The Daily Brief: Monday, July 31st, 2017

The Daily Brief: Monday, July 31^st, 2017

1. John Kelly replaces Reince Priebus as White House chief of staff - Fox News

President Trump late Friday replaced his embattled chief of staff Reince Priebus with Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly, the decorated retired general who had been leading his administration's charge on immigration enforcement.

The seismic shake-up capped another rollercoaster week in the West Wing, rocked by the public clash between Priebus and new White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci. The latter's hiring prompted press secretary Sean Spicer to resign in protest one week ago and immediately touched off speculation that Priebus could be next.

White House sources confirmed to Fox News that Priebus, the former Republican National Committee chairman, resigned secretly on Thursday.

"It has been one of the greatest honors of my life to serve this president and our country," Priebus said in a statement. "I want to thank the president for giving me this very special opportunity. I will continue to serve as a strong supporter of the president's agenda and policies." (Read more)
- Father, we pray that these staff changes will cause the strife and leaks to end in the White House. We thank You for the good selection of people available to serve our country in this capacity. We ask that You would make this transition smooth and that a new culture of respect and honesty will prevail. We pray for the staff of the White House to seek Your wisdom in all things and that what they do will honor You.

- "An arrogant man stirs up strife, but he who trusts in the Lord will prosper." (Proverbs 28:25)

2. Elaine Duke to become new acting DHS secretary - Fox News

With the announcement on Friday that Homeland Security Secretary John Kelly would be taking over from Reince Priebus as the White House chief of staff, a vacancy was left at the top of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). According to the leadership structure of the DHS, the new acting Secretary of Homeland Security is Elaine Duke.

Duke was previously sworn in as the deputy secretary of Homeland Security on April 10 after she was confirmed by the Senate. In her position as deputy secretary, Duke led "all efforts related to the strategic execution of DHS's vital missions," according to her DHS biography.

The Senate approved Duke for confirmation as deputy secretary by a vote of 85 to 14, according to Newsweek. (Read more)
- Dear Lord, we lift up this lady to You in prayer and ask You to assist her in executing the duties of this office in a way that enhances and cooperates with the will and purposes of the people who elected Donald Trump. Lord, may she seek You as to the best way forward to protect America from its many threats.

- "The hand of the diligent shall bear rule: but the slothful shall be under tribute." (Proverbs 12:24)

3. The night John McCain killed the GOP's health-care fight - Washington Post

It was the most dramatic night in the United States Senate in recent history. Just ask the senators who witnessed it.

A seven-year quest to undo the Affordable Care Act collapsed - at least for now - as Sen. John McCain (R-Ariz.) kept his colleagues and the press corps in suspense over a little more than two hours late Thursday into early Friday.

The bold move by the nation's most famous senator stunned his colleagues and possibly put the Senate on the verge of protracted bipartisan talks that McCain is unlikely to witness as he begins treatment for an aggressive form of brain cancer.

"I've stated time and time again that one of the major failures of Obamacare was that it was rammed through Congress by Democrats on a strict party-line basis without a single Republican vote," he said in a statement explaining his vote. "We should not make the mistakes of the past." (Read more)
- Father God, now that we know that there has been a medical diagnosis indicating that the disease of cancer is affecting the mind of Senator McCain, we ask that his ability to cast any more votes on the floor of the Senate Chamber now be suspended. Thank You, Lord, that in Your time, You WILL restore what the locust has eaten in this health care proposal, bringing it back to life, in Your name, amen.

- "Great men are not always wise: neither do the aged understand sound judgment." (Job 32:9)

4. The 7 Republican Obamacare Judases in The Senate- Townhall.com

Seven Republican senators VOTED AGAINST a straight repeal of Obamacare with a two year window to come up with a replacement. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn.; Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va.; Susan Collins, R-Maine; Dean Heller, R-Nev.; John McCain, R-Ariz.; Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska; and Rob Portman, R-Ohio all decided that after years of claiming to oppose Obamacare at every turn, they now want it to stay in place. Why, it's almost as if they've been lying to you for years about their opposition to Obamacare!

There is nothing these senators who voted against the repeal of Obamacare have ever done or will ever do that can make up for their betrayal. None of them should ever represent the Republican Party in a general election again. That shouldn't just be the position of the voters they have lied to; it should be the position of the REPUBLICAN PARTY. (Read more)
- Father in heaven, raise up a banner of truth and justice that will bring in solid representatives who will regard their office as important enough to fight for what is right for the American people and for our country as a whole. God, cleanse the Senate of all Obamacare Judases by Your powerful hand of righteousness. In the Name of Jesus we pray.

