Dear Friend,

           Welcome to “This Week in Congress.”  I hope you find it useful. 

Congress Adjourns After Passing Intelligence Reform

Since the devastating attacks of September 11, 2001, Congress has taken many steps toward improving the security of our country. This week, the House and Senate passed S. 2845, the 9/11 Commission Implementation Act. This legislation reflects many of the recommendations from the 9/11 Commission and is the most significant intelligence overhaul in 50 years. These changes to the intelligence community include creating a new director of national intelligence, strengthening of terrorism prevention and prosecution, enhancement of border security, and improvement of information sharing and intelligence coordination between federal agencies. 

Many Kansans have contacted me about this legislation, and I appreciate your interest in these national security reforms. The 9/11 Commission Implementation Act now goes to the President to be signed into law. Following the passage of the 9/11 Commission Implementation Act, the House adjourned on December 7, and will reconvene for the 109^th Congress on January 4, 2005. 

I believe this legislation is a move in the right direction, but there is still much work to be done of securing our country. Until then, I look forward to traveling around the First District and meeting with Kansans to hear your concerns and suggestions.

200,000 Tons of American Wheat Sent to the Sudan

            This week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) announced that they would release 200,000 metric tons of wheat from the Bill Emerson Humanitarian Trust’s emergency reserves. As the Chairman of the Congressional Grains Caucus, I led the effort to request that USAID send more grain to the Sudan to help avert this humanitarian disaster.

Once again, this plentiful Kansas crop will go to save countless lives, half a world away. During this holiday season, it gives us one more reason to be thankful for the efforts of Kansas farmers.

Visiting Kansas Communities

Hays

           On Friday, I met with Fort Hays State University Provost Larry Gould to discuss the University’s Forensic Accounting Program.  Forensic accounting is designed to help law enforcement officials track and understand financial transactions and records. As our world becomes more dependent on electronic accounting, this degree program will continue to play a vital role in protecting our communities.  

          After meeting with Provost Gould, I joined students in Dr. Shala Bannister’s Political Science Current Events class to discuss the importance of getting involved in the political process. I also gave my perspective on what the recent elections will mean for Kansas and our nation. Following the talk, students asked questions that covered a range of topics from intelligence reform to education funding.

In the Office

In for a tour of the U.S. Capitol this week was Paul MacDonald of Hays, Allison and Emily Meier of Shawnee and Lance and Brenda Leebrick of Atwood.

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