[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 94 (Tuesday, June 24, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1344]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                 MR. STUMP, IT WAS AN HONOR TO KNOW YOU

                                 ______
                                 

                            HON. JEFF MILLER

                               of florida

                    in the house of representatives

                         Tuesday, June 24, 2003

  Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to honor a 
great American, a great Congressman and my friend, Mr. Bob Stump of 
Arizona.
  Like my colleagues, my memories of Bob reflect an honest individual, 
and as true as the day is long. His departure last year was difficult, 
his death--sad.
  I first met Mr. Stump when I was running for Congress. My predecessor 
brought me around to show me the Committee on Armed Services and to 
meet those I hoped would be my colleagues.
  Bob, the chairman of the Armed Services, took a few minutes to visit, 
shared a few thoughts on his experience in Congress and we snapped a 
photo. It's kind of funny now, but that picture was used in my campaign 
brochure. One of my opponents was outraged that I would use the photo. 
He managed to call Chairman Stump, making him aware of the photo. He 
further asked Bob if he had endorsed me. Put in the corner, asked to 
judge me by the few minutes we visited or to judge my opponent by the 
call he was now taking, Mr. Stump told my opponent yes, yes he would 
endorse me.
  Of course we laughed about that story a couple of times but we always 
had plenty to talk about. Both Mr. Stump and my family were cotton 
farmers. We would talk about farming methods, the weather, a very easy 
give and take.
  Every Thursday, at the prayer breakfast, Mr. Stump would be there in 
his western suit, boots and a smile, pouring coffee. Not a cup in the 
house was dry with Bob around. It was his job; it was something he 
wanted to do, he was a public servant.
  I am fortunate to have known Bob Stump. I was fortunate to serve 
under his chairmanship on Armed Services and to now serve under his 
portrait in both the Veterans' Affairs Committee and the Armed Services 
Committee. It is as if he is always looking over my shoulder, making 
sure my decisions are the right ones.
  Mr. Stump's commitment to the warfighter is to be emulated. He was a 
shining example of a statesman and a fantastic public servant. A good 
man has left this Earth and we are going to miss him. I honestly 
believe that the House of Representatives, the institution and this 
country is better today due to Bob Stump's efforts. It was an honor to 
know you, Mr. Chairman.

                          ____________________