[Congressional Record Volume 149, Number 96 (Thursday, June 26, 2003)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1359]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  IN MEMORY OF THE HONORABLE BOB STUMP

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. SILVESTRE REYES

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                        Wednesday, June 25, 2003

  Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I reflect today 
on the passing of my dear friend Congressman Bob Stump. Bob was a great 
man and I am deeply saddened by his passing. He was a great American, a 
respected legislator, and a good friend.
  He served with great distinction in Congress for twenty-six years, 
two years as Chairman of the House Armed Services Committee and six 
years as Chairman of the Veterans Affairs Committee.
  I had the honor and privilege to serve on both of these committees 
with Bob as my Chairman. Although we did not always see eye to eye, I 
always had a great deal of respect for Bob's patriotism and leadership. 
Bob was a true supporter of men and women in uniform. Under his 
leadership, we made huge strides to improve the quality of life for our 
troops and veterans, increasing pay, housing, and healthcare 
allowances, increasing assistance to disabled veterans and their 
survivors, and strengthening the Montgomery GI Bill to help millions of 
veterans fulfill their educational and career goals.
  Bob was a modest and decent man who, in dedicating the majority of 
his life to public service, was a dedicated patriot and a true American 
Hero. Bob's enthusiasm and spirit touched the lives of all who had the 
pleasure of meeting him. Although his presence is greatly missed in the 
halls of the House, I know that Bob is and will be well remembered.
  My thoughts and prayers are with the Stump family and with everyone 
else who loved and admired him.
  Thank you, Mr. Speaker.




                          ____________________