Today, the House of Representatives passed the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act and the Tax Relief and Health Act of 2006, which are both part of H.R. 6408, a packaged bill expected to be passed by the Senate later this week. It is expected to be signed by President Bush later this month. H.R. 6408 reforms Medicare by improving quality and provider payments, protecting beneficiaries, saving money, and boosting program integrity efforts. It extends several expiring provisions and prevents cuts ...
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Today, Representative Mike Conaway (R-TX) issued the following statement after the release of the Iraq Study Group report: “The time has come for us to provide a unified voice for the war in Iraq. As Congress and the President review the recommendations of the report, I will continue to stand behind our mission in Iraq and make decisions that are in the best interests of our country and our troops. Our mission in Iraq continues to be important for America; however the Iraqi government must do mo...
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Today, the U.S. House of Representatives held leadership elections for the 110th Congress. House Republicans elected Rep. John Boehner (R-OH) to serve as minority leader, and Rep. Roy Blunt (R-MO) to serve as minority whip. Also elected to the Republican House leadership were: Adam Putnam (FL), Conference Chair; Thaddeus McCotter (MI) Policy Chair; Kay Granger (TX), Vice Chair; John Carter (TX), Conference Secretary; and Tom Cole (OK), National Republican Congressional Campaign (NRCC) chair. Lea...
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The Bangs Volunteer Fire Department has received a grant for $175,750 from the 2006 Assistance to Firefighters Grant Program administered by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The grant will provide direct assistance to the city of Bangs. “Congress recognizes the importance first responders’ play in keeping our communities safe. Fire Act Grants are vital to our nation’s fire departments and we will continue to work closely with the fire service community to help meet their needs,” said Co...
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Last week, Congressman Conaway was presented the American Farm Bureau Federation’s “Friend of Farm Bureau” award in Coleman, Texas. This congressional award is given to Representatives who have been strong supporters of Farm Bureau issues. “On behalf of the Texas Farm Bureau, I would like to thank Congressman Conaway for all of his hard work for the agriculture community,” said Texas Farm Bureau State Director Lewis Lehman. “We greatly appreciate the leadership role that he has played in the Hou...
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Today, Congressman Mike Conaway (TX-11) issued the following statement in response to the Treasury Department’s announcement that the U.S. budget deficit narrowed to $248 billion from $319 billion in 2005. This is the smallest budget deficit since a gap of $157 billion in 2002. “Today’s announcement is confirmation that the economy is strong and growing. President Bush’s promise to cut the deficit in half by 2009 has been met three years ahead of schedule; further proof that his tax relief progr...
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Today, U.S. Representative Mike Conaway (R-TX) made the following statement in response to North Korea claiming that it had successfully carried out an underground nuclear test: “North Korea’s announcement that they successfully tested nuclear weapons should be a concern for the international community. I will continue to support President Bush and our diplomats as they work to defend our allies in the region and demand North Korea’s immediate nuclear disarmament. This decision is a huge mistake...
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Friday, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to pass the Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act for the Fiscal Year 2007 (H.R. 5441). This legislation authorizes $1.2 billion for the Department of Homeland Security to establish a security barrier along the border of the United States. “My goal for securing the borders is to provide the U.S. Border Patrol with the right equipment, agents, and the appropriate fencing and vehicle barriers to interdict every person trying to sneak int...
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Last night, the House passed H.R. 5825, the Electronic Surveillance Modernization Act. This critical legislation will help protect our country from future terrorist attacks by making it easier to monitor terrorist communications. “Our country’s foreign intelligence surveillance laws date from a pre-cell phone, pre-Internet era,” said Conaway. “This bill is a balanced approach that updates the 1978 law, improves congressional oversight, strengthens national security, and protects the liberties of...
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Today, U.S. Representative Mike Conaway (R-TX) introduced the Savings in Appropriations Resolution in the House of Representatives. This resolution amends the rules of the House to allow Members of Congress to offer budget reducing amendments to general appropriations bills and, in turn, will reduce the deficit or increase the surplus. “As Members of Congress, it is our responsibility to evaluate the spending process,” said Conaway. “This commonsense legislation will help ensure that taxpayer mo...
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