Egregious attack

Faith in the military, Pastor Saeed, Israel all attacked this week . . .

Take Action  |   Contribute   Like     f   Like this on Facebook   Robert, A Christian Marine has been court martialed for displaying a Bible verse at her desk. A military court ruled that expressing the Bible isn't part of "a religious belief system." Does religious liberty still exist in the military? We're aggressively fighting to defend the religious liberty of our Armed Forces. We need to hear from 10,000 more of you today. Sign Our Urgent Brief: The Bible Isn't a Military Crime. Read Our Stunning Report: Marine Court Martialed for Her Faith. This week marked 1,000 days of American Pastor Saeed's imprisonment for his faith. Over one million have demanded his freedom. Have you? Sign the Petition: Demand a Christian U.S. Citizen's Freedom. Read: Pastor Saeed Sends a Message of Light in the Darkness. The United Nations has once again engaged in egregious attacks against Israel. Read Our Analysis: U.N. Blames Israel for Hamas' War Crimes. In another unbelievable turn of events, the IRS has been caught destroying evidence. Read Our Update: IRS Destroyed Evidence During Investigation. Finally this week, a victory. The bill to ban barbaric late-term abortions will get a vote. Read Our Update: Senate Leadership Promises a Vote for Life. Your continued support makes all of this work possible. Thank you. The ACLJ Team Contribute Now Like     f   Like this on Facebook   To ensure that you continue to receive e-mails from the ACLJ, please add jay.sekulow@email.aclj.org to your address book.

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The ACLJ is an organization dedicated to the defense of constitutional liberties secured by law. American Center for Law and Justice is a d/b/a for Christian Advocates Serving Evangelism, Inc., a tax-exempt, not-for-profit, religious corporation as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, specifically dedicated to the ideal that religious freedom and freedom of speech are inalienable, God-given rights. The Center's purpose is to engage legal, legislative and cultural issues by implementing an effective strategy of advocacy, education and litigation to ensure that those rights are protected under the law. The organization has participated in numerous cases before the Supreme Court, Federal Court of Appeals, Federal District Courts, and various state courts regarding freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Your gift is very much appreciated and fully deductible as a charitable contribution. A copy of our latest financial report may be obtained by writing to us at P.O. Box 90555, Washington, DC 20090-0555. As always, let us know of threats to freedom in your area by calling (757) 226-2489. And tune in to our daily radio program, "Jay Sekulow Live!" Do not send a response message to this e-mail for any reason. Legal requests will not be answered through jsekulow@aclj.org. Legal requests must be submitted at ACLJ.org. HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE AMERICAN CENTER FOR LAW AND JUSTICE? Make a secure online donation. For other ways to support the ACLJ at no additional cost to you, go here. Copyright © 2015, ACLJ | Privacy & Security Policy | Unsubscribe To view the email as a web page click here.

Rot

His wife needs him. His kids need him . . .

Take Action  |   Contribute   Like     f   Like this on Facebook   Robert, Tomorrow American Pastor Saeed will have spent 1,000 days in prison in Iran. 1,000 days away from his wife and kids. 1,000 days beaten and tormented because he is a Christian. 1,000 days of threats and demands he recant his Christian faith and become Muslim. We cannot allow him to be left behind to rot in that prison. We've heard from well over 990,000 people demanding Pastor Saeed be freed. We need to reach 1,000,000 strong for Pastor Saeed before the nuclear negotiation deadline next week. We're taking these signatures to Congress, the White House, the United Nations, and to world leaders each and every time our teams go overseas - battling, fighting for this U.S. citizen's freedom. His wife needs him. His kids need him. Pastor Saeed needs your voice. Will you demand his freedom? Be One of a Million. Sign the Petition to Save Saeed. Jay Sekulow ACLJ Chief Counsel Contribute Now Like     f   Like this on Facebook   To ensure that you continue to receive e-mails from the ACLJ, please add jay.sekulow@email.aclj.org to your address book.

