[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 214 (Thursday, December 17, 2020)]
[Senate]
[Page S7582]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        TRIBUTE TO MIKE CONAWAY

  Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, much of the area that is sandwiched 
between Mac and Will's two districts is represented by another retired 
Member of our delegation, Mike Conaway. Before finding his way into 
public service, Mike served our country in the Army and was stationed 
at Fort Hood. But he quickly made his way to the Permian Basin and 
built a successful career in the private sector before getting involved 
with politics.
  During his 16 years in Congress, he has represented the folks of 
Texas 11 and burned the candle at both ends in the process of doing so.
  Mike is a man of faith, believes in the right to life, and is an 
advocate for a strong defense and has been a champion for our Nation's 
veterans.
  His background as a CPA--we could use a few more of those, maybe less 
lawyers. But his background as a CPA has helped drive debates on our 
Nation's spending habits, and I know his expertise in this area will be 
deeply missed.
  I believe Mike would agree that at the top of his mountain of 
achievements are those for our farmers and ranchers. He authored the 
2018 farm bill, which provides the support, certainty, and stability 
for our farmers that they need in order to operate in a modern economy. 
This legislation strengthened crop insurance, created seed cotton 
eligibility for the farm bill safety net, and helped counter cattle 
tick fever and other animal risks.
  It would have been tough for Texas farmers and ranchers and producers 
to make it through these times but for Mike as the lead agriculture 
policymaker in Congress. The halls of Congress will not be the same 
without him, but Mike's contributions, his leadership, and devoted 
service will never be forgotten.
  I know he and his wife Suzanne are eager to spend more time at home 
with their extended family, and I wish them a happy and well-deserved 
retirement.

                          ____________________