Rep. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) is renewing his campaign to cut down on pork projects. [IMGCAP(1)]

Under draft legislation that Flake is circulating, earmarks for favored projects would have to be in the text of the appropriations bills and not just in conference reports. Flake would also change House rules to make it easier to strike such projects. He has sent out a “Dear Colleague” letter seeking co-sponsors for his proposal, which he hopes to introduce soon, and is looking for a Senate sponsor as well.

Freedom to Advocate. Townhall.com, a Web site that began as part of the conservative Heritage Foundation, has spun itself out of the think tank.

The reason, said Townhall.com president and chief executive Drew Bond, is that Townhall wants to lobby and advocate freely without being burdened by Heritage’s tax-exempt status. “Now, there really are no restrictions,” said Bond. “We will be able to establish our own editorial voice and speak out on issues and legislation. We can give people the tools they need and can encourage them to use them.”

Music History. It’s not often that rap superstar Chuck D and American popular song interpreter Michael Feinstein appear on the same stage. But today the Library of Congress will host both men as it unveils this year’s selection of the 50 historic sound recordings to be added to the National Recording Registry.

According to the Library, the purpose of the registry “is to draw attention to the need to preserve and restore America’s recorded sound heritage.”

Today’s press conference will take place at 10:30 a.m. in the Jefferson Building.

— John Bresnahan, Kate Ackley and John McArdle