Sam Brownback links(Crosswalk.com commentary) THE 2006 BALL FOR LIFE: Last night in New York pro-lifers were treated to an incredible evening of food, music, humor, and surprise. Father Frank Pavone, Chris Bell of Good Counsel Homes, Stephen Peroutka, Bobby Schindler (Teri Schiavo’s brother), and New York Giants #85 David Tyree and one big surprise appearance by U.S. Senator Sam Brownback. We had secret cameras rolling – and even if you weren’t at the event you can hear Senator Brownback personally – right now – defending marriage, and fighting for the right to life… It is widely rumored that Brownback is also investigating the possibility of a run for President in 2008. As you can see from the video (below) – his comments were warmly received.(Human Events commentary) Q&A With Congess: Can Government Define Marriage Any Way It Wishes? I’ve been talking with Democratic senators about the federal marriage amendment and they all say they want states’ rights, states’ rights, states’ rights. So can you give me a clear explanation why we need a constitutional amendment that will override states’ rights in this case?Sen. Sam Brownback (R.-Kan.): Because it’s going to be defined either by the courts or the legislature, and the courts have already shown they are willing and have overruled and overturned state constitutions.Like in Nebraska?Brownback: Yes, this is in Nebraska and it will be taken up in other states, and, plus, the constitutional amendment just defines marriage as a union between a man and a woman, and it says if you’re going to change that definition, the legislature has to do it. It can’t be forced by the courts. There should be no Democrat opposed to that.(Boston Globe)Seeing strength, not limits For parents who have received a Down syndrome diagnosis during pregnancy or at delivery, the Allards’ story is probably familiar . Brian Skotko , a joint-degree student at Harvard’s John F. Kennedy School of Government and Medical School, last year published two research papers that concluded physicians often relay the news in an overwhelmingly negative way, focusing on the limitations and hardships a child with Down syndrome may face. In response to Skotko’s studies, US Senators Edward Kennedy of Massachusetts and Sam Brownback of Kansas have introduced a bill that would require doctors to provide current medical information about conditions like Down syndrome and referrals to support services. Kennedy, whose late sister Rosemary was mentally retarded, favors abortion rights and is an outspoken advocate for people with disabilities. The medical information legislation is now before the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions.Pat Roberts links(Der Spiegel English edition) A Terrorist Is Finally Brought to Account: After spending months helplessly looking on as Iraq sank in chaos, the Americans were able to register an urgently needed success with the death of Abu Musab Al-Zarqawi, Al Qaeda’s leader in Iraq. … “The spider is out of the web,” said a gleeful Senator Pat Roberts, following the Bush administration’s announcement of the deadly attack.(Wichita Eagle) Army puts files seized in Iraq on Web: The U.S. Army is the process of posting online 48,000 boxes of Arabic-language documents captured by U.S. troops during the war with Iraq. The document dump, which is being done at the request of Sen. Pat Roberts, among others, is an unprecedented experiment in public access. The idea is that thousands of eyes on open records will do a better job of interpreting intelligence than the eyes of a few military experts. “This information,” Roberts said, “provides insight on Saddam’s regime and could be a valuable contribution to our understanding of Iraq.”Jerry Moran links(AP) Farmers Seek Help for Specialty Crops: Key to the subsidy debate will be the ongoing trade negotiations with the World Trade Organization. Poorer countries say the subsidies give U.S. farmers an unfair advantage by enabling them to undercut cheaper competitors from abroad. Republican Rep. Jerry Moran, whose Kansas district includes many so-called program crops, said growers and lawmakers must work together to find other ways for U.S. farmers to compete in a global market.Todd Tiahrt links(Todd Tiahrt blog on The Hill)In Response To Rep. Thompson On NSA, Hayden: First and foremost, we are a nation at war. One of our most important weapons in this war against terror is information. The Terrorist Surveillance Program is crucial to gathering intelligence on terrorist activities. The terrorists are smart and have adapted to our old modes of information gathering. For now, we are far better at gathering information than our enemy. It is an advantage we must exploit, and it is keeping us safe. Every time a leak of properly classified national security information occurs, our ability to gather information on those who would do us harm is eroded.How to contact As always, you can find information to contact members of the Kansas congressional delegation here.