Congress has concluded its third work period and left Washington for its Memorial Day recess. We have noticed several real answers to prayer for which we want to give God the glory.

Major legislation:

• Fiscal Year 2008 Budget
• Iraq Supplemental - not included: withdrawal timetable; included: minimum wage increase

Answers to Prayer!

• H.R. 1585: National Defense Authorization Act - Pro-life victories: no abortion amendments
• H.R. 493 - Preventing Genetic Discrimination - Pro-Life victory: unborn also protected
• H.R. 2317, H.R. 2316 - Lobbying Reform - Free speech victory: no grassroots "lobbying" restrictions (breaking the pattern)
• Three Months of Motion to Recommit Success - 13 bills successfully improved
• House Suspension Votes - Restrictions for Mexican Trucks on U.S. Highways, Illegal Immigration "coyotes" enforcement

• Praise the Lord for these victories in the House

  If you abide in Me, and My words abide in you, you will ask what you desire, and it shall be done for you. By this My Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit; so you will be My disciples (John 15:7-8).

Fourth Work Period

• When Congress returns next week, the House is likely to begin plowing through FY2008 Appropriations bills. The Senate may continue its work on the immigration bill, or it may turn to energy legislation.

  You shall have one statute, both for the sojourner and for the native (Numbers 9:14). One law and one rule shall be for you and for the stranger who sojourns with you (Numbers 15:16).

• One major prayer request is regarding the abstinence education program. This has been a successful part of Welfare Reform. It is funded by Title V ("five") and is set to expire June 30. Energy and Commerce Committee Chairman John Dingell currently has no intention of moving the legislation to reauthorize this program.

  • Pray that Chairman Dingell would move this legislation soon, and that it would be signed into law before June 30.

  Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things (Philippians 4:8).

• With members of Congress in their home districts this week, now would be a good time to get in touch and let them know what you think of how they are doing. We are now half-way through the first session of the 110th Congress (based on target 2007 adjournment date).

Upcoming Events - 2007 Calendars: House (In), Senate (In)

Majority Leader Speeches: House, Senate (an indicator of the upcoming Legislative Program)

Political Calendars: NBC News, ABC News, CQPolitics.com 2007

• June 4 - Congress returns from its Memorial Day recess (4th work period begins)
• June 8 - First launch attempt for Space Shuttle Atlantis launches on STS-117
• June 14 - Flag Day
• June 17 - Father's Day
• June 29 - Congress leaves for its Independence Day recess (4th work period ends)
• June 29 - Supreme Court 2006 term ends
• June 30 - Title V, Abstinence Education is set to expire
  
  
• July 4 - Independence Day
• July 9 - Congress returns from its Independence Day recess (5th work period begins)
  
  
• August 3 - Congress leaves for its August recess (5th work period ends)
  
  
• September 3 - Labor Day
• September 4 - Congress returns from its August recess (6th work period begins)
• September 13 - Rosh Hoshanah
• September 20 - Yom Kippur
• September 30 - Fiscal Year 2007 ends
  
  
• October 1 - Fiscal Year 2008 begins
• October 1 - Supreme Court 2007 term begins
• October 8 - Columbus Day
• October 26 - Congress' target adjournment date (6th work period ends)

  The mind of man plans his way, But the LORD directs his steps (Proverbs 16:9).

Legislative Update Archive

All Legislative Updates are produced by Timothy T.C. McGhee