Sen. Pat Roberts is unhappy.Thursday’s USA Today report that the National Security Agency was collecting phone call records on “tens of millions of Americans” is just the latest in a series of breaches undermining classified programs.So while critics are concerned the programs undermine civil liberties, Roberts – chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee – is frustrated that they have become public, saying it warns terrorists about the methods being used to combat them.The Washington Post reports: “Though he did not acknowledge particulars, the president complained that any leak about ‘sensitive intelligence’ methods’ hurts our ability to defeat this enemy.’ Senate Select Intelligence Committee Chairman Pat Roberts (R-Kan.), who said he has been briefed on ‘all aspects of the NSA’s activities,’ likewise said he is ‘increasingly frustrated with the release of sensitive data regarding our nation’s best defenses’ against terrorist attack.”AP adds: “Senate Intelligence Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., lamented leaks and said a select panel overseeing Bush’s warrantless surveillance program, which was disclosed in December, has been fully informed of NSA activities. ‘Calls for further oversight are unnecessary,’ he said.”Fox News adds: “Senate Intelligence Committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., also issued a statement saying the appropriate members in the Senate are getting the information they need.”‘The bipartisan members of the Subcommittee on Oversight of the Terrorist Surveillance Program have been fully informed of all aspects of the NSA’s activities. We have received several briefings and conducted three hearings with more to follow. It is critical to allow the subcommittee to continue its oversight,’ Roberts said.”Other links today:Sam Brownback links(Bloomberg) Boehner Ridicules Senate Republicans as Party Tensions Rise: The harsh words reflect growing tension between House and Senate Republicans, a divide that may complicate efforts to strike compromises on legislation and retain the party’s control of the House in the November elections. … Senator Sam Brownback of Kansas said members of his party should train their fire on more traditional targets. “I wish the rhetoric were lower, and I think you’re going to start to see that happen,” Brownback said. “Hopefully, we’re past the stage of shooting at each other and we’re going to start shooting at the opposition.”(Hartford Courant) Senate Plan Takes A Step Senate leaders Thursday broke a monthlong deadlock over immigration reform, making it likely senators will soon agree – probably within the next two weeks – on how to put millions of undocumented workers on a path to citizenship. … Among the amendments that could be considered is a provision from Lieberman and Sen. Sam Brownback, R-Kan., that would help asylum-seekers by giving them certain legal protection.Jerry Moran links(Washington Post) A New Subsidy Takes Root: Congress and the administration are engaged in a bitter fight over a $1.5 billion assistance package for farmers that senators tucked into a $109 billion war and hurricane-recovery spending bill last week. … Rep. Jerry Moran (R-Kan.) — whose constituents would receive $75.2 million, more than any other congressional district — said the aid is essential to many farms. “Agriculture is one of the most energy-intensive industries, and they have the least ability to pass that on to consumers. . . . The result is many farmers will be out of business absent some kind of help,” Moran said, acknowledging that several colleagues view the subsidy with skepticism. “They ask, ‘Why would we help just farmers?’ “How to contact As always, you can find information to contact members of the Kansas congressional delegation [here.][8] [2]: hhttp://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/05/11/AR2006051100539.html