S681 and HR 969 continue to sit in Committee waiting for some one to make a move. It's a political tap dance between the Senate and House Veterans Committee leaders. Rep. Jeff Miller, the Chairman of the House Committee on Veterans Affair will not be running for re-election. The crowning achievement of his tenure would be passage of HR 969 before the House adjourns for "vacation". We all thank Representative Miller for his tenacious actions to help restore the presumptive rights for the Vietnam Blue Water Navy. He has had great insight into the dealings of the Veterans Benefits Administration, asking for transparency in their dealings with Veterans, requesting for documentation from the BVA. So far the BVA has failed to come forward with requested information from both Committees. They hide their dealings behind antiquated legislation making them an autonomous judicial system. So what's the next step for the Vietnam Blue Water Navy? We need to increase the pressure by getting more signatures on this petition. We need as many people as possible to participate in the upcoming Rally in Washington or the phone in scheduled for that day. “Rally in Support” of the Blue Water Navy Agent Orange Act On May 18, there will be a gathering in Washington, DC, of veterans, friends and family members. Everyone is encouraged and welcome to come. We will be having a Rally in Support of the two bills that are languishing in both the House and Senate Veterans Committees. Hopefully, this will bring some attention to the subject and help get those Bills brought to the Floors of both House and Senate for a vote. We will all meet up at the street level near the exit for the Metro stop at ‘Capital South’ at 10AM. As a key part of this Rally, we are requesting that everyone coming to Washington, DC on May 18 make an appointment with their Senator or Representative during the morning of May 18 before lunch. Second choice would be for an afternoon appointment. You can call ahead to set an appointment with their office. This is a very important item to get done while you are visiting, and is a focal point for our “Rally In Support.” You can go to Congress.gov and put “S681” or “HR969” in the search box to see if your Representatives and Senators are listed as Co-Sponsors of those Bills. If they are, stop in to thank them for their participation and ask that they help get the other Senators or Representatives to sign on. If they are not Co-Sponsors, tell them that you want them to be. If you can’t get in to see them in person, ask to meet with the Veteran’s Liaison or some other staffer that will relay your message. Help them understand the necessity to get that legislation passed immediately. You can also invite them to attend or participate in the Press Conference that Representative Gibson is having at 1:00PM on May 18th. Ask them to coordinate with Rep. Gibson's office. We will all be attending the Press Conference, expected to be in or near the Cannon Building. If you can’t get to Washington, you can have your own Rally in your local area. It only takes one veteran to create a “Rally.” Make yourself a sign with some of the wording given below and go to the public sidewalk or street in front of the nearest VA facility. If you can get some news coverage from your local newspaper or TV station, that would be great. You can explain our background to them. Hopefully you will be joined by other veterans, family members and friends. This is NOT a protest or demonstration against anything. It is a “Rally In Support” of the Blue Water Navy Agent Orange Act that we hope will be released from the Veteran Affairs Committees of the House and Senate so it can be brought to the Floor to be voted on. Since this involves the Department of Veterans Affairs, a VA facility is a logical place to show your support. Just keep it peaceful and legal! Alternatively, on May 18th, call (202)224-3121, give the operator your state and/or zip code and they will connect you with your elected officials’ office. Ask to speak with the liaison for Veterans Affairs...make it clear you are calling as a constituent asking for their support of HR 969 and S 681, the Blue Water Navy Vietnam Veterans Act" Here's a look at a rally held in 1932 by Veterans denied their rights by the Government. History tends to repeat itself. These men were your Grandfathers who fought to protect you and the Nation. Would you sign this petition in their memory?