Dear Friend,

            Welcome to “This Week in Congress.” The House and Senate completed their work yesterday with passage of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act for 2006 and a short term extension of the Patriot Act. The Deficit Reduction Act will be considered further in 2006, as the House and Senate were unable to reach an agreement.

Members of Congress have now returned home to their districts for the holidays. For this reason, my next edition of this newsletter will be sent Monday, January 9. I hope you find this useful.

Celebrating the Holiday Season

The holidays are a special time for Kansans, as family and friends gather to recognize the importance of the true meaning of the season.

When counting our blessings during this time of year, let us not forget those serving our country and those who are less fortunate. Our military men and women are serving us throughout the world to protect the freedoms and traditions we enjoy each and every day. As you pray for their safe return, also remember those suffering in our communities. Today I helped the Salvation Army in their annual bell ringing campaign in Hays. Their fundraising efforts and the generosity of Kansans go a long way in helping make the holiday season a little brighter.

From my family to yours, I wish you a safe and Merry Christmas and a fulfilling New Year.  

Fort Riley Troops Not Being Deployed

Late Thursday evening I was advised by the Department of Defense that portions of the 1st Brigade, 1st Infantry Division based at Fort Riley will not be deployed to Iraq. This will result in a reduction of about 7,000 U.S. troops in Iraq.

This decision follows the demonstrated capabilities of Iraqi Security Forces (ISF) in establishing primary security conditions in the recent Iraqi elections. The U.S. military continues to shift focus from combat operations to training and supporting the ISF. This is good news at Christmas time for soldiers and families at Fort Riley.

From Hope to Paradise: Continuing Tour and Announcing Upcoming Stops

I continued my tenth annual county tour this week with stops in Alma, Council Grove, Cawker City and Osborne. I also stopped in WaKeeney, where I continued discussions with residents about a proposal for a Veterans Community Center. I appreciate the efforts of local volunteers who are working on plans for the center.

Congressman Duncan Hunter, Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, joined me for my tour stop in Junction City this week to talk to area residents about activities going on at Fort Riley and their effects on Junction City and surrounding communities.

Please visit my website for the upcoming tour stop schedule: http://www.house.gov/apps/list/press/ks01_moran/pr122305TourSchedule.html.

In the Office

In my office this week for a tour of the Capitol building was John Loudon of Wichita with his daughter, Christy Loudon of Manhattan.  

Contact me:

          It is an honor to serve you in Washington, D.C.  Please let me know how I can be of service.  You can email me through my web page at: http://www.house.gov/moranks01/hearingfromyou.htm. You can also contact me through one of my offices below:

Hays District Office:
1200 Main Street, Suite 402
P.O. Box 249
Hays, Kansas 67601
P: (785) 628-6401
F: (785) 628-3791

Hutchinson District Office:
1 N Main, Suite 525
P.O. Box 1128
Hutchinson, Kansas 67504
P: (620) 665-6138
F: (620) 665-6360

Salina District Office:
119 West Iron, Suite 603
P.O. Box 766
Salina, Kansas 67402
P: (785) 309-0572
F: (785) 827-6957  

Washington D.C. Office
2443 Rayburn H.O.B.
Washington, D.C. 20515
P: (202) 225-2715
F: (202) 225-5124


Very truly yours,

Jerry