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“RECOGNIZING RUTH CLAPP ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT” mentioning the U.S. Dept of State was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E869-E870 on May 29, 2014.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING RUTH CLAPP ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT
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HON. ADAM SMITH
of washington
in the house of representatives
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the career and retirement of Ruth Clapp, a loyal public servant to the constituents of Washington's Ninth Congressional District dating back to the 1990s.
As a Member of Congress, the importance of a strong caseworker staff cannot be understated. Often times, when constituents have exhausted all other avenues they call their Congressional representatives for help. For caseworkers, these constituent contacts are unique in nature, necessitating short turnarounds and requiring a discerning mind.
After just a few months in Congress it became clear that our staff was missing something; or, more accurately, someone. The residents of the Ninth needed someone with a background in State Department issues. The job would be part-time and--like all caseworker positions--required a genuine passion for helping others.
At the time, Ruth Clapp was enjoying the early days of her retirement after years spent working for the World Association for Children and Parents (WACAP), an adoption and international humanitarian organization. During her time with WACAP, Ruth helped families to navigate adoptions in countries around the world. The work was rewarding, yet it was time to enjoy some well-earned quiet days at her picturesque home along the water in Browns Point. And that was when the phone rang.
On the other end was a young Chief of Staff. He let Ruth know about a freshman Member of Washington State's delegation that required someone with her background. The job could be tailored to her needs: it would be part-time and only for a few years. She accepted the position and, as we know now, that ``temporary'' job stretched into seventeen years of service.
Ruth's personnel file grew and grew over the years, into what today resembles a stack of phone books. It is filled with hundreds of letters thanking her for help with issues including immigration, adoptions, and visas. These notes are from mothers, fathers, grandmothers, sons, and daughters. They recount Ruth creatively solving problems and demonstrate the consistency by which she went the extra mile for constituents. If getting a problem solved meant calling a consulate at 4 am on behalf of a constituent, that was what she did--gladly and without complaint.
Ruth's accomplishments are too many to list. Highlights include the critical assistance she provided an entire Afghan family to become U.S. citizens. She is passionate about conditions at the Northwest Detention Center and has provided assistance to dozens of inmates there. Travel up and down the Ninth District and chances are you will meet someone whose life has benefited from Ruth's service.
In the years ahead, Ruth undoubtedly will stay busy. She remains passionate about international adoption, loves world travel, serves on the board of a non-profit, and is a proud grandmother.
Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize Ruth Clapp for her distinguished career. I am confident that others will continue to benefit from her selflessness.
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