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Next up: The mullahs

Sam Brownback links [Neocons turn their attention to Iran:][1] "Having adopted legislation in the past aimed at Cuba and Iraq, similar groups of Republicans and Democrats in Congress are currently setting their sights on promoting 'regime change' in Iran," reports Financial Times. "Funding of $3m for Iranian opposition activities has already been inserted by Congress in the 2005 budget on the initiative of Senator Sam Brownback, a Kansas Republican."[Recidivism Legislation Could Include Addiction Services:][2] "Seeking to cut prison costs by curbing recidivism, Congressional leaders are working on legislation that could provide grants for delivering healthcare and other services to ex-offenders," writes Join Together Online, an anti-drug-and-gun-violence organization. "One bill under discussion is the Second Chance Act, sponsored by Sen. Sam Brownback (R-Kan.). 'We've got a broken corrections system,' said Brownback. 'It needs to be reinvented, much as we found with welfare in the 1990s. Recidivism rates are too high and create too much of a financial burden on states without protecting public safety.'"Pat Roberts links [43 Senators Ask Bush For More Tsunami Aid:][3] "Forty-three senators are urging President Bush to budget for increased food aid to help victims of last month's tsunami in South Asia," reports The Washington Post. "The group, led by Sens. Pat Roberts (R-Kan.) and Tom Harkin (D-Iowa), wants Bush to include the food aid in a supplemental military appropriations bill that will be submitted to Congress in the next few weeks." Jim Ryun links [McConnell, others hope to avoid closing list:][4] "In May, the Pentagon will publish that list (of military bases to close), which could exceed 100 bases," reports The Wichita Eagle. "Lawmakers can have their say, but right now they can't do much. Rep. Jim Ryun, R-Topeka, a member of the House Armed Services Committee, said 'we have done an excellent job of positioning our installations for this review.'"How to contact As always, you can find information to contact members of the Kansas congressional delegation [here.][5] [1]: http://news.ft.com/cms/s/90ab5f5a-68e4-11d9-9183-00000e2511c8.html [2]: http://www.jointogether.org/sa/news/summaries/reader/0,1854,575701,00.html [3]: http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A10493-2005Jan14.html [4]: http://www.kansas.com/mld/kansas/news/local/10662299.htm [5]: http://ljworld.com/extra/where_to_write.html#fed

By Joel Mathis

January 18, 2005

Congressional Briefing