Legislative Working Group
We frequently limit this column to veteran legislative issues,
but BVA also keeps abreast of the issues facing the blind and
visually impaired community. For more than 20 years, our organization
has participated in a Legislative Working Group (LWG) with other
organizations that work to promote the welfare of the blind and
visually impaired.
The American Council of the Blind (ACB), the American Foundation
for the Blind (AFB), the Association for Education and Rehabilitation
of the Blind and Visually Impaired (AER), National Industries
for the Blind (NIB), and BVA utilize LWG to educate one another
on pending and needed legislation that may affect the needs and
concerns of blind and visually impaired veterans.
Veterans Mourn Stump Passing
Former Arizona Representative and Chairman of the House Committee
on Veterans Affairs Bob Stump passed away on June 20. Tom Miller
praised Stump for his friendship to blinded veterans and his contributions
to legislation affecting them.
"Chairman Stump was always a strong advocate for blinded
veterans, and his door was always open to hear the concerns of
BVA," he said.
Representative Chris Smith (R-NJ-4), current Chairman of the
House Veterans Affairs Committee, issued a statement upon learning
of Stump’s death. The following is an excerpt from that statement:
"Bob Stump served with distinction in Congress for 26 years,
including six years as Chairman of the Committee on Veterans Affairs
and two years as Chairman of the Committee on Armed Services.
Chairman Stump used his influence to promote legislation to assist
and honor our nation’s veterans.
"Under Bob Stump’s leadership, Congress increased funding
for veterans health care; expanded access to long-term care for
aging veterans, including non-hospital alternative care; reformed
eligibility standards for access to VA health care; extended the
national cemetery system, including Arlington National Cemetery;
increased assistance to disabled veterans and their survivors;
and strengthened the Montgomery GI Bill that has helped millions
of veterans fulfill their educational and career goals.
"A modest man who preferred to shun the spotlight, Bob Stump’s
life and legacy will continue to shine brightly for generations
of servicemen and women to come."
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