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The ACLJ is an organization dedicated to the defense of constitutional liberties secured by law. American Center for Law and Justice is a d/b/a for Christian Advocates Serving Evangelism, Inc., a tax-exempt, not-for-profit, religious corporation as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, specifically dedicated to the ideal that religious freedom and freedom of speech are inalienable, God-given rights. The Center's purpose is to engage legal, legislative and cultural issues by implementing an effective strategy of advocacy, education and litigation to ensure that those rights are protected under the law. The organization has participated in numerous cases before the Supreme Court, Federal Court of Appeals, Federal District Courts, and various state courts regarding freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Your gift is very much appreciated and fully deductible as a charitable contribution. A copy of our latest financial report may be obtained by writing to us at P.O. Box 90555, Washington, DC 20090-0555. As always, let us know of threats to freedom in your area by calling (757) 226-2489. And tune in to our daily radio program, "Jay Sekulow Live!" Do not send a response message to this e-mail for any reason. Legal requests will not be answered through jsekulow@aclj.org. Legal requests must be submitted at ACLJ.org. HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE AMERICAN CENTER FOR LAW AND JUSTICE? Make a secure online donation. For other ways to support the ACLJ at no additional cost to you, go here. Copyright © 2015, ACLJ | Privacy & Security Policy | Unsubscribe To view the email as a web page click here.

So close

His safety is in jeopardy . . .

Take Action  |   Contribute   Like     f   Like this on Facebook   Robert, 985,469. That's how many people have raised their voice for American Pastor Saeed. Have you? Pastor Saeed - a U.S. citizen - receives daily threats in prison because of his Christian faith. His safety is in jeopardy. Next week marks the 1,000th day of his wrongful imprisonment. One week later is the deadline for negotiations with Iran - talks that could save Pastor Saeed's life. We need to reach 1,000,000 signatures strong for Pastor Saeed's freedom. Will you be one of the 14,531 people we still need to be heard for Pastor Saeed? We're taking your voice to the White House, the Halls of Congress, the United Nations, and to every world leader we meet with across the globe. We're amplifying your voice, but we can't do it without your signature today. Pastor Saeed desperately needs your voice. Sign Our Petition for Pastor Saeed's Freedom at ACLJ.org. Sign Our Petition for Pastor Saeed at BeHeardProject.com. Jay Sekulow ACLJ Chief Counsel Contribute Now Like     f   Like this on Facebook   To ensure that you continue to receive e-mails from the ACLJ, please add jay.sekulow@email.aclj.org to your address book.

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The ACLJ is an organization dedicated to the defense of constitutional liberties secured by law. American Center for Law and Justice is a d/b/a for Christian Advocates Serving Evangelism, Inc., a tax-exempt, not-for-profit, religious corporation as defined under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code, specifically dedicated to the ideal that religious freedom and freedom of speech are inalienable, God-given rights. The Center's purpose is to engage legal, legislative and cultural issues by implementing an effective strategy of advocacy, education and litigation to ensure that those rights are protected under the law. The organization has participated in numerous cases before the Supreme Court, Federal Court of Appeals, Federal District Courts, and various state courts regarding freedom of religion and freedom of speech. Your gift is very much appreciated and fully deductible as a charitable contribution. A copy of our latest financial report may be obtained by writing to us at P.O. Box 90555, Washington, DC 20090-0555. As always, let us know of threats to freedom in your area by calling (757) 226-2489. And tune in to our daily radio program, "Jay Sekulow Live!" Do not send a response message to this e-mail for any reason. Legal requests will not be answered through jsekulow@aclj.org. Legal requests must be submitted at ACLJ.org. HOW CAN I SUPPORT THE AMERICAN CENTER FOR LAW AND JUSTICE? Make a secure online donation. For other ways to support the ACLJ at no additional cost to you, go here. Copyright © 2015, ACLJ | Privacy & Security Policy | Unsubscribe

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Fw: Answering Your Questions on TAA, TPA, & TPP

 

Congressman Forbes sent the message below in response to the displeasure at his vote on TPA.

 

But, if it is true that TPA (Trade Promotion Authority or Fast Track) limits what Obama can do as he contends , then why is Obama fighting tooth and nail to get it passed?   Are we to believe that he is fighting for a measure that would limit him?

 

What TPA would do is make passage of the  trade pact,  TPP  (Trans Pacific Partnership) ) much easier. 

 

TPP is really a treaty. But it cannot get passed as such , lacking the number of Senator  votes needed.  

So it is called an  agreement which requires much fewer votes.   But it is still a squeeze, so the proponents came up with TPA which would mean that 

TPA would be passed with no amendments,  debate limited to seconds  per legislator and only an up or down vote.