- "Know you not this of old, since man was placed upon earth, That the triumphing of the wicked is short, and the joy of the hypocrite but for a moment?" (Job 20:4-5)

5. Trump Picks Sam Brownback as Religious Freedom Ambassador - Christianity Today

Today the White House announced that Sam Brownback will be President Donald Trump's nominee for America's next ambassador-at-large for international religious freedom. "Religious freedom is the first freedom. The choice of what you do with your own soul," the current Republican governor of Kansas tweeted. "I am honored to serve such an important cause."

Frank Wolf, a longtime Virginia politician who retired in 2013 as one of Congress' leading advocates of religious freedom, told the Kansas City Star that "this job is really made for Sam. On all these issues he's been there before almost anybody else." "All during his career in Congress, Sam was a leader on religious freedom," Wolf, now a senior fellow for the 21st Century Wilberforce Initiative, told CT. "He was the first senator to go to Darfur during the genocide, and came back and spoke out to help the people of Sudan. He was also very active in working on issues of religious freedom in Egypt, China, and many other countries. At a time when, according to the Pew Research Center, we see growing religious persecution, I believe Sam Brownback is an outstanding appointment." (Read more)
- Father, as You know, we too have had the privilege of being seated in prayer with "Senator Sam" when he was serving here in Congress several years ago; and we, too, can attest to the fact that this is a brother in Christ who has a deep compassion for the persecuted. We ask for quick approval of his nomination before the U.S. Senate, Lord. We need Sam Brownback to fill this key role, in Your name, amen.

- "For You, oh Lord will bless the righteous. With favor, You will surround him as with a shield." (Psalm 5:12)

6. Russia Seizes 2 U.S. Properties and Orders Embassy to Cut Staff - NY Times

MOSCOW - Russia took its first steps on Friday to retaliate against proposed American sanctions for Moscow's suspected meddling in the 2016 election, seizing two American diplomatic properties in Russia and ordering the United States Embassy to reduce staff by September.

The moves, which had been threatened for weeks, came a day after the United States Senate approved a measure to expand economic sanctions against Russia, as well as against Iran and North Korea. The bill, mirroring one passed by the House on Tuesday, now goes to President Trump for his signature.

The latest move by the Kremlin strikes another blow against the already dismal diplomatic relations between the two sides, with each new step moving Moscow and Washington further from the rapprochement anticipated a few months ago. (Read more)
- Father, Russia has not played by the rules of agreements made with the U.S. They speak but their words fall short of truth. Only You can keep peace between Moscow and Washington. Russia's seizing of two U.S. diplomatic properties are another threat by them toward America. They don't seem to know the definition of diplomatic. Father God, we ask You to keep the staff safe who are working at these properties as they transition into other areas. Give President Trump and Congress guidance through the Holy Spirit for all decisions regarding Russia, Iran and North Korea. Thank You, Father, in Your Name, amen.

- "Do not keep silent, O God! Do not hold Your peace, And do not be still, O God!" (Psalm 3:1)

7. Breaking! US, allies prepared to use 'overwhelming force' in North Korea, general says - Fox News

The U.S. and its allies are prepared to use "rapid, lethal and overwhelming force," if necessary, against North Korea, the commander of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces warned Saturday night.

The statement from Gen. Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, U.S. Pacific Air Forces commander, came after the militaries of the U.S., South Korea and Japan spent 10 hours conducting bomber-jet drills over the Korean Peninsula.

The training mission was a response to North Korea's recent ballistic missile launches and nuclear program, and part of the U.S. regular commitment to defending its allies in the Asia-Pacific region, the general's statement said.

"North Korea remains the most urgent threat to regional stability," O'Shaughnessy said. (Read more)
- Father God, we pray that You will send myriads of angels to surround the United States with a ring of angels who will protect America from any missile coming into our country. God, we pray that any further missiles will misfire and be destroyed by the mighty forces of heaven. Lord God, these preemptive actions made by a prideful, wicked dictator will send him right into the gripping hands of darkness and defeat. In the mighty Name of Jesus we pray.

- "The heaven shall reveal his iniquity; and the earth shall rise up against him. This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God." (Job 20:27, 29)

8. DOJ - Title VII Does Not Include LGBT - Liberty Counsel

The U.S. Justice Department (DOJ) filed an amicus brief in Zarda v. Altitude Express yesterday at the U.S. Federal Court of Appeals, which contends that Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 bans gender discrimination, but does not include sexual orientation or gender identity, in the workplace.

