Weekly Wrap-Up: November 17- November 23

Major Committee Hearings
FAmily

The Convention on the Rights of People with Disabilities was once again heard before the Senate Committee on Foreign Relations. Secretary of State John Kerry testified, along with others.  Many in the committee favored the treaty, while some worked hard in opposition. The danger of this treaty cannot be stressed enough.  This treaty would have the power to fundamentally change American law. It could enshrine abortion into our law, and destroy the rights of parents. To learn more about CRPD visit freedomsdefenders.com/crpd and facebook.com/RejectCRPD.

Major Legislative Changes
Freedom

The Senate has gone Nuclear! This past week the Senate changed the 200 year old rules, that forced the majority party to reach a 60 vote threashold to close debate on a bill, now debate can be closed with a simple majority- 50 votes plus the Vice President. This move does not endanger the Republican Legislative position, since they hold the House of Repersentatives and so they can still block bills. This will endanger our ability to block the radical canidates that Obama may nominate, both in important judical positions and on the newly created medical board. Cornelia Pillard, whose nomination Freedom's Defenders strongly opposes, will likely be approved under these conditions. This move takes away the rights of the minority party to temper the demands of their opponents. 

Major World News

A deal has been struck with Iran to lift sanctions.  This dangerous move gives Iran more power to seek nuclear weapons.  Although Iran has promised to not attempt to become a nuclear threat, history teaches us that we should be concerned.  Various other regimes have promised similar things and yet secretly broke their promises.  Iran has been a constant threat to both the United States and Israel, and should therefore not be allowed to pursue any nuclear technology that could foster a nuclear weapons program.  This deal has been is an "abject surrender by the United States," according to former ambassador John Bolton.  It leaves Israel, America's closest ally, angry. 

Faith

As the United States pursued a deal with Iran, American Pastor languished in an Iranian prision, for his religious beliefs. Despite calls to release him and to pursue his release by Congress the Obama Administration failed to even ask during the negotiations with his captors. Pastor Saeed is an American Citizen, who was travelling to Iran to help establish an secular orphanage. While there he was arrested and thrown into prision. He has a wife and two children in the United States. To learn more about Pastor Saeed. visit ACLJ.org.

Must read Articles of the Week

Faith
Obama Betrayse an American Citizen - Jay Sekulow
Family
US Supreme Court Lets Texas Pro-life Law stand
Freedom
Abject Surrender - Ambassador John Bolton