 

As for " Free trade is a core tenant of conservative values"  this is true as envisioned by Adam Smith.   But this is not what TPP is  about.

If it were, one page would suffice.   What is in the other hundreds of pages that we are not allowed to see.

 

Should we have another bill that we have to pass to know what is in it?

 

Attachments provide more insight and for more on Fast Track which might be up for a vote on Tuesday, the 16th.

www.youtube.com/watch?v=mvsxecoTIfs

 

Sue Long

  

 

On Monday, June 15, 2015 6:45 PM, Randy Forbes <randy.forbes@mail.house.gov> wrote:

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To:  Citizens of Virginia's Fourth District From:  Congressman Randy Forbes Date:  June 15, 2015 Subject: Answering Your Questions on TAA, TPA, & TPP                     Last week, the House voted on a number of trade bills. Because of the different procedural votes, many people watching found it confusing to follow what was happening on the House floor on Friday. I've been able to hear from many of you via direct conversations, phone calls, and emails, and -- while 68% of those who took my weekly poll said they support of TPA to expand free trade -- I know some still have questions and concerns.  That's why I've put together this brief guide answering some of the most common questions I've heard, and laying out where we go from here. What did the House vote on last Friday?  The House of Representatives voted separately on two prongs of a trade package titled the Trade Act of 2015 – here's the breakdown on both in the order they were voted on:  In what many reports are calling a major defeat for the President, TAA (Trade Adjustment Assistance) was voted on and defeated on the House Floor this past Friday. I voted against TAA, which is an ineffective government unemployment program that costs taxpayers over $1 billion annually to provide benefits to displaced workers who have been impacted by foreign competitors. The Obama Administration has used very loose eligibility standards for TAA benefits, raising concerns that this program not only burdens taxpayers, but also increases the size and scope of the federal government, which is why I voted against this part of the legislation. Separately, I supported language that allows Congress to set the rules for negotiating free trade agreements – so America can get the best deal possible. The President already possesses the authority to negotiate trade agreements on his own. I believe it is critical that we limit the President's trade negotiating authority, and create a framework around the Administration's negotiations, with strict standards for accountability and oversight, as Congress has done to every Administration since Franklin D. Roosevelt. That's why it was important that the House passed TPA (Trade Promotion Authority) – which it did, with my support -- to put Congress in the driver's seat, and to mandate that the final text of any free trade agreement be made public and posted online for 60 days before the agreement can go into effect. TPA is supported by many prominent conservatives as well as businesses in the Fourth District (as discussed below). Did the trade package ultimately pass?  No – because TAA failed, the Trade Act of 2015 (which included TPA) was not sent to the President for his signature. So was there a vote on an actual trade agreement on Friday?  No – the House only voted on TAA and TPA. The free trade agreement you have been hearing about is called TPP (Trans-Pacific Partnership). A vote on TPP itself is at least 4-5 months away and can ONLY happen after the requirements of TPA have been met. One of these requirements is that, for the first time, the full text of the final trade agreement must be made public and posted online for 60 days. Only then does the agreement go to Congress for debate and a final vote. See below:                   (TPA Bill Text) Do conservatives support TPA?  Free trade is a core tenant of conservative values and many prominent conservative individuals and organizations have been outspoken in their support of trade promotion authority, including (click below to read their comments): Senator Ted Cruz Congressman Paul Ryan Charles Krauthammer Condoleezza Rice Senators Tom Cotton and Ben Sasse FreedomWorks Club for Growth Americans for Tax Reform American Conservative Union Institute for Liberty CATO Institute Congressman Steve King Center for Individual Freedom Citizens for Limited Taxation Taxpayer Protection Alliance American Enterprise Institute America Action Forum Citizens against Government Waste and many more. Even President Ronald Reagan himself was a staunch advocate of free trade, saying, "The freer the flow of world trade, the stronger the tides for human progress and peace among nations." Ok, but I'm concerned that Congress is giving up too much power to the President. Does that concern you?  I have been an outspoken opponent of the Administration's unconstitutional, unilateral actions on issues regarding immigration, healthcare, and many others.  That is why a key part of TPA is that Congress retains its ability to vote to reject any free trade agreement, and that the House of Representatives has the power to "switch-off" TPA at any time if the President doesn't follow the law or congressional intent. The current TPA agreement maintains strict oversight abilities and makes sure Congress has the final say, not the President. Read more. (For an explanation of the top myths about TPA, you can read more here from The Federalist.) …then why are these trade agreements being negotiated in secret?  