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), a largely autonomous federal agency that handles civil rights disputes in the workplace, supported Zarda last month in its own court filing. The EEOC has previously argued in federal court that Title VII's ban on sex discrimination also included gender identity - thereby barring discrimination against so-called LGBT employees. (Read more)
- Father, we rejoice at the news of this new ruling from the Department of Justice, and we ask that it be carried out to the fullest extent of the law. We thank You that light is now breaking forth into the murky darkness of the world of "gay rights," which violates Your Word, in Your name, amen.

- "He created them male and female, and He blessed them . . ." (Genesis 5:2)

9. Charlie Gard dies in hospice, parents say - Fox News

Charlie Gard, the critically ill British baby whose parents fought a highly publicized court battle to treat him with an experimental approach in the U.S., died on Friday in a hospice, his parent said.

Gard, who was 11 months old at the time of his death, suffered from a rare genetic disorder called mitochondrial depletion syndrome. Due to the illness, the baby had brain damage and was unable to breathe or move his limbs unaided.

Gard would have turned 1 next week. (Read more)
- Father God, infant Charlie Gard is now resting in Your arms. You created Charlie for a special reason. We don't understand why he was only on the earth for 11 months, but we know he was always Yours. Bless his parents as they grieve the loss of their son. As they seek answers let them turn to You and find peace that can only be found in You. We pray that they will grow strong in their relationship with You. In the name above all names, we ask this prayer. God bless Charlie's family.

- "Yet you say, 'The way of the Lord is not fair.' Hear now O house of Israel, is it not My way which is fair, and your ways which are not fair.?" (Ezekiel 18:25)

'For My thoughts are not your thoughts, Nor are your ways My ways,' says the Lord." (Isaiah 55:8)

10. Breaking! US, allies prepared to use 'overwhelming force' in North Korea, general says - Fox News

The U.S. and its allies are prepared to use "rapid, lethal and overwhelming force," if necessary, against North Korea, the commander of the U.S. Pacific Air Forces warned Saturday night.

The statement from Gen. Terrence J. O'Shaughnessy, U.S. Pacific Air Forces commander, came after the militaries of the U.S., South Korea and Japan spent 10 hours conducting bomber-jet drills over the Korean Peninsula.

The training mission was a response to North Korea's recent ballistic missile launches and nuclear program, and part of the U.S. regular commitment to defending its allies in the Asia-Pacific region, the general's statement said.

"North Korea remains the most urgent threat to regional stability," O'Shaughnessy said. (Read more)
- Father God, we pray that You will send myriads of angels to surround the United States with a ring of angels who will protect America from any missile coming into our country. God, we pray that any further missiles will misfire and be destroyed by the mighty forces of heaven. Lord God, these preemptive actions made by a prideful, wicked dictator will send him right into the gripping hands of darkness and defeat. In the mighty Name of Jesus we pray.

- "The heaven shall reveal his iniquity; and the earth shall rise up against him. This is the portion of a wicked man from God, and the heritage appointed unto him by God." (Job 20:27, 29)

	More News from the Hill

More News from the Hill

1. House passes bill to boost defense, fund border wall - Washington Post

The House passed a $790 billion spending bill Thursday that would increase military funding and pave the way for construction of a wall along 72 miles of the Mexican border. It has, however, virtually no chance of becoming law.

The bill blasts through the defense spending cap enacted under the 2011 Budget Control Act by $72 billion. If enacted, the bill would result in an across-the-board 13 percent cut in Pentagon spending absent an agreement with Democrats to lift the caps.

But House Republican leaders on Thursday praised the bill - which combined fiscal 2018 appropriations for the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Energy Department and the legislative branch in addition to the Defense Department - as a muscular statement of Republican policy priorities that will set the stage for later talks with Democrats. The $1.6 billion in border wall funding was pulled from a separate homeland security bill. (Read more)
- Dear Lord, instead of this bill producing the usual partisan standoff in Congress, we pray that You would devise a way for our military to be well funded, our troops well paid, and a wall of safety to be built on our Southern border. We pray that the rules of both houses that are hindering progress and that are not necessary would be eliminated. We pray that all involved in Congress would know that they will stand before You to account for their votes and activities.

