>SERVICE MARKED BY INTEGRITY, COMPASSION AND DEDICATION

(Senate - June 28, 2006)

   Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, Ronald Reagan once said ``I know in my heart that man is good. That what is right will always eventually triumph. And there's purpose and worth to each and every life.'' How appropriate that these words reflect the heart and persona of someone who used to work for the Reagans in the White House and who, for the past 2 years, has worked faithfully and tirelessly as my executive assistant.

   Mary Klappa met the challenge of the job with excitement and expertise. She brought professionalism and trust to her position. We all depend on our executive assistant to make certain we get where we need to be on time and well prepared, a duty in which she excelled.

   Effectively managing a Senator's time is not easy. Frankly, I am glad I don't have to do it. It requires a careful sense of timing and intuition and exacting attention to detail. It also requires someone who, regardless of the demands on their time, is pleasant and helpful to all who call or walk in, regardless of their personality or requests. Mary has been all of these things and more. She carried her phone and Blackberry with her constantly, and I always knew I could call her whenever I needed something. She worked diligently to make sure I met with Idahoans who came to Washington, and she coordinated my State scheduling as well. She has taken exceptional care of my family and was utterly selfless in her commitment to ensure that I conduct my job in the most efficient and responsible manner possible. Her vast knowledge of protocol and her understanding of the nuances and complexities of Washington politics on and off the Hill have been of immeasurable benefit to me.

   I will miss her highly dependable and capable management and her kindness and honesty. Mary is a very special person, and I am most honored and grateful for her tremendous service. She made my job easier and, in the process, made me more effective.

���   I end where I started, with another thought from her former boss, a great and wise man: ``Government is the people's business and every man, woman and child becomes a shareholder with the first penny of tax paid.'' Mary believes this in her soul. She has a heart of service for our country and lives it out in her work and her life. And Idaho and I have been better off for it.