[Congressional Record Volume 160, Number 82 (Thursday, May 29, 2014)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E869-E870]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        RECOGNIZING RUTH CLAPP ON THE OCCASION OF HER RETIREMENT

                                  _____
                                 

                            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.

[[Page E870]]

  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.

                          ____________________