea Carawan
Executive Director
Congressional Prayer Caucus Foundation, Inc.

Worship with Us Today!

"Speechless" - Israel Houghton

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