- "And I will bring the blind by a way that they knew not; I will lead them in paths that they have not known: I will make darkness light before them, and crooked things straight. These things I will do unto them and not forsake them." (Isaiah 42:16)

2. House Judiciary Republicans Call For Second Special Counsel To Investigate Clinton, Comey, Lynch - Daily Caller

Republicans on the House Judiciary Committee are asking the Justice Department to appoint a second special counsel, this one to investigate Hillary Clinton, former FBI Director James Comey and former Attorney General Loretta Lynch.

In a letter to Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, the Judiciary Republicans say they want a second investigator to match Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who is conducting a sprawling investigation of the Trump campaign and various Trump associates.

"The unbalanced, uncertain, and seemingly unlimited focus of the special counsel's investigation has led many of our constituents to see a dual standard of justice that benefits only the powerful and politically well-connected," the Republicans say. In their letter, the Republicans list 14 separate categories they say should be investigated by the additional special counsel. They are calling for a deeper investigation of Hillary Clinton and her potential mishandling of classified information. (Read more)
- Father in heaven, we ask that You expose all the wickedness of Clinton, Comey, and Lynch by withstanding any and all man-made roadblocks that would prevent the truth from being made public. Lord God, reveal completely all the history of what they did for so many years. We proclaim that the power of God will remove the vail and all things be exposed. We pray in the Name of Jesus.

- "Is not God's Word like as a fire? says the Lord; and like a hammer that breaks the rock in pieces?" (Jeremiah 23:29)

3. Intelligence chairman accuses Obama aides of hundreds of unmasking requests - The Hill

The chairman of the House Intelligence Committee is accusing top political aides of President Obama of making hundreds of requests during the 2016 presidential race to unmask the names of Americans in intelligence reports, including Trump transition officials. Intelligence Chairman Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), in a letter to Director of National Intelligence Dan Coats said the requests were made without specific justifications on why the information was needed.

"We have found evidence that current and former government officials had easy access to U.S. person information and that it is possible that they used this information to achieve partisan political purposes, including the selective, anonymous leaking of such information," Nunes wrote in the letter to Coats. The letter was provided to The Hill from a source in the intelligence community.

Nunes said he intends to introduce legislation to address concerns about the unmasking process impacting Americans' privacy. Ordinarily, Americans whose email or phone data or conversations are intercepted by the National Security Agency without a warrant overseas are legally required to have their names redacted or masked with descriptions like "U.S. person 1" to protect their identities in intelligence reports.

But beginning in 2011, Obama loosened the rules to make it easier for intelligence officials and his own political aides to request that the names be unmasked so they could better understand raw intelligence being gathered overseas.

The change has been criticized by liberal groups like the ACLU and conservatives like Nunes because of the privacy implications. (Read more)
- Lord God, we pray that all the practices that were done under the Obama administration be punishable by law and stopped. God, remove the Obama employees still employed under President Trump. Cover President Trump with Your protection and guard him with Your mighty hand of power from everything of the past. In the Name of Jesus we pray.

- "Show Your marvelous lovingkindness, O God that saves by Your right hand them which put their trust in You from those that rise up against them." (Psalm 17:7)

	The Transgender Debate

The Transgender Debate

1. President Trump bans transgender people from serving in U.S. military - USA Today

President Trump said Wednesday that the U.S. military will not accept transgender troops into its ranks or allow them to serve in any capacity, reversing a policy that began under the Obama administration - and triggering intense criticism from lawmakers and civil libertarians.

In a series of morning tweets, Trump said that, after consulting "with my generals and military experts," the U.S. government "will not accept or allow transgender individuals to serve in any capacity in the U.S. Military."

The U.S. military, he said, "must be focused on decisive and overwhelming victory and cannot be burdened with the tremendous medical costs and disruption that transgender in the military would entail." (Read more)
- Father, we thank You for this ruling, amen.

- "See, a king will reign in righteousness and rulers will rule with justice."
(Isaiah 32:1)

2. Mattis appalled by Trump tweets announcing transgender ban: report - The Hill

Defense Secretary James Mattis was caught off guard by President Trump's announcement that he was banning transgender people from serving in the military, according to a New York Times report.

Mattis, who was on vacation at the time of Trump's decision, only had one day's worth of notice before Trump tweeted his announcement of the policy, the paper reported.

The report described him as "appalled." (Read more)
- Father God, we repent for the confusion over this proposed ruling, and we ask for peace to rule in the camp. We do take note that General Mattis was appointed by the former president; if this is a factor in the move You will make next, we leave this decision in Your hands, amen.

- " . . . for God is not a God of confusion but of peace . . . " (I Corinthians 14:33)