Here's how it works under TPA: While the full text of the trade agreement (TPP) won't be public until the final version has been hammered out, any Member of Congress can access the text, which is kept at the Capitol for their viewing convenience. In fact, just last week, I was able to review the current version of the text. However, you can read the entire text of the Trade Promotion Authority (TPA), which specifically outlines the requirements the President MUST meet, here, or you can read a summary of the bill, here. Throughout trade negotiations, the Administration is also required to provide detailed briefings for Members and make public summaries of the negotiations available for all Americans to review. For the first time, under this TPA bill, the full text of any free trade agreement must be made public and posted online before the President can even sign off on it. That's 60 days for the American people and Congress to review, analyze, and evaluate the deal. Then, before the agreement can legally go into effect, it must come to Congress for a vote. If the objectives outlined in TPA are not met, or Congress isn't satisfied by the final agreement, both the House of Representatives and the Senate retain their constitutional right to reject the final text of any trade agreement. Now, imagine if we had TPA-level transparency for the Iran nuclear deal that the President is presently negotiating... Where do employers in Virginia's Fourth District stand on TPA? Throughout this debate, I've heard from a number of small businesses, employees, organizations, and stakeholders across the Fourth District and the Commonwealth who support the passage of TPA. Here are just a few: Smithfield Kraft UPS International Paper DuPont The Farm Bureau Sabra The Port of Virginia Tyson, and more … Already, trade supports 1.1 million jobs in Virginia, and the majority of the U.S. companies that export goods are small or medium-sized businesses. With roughly three-quarters of world purchasing power and almost 95% of world consumers outside America's borders, ensuring access to these growing markets is essential to strengthening and diversifying Virginia's business climate and ensuring future economic growth. …but isn't this just exporting jobs overseas?  When the U.S. competes on a level playing field, our businesses and workers win.  Business owners, manufacturers, and entrepreneurs across the country agree new trade agreements would mean better, higher-paying jobs for American workers and more American-made products abroad. In fact, just recently, the National Association of Manufacturers released a statement calling for the immediate passage of TPA to, "expand opportunities for manufacturers to sell our products overseas, increase global competitiveness and fuel our ability to grow and create jobs, or vote to keep manufacturers on the sidelines and at a global disadvantage." I've heard people tie TPA to China. How are the two connected?  The simple fact is, if we don't engage in writing the rules of the global economy, China will.  Currently, China is aggressively moving to strengthen their trade partnerships around the world.  In fact, the Chinese recently concluded trade agreements with over ten countries in the Asia-Pacific region in order to compete with the U.S. Further delays on TPA by the United States give China a strategic advantage in establishing the rules of the road for trade in the region, impacting U.S. national security and the interests of our Asia-Pacific allies. Learn more. Further, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) makes up the world's third-most populous region and is expected to rise by over 10% -- reaching up to 690 million – by 2020. Cutting ourselves out of this growing market by ceding it to China means cutting American companies out of opportunities for exponential economic growth. At the end of the day, we must ask ourselves: who is going to write the rules for the global economy — America or China? Does TPA/TPP impact immigration at all?  No it does not. However some have asserted that TPA could be used as a vehicle for the Administration to allow free migration of labor and override national immigration restrictions. In response to these concerns, I supported the addition of an amendment to the annual funding bill for the U.S. Trade Representative, explicitly prohibiting the Administration from negotiating changes to existing immigration laws. You can read the full text of the amendment, here. Will TPA give away Congressional or Constitutional authority to international committees or commissions?  No, TPA does not cede American sovereignty over any aspect of our nation's laws, regulations, or Constituent. In fact, TPA includes language that reaffirms that Congress—and only Congress—can change U.S. law, and no agreements can take effect without congressional approval. Read more. In summary… Free trade is not only crucial to our economy in the Commonwealth, but also to our future as a country. If we don't secure new trade agreements, we are falling behind and ceding our leadership to nations that don't share our commitment to free enterprise and the rule of law. That's why it was crucial Congress acted to ensure the United States plays a leadership role in writing the rules of the global economy, and in enforcing a strong rules-based trading system so our American companies, farmers, manufactures, and workers can compete internationally and create jobs here at home.                      Yours in service, P.S. Read what Virginia employers are saying about TPA, in their own words, here.

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