Mike discusses his problems with the Housing legislation that was considered this week.

 Housing Rescue [3:05m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

This past Saturday, I announced the winners of the Congressional Art Competition at Howard Payne University in Brownwood, Texas. Shirley Vessels, a Goldthwaite High School freshman, was awarded first place with her graphite piece, “My Brother – The Navy Man”.

Every year I continue to be impressed by the immense level of artistic talent these young artists present in the Congressional Art Competition. We had 31 entries from high schools across District 11, and the work that the students put forward was extraordinary. I want to congratulate Shirley on winning the art competition with her touching graphite piece. For the next year, her work will hang inside the Capitol for members of Congress and thousands of visitors to see. Read the rest of this entry »

Mike discusses his recent trip to Afghanistan and Pakistan.

 Afghanistan: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

As gasoline prices continue to soar, many Americans are wondering why Congress is not acting on the problem. There are many in Congress who have argued for proposals that would increase our domestic supply of energy and lower gasoline prices at the pump. Mike has been aggravated by the successful attempts over the last decade that have prevented the new discovery of oil and natural gas off our coasts and in the Arctic National Wildlife Reserve (ANWR). The recent discovery of one of the largest oil reserves in the world lies off the coasts of Brazil, yet every year Congress votes to prevent oil exploration off the coasts and in ANWR. It is also frustrating that Congress refuses to relax restrictions on the construction of oil refineries and has failed to pass rules that would streamline gasoline production. Mike believes that eventually the economic circumstances will force Congress to act. The question will be how long we all will have to suffer through inaction. Austin Weatherford- Legislative Assistant to Rep. Mike Conaway

Mike discusses the progress made on the 2008 Farm Bill and the recent appointment of General Petraeus as the Commander of Central Command.

 Farmbill [2:38m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download

Mike discusses the Taxpayer Simplification Act and legislation to improve liquidity in the student loan market.

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Mike discusses the problems poised with lowering the national debt on the floor with Rep. Marsha Blackburn and Rep. Paul Ryan.

I want to invite area high school seniors interested in attending one of the United States’ military service academies to apply for nominations through his office. The application period for students who will enter college next year ends October 27, 2008. Applicants should contact my office as soon as possible.

Applications are available through the my San Angelo Regional Office, 33 East Twohig, Suite 320, San Angelo, Texas, 76903. The telephone number is 325/659-4010. To be considered, applicants must be United States citizens, be residents of the llth Congressional District of Texas and be between the ages of 17 and 23 by July 1 of the year of admission. Selection is based on SAT and ACT test scores, class rank, grade point averages, extracurricular activities, leadership potential and motivation. Please contact JoAnne Powell in my San Angelo office for more information at 325.659.4010. -Mike

Hello! My name is Victoria Vickery and I am the new Staff Assistant for Congressman Conaway. I previously interned in this office during the summer of 2006. My experience substantially impacted my life and I couldn’t wait to come back. I graduated from Baylor University in August 2007 with a degree in Political Science and after a year working for a State Senator, I have returned to the Hill.

As a Staff Assistant my most important task is constituent services, dealing primarily with scheduling tours for visitors from our district. The tours available are the Capitol, the Pentagon, the Library of Congress, the White House and the Bureau of Printing and Engraving. Each of these tours will offer you an unforgettable experience. Feel free to contact me via email at Victoria.Vickery@mail.house.gov or at 202-225-3605. Please contact me as early as possible to arrange your tours because they fill quickly, especially in the summer months. I am so excited to help our constituents have the best time possible in DC and I look forward to meeting you! -Victoria

Mike discusses his work this week on the Armed Services Committee and General Peatreaus and Ambassador Crocker’s testimony on Iraq.

 Petraeus [5:54m]: Play Now | Play in Popup | Download