Honoring Jim and Chas Grant

HONORING JIM AND CHAS GRANT

Mr. CRAPO. Mr. President, I rise today to honor two of my staff members who not only are integral for my office operations, but have filled the same needs for two previous Idaho Senators. For over 20 years Jim and Chas Grant have worked on the staffs of Idaho Senators in the U.S. Senate. These Caldwell, ID, natives began their service in the offices of Senator Steve Symms in the early 1980s. They remained to work with his successor, Senator Dirk Kempthorne, and now they fill a vital role in my office.

Chas and Jim are without peer when it comes to knowing the people of Idaho. Through their work in constituent mail, they have processed hundreds of thousands of constituent letters. That incredible number is a testament not only to the Grants' longevity, but also to their great dedication. The Grants read and carefully sort each letter, ensuring prompt response from my office. In the 5 years that Jim and Chas have directed the constituent mail program for me, the number of letters, faxes, and e-mails has consistently grown, reaching over 45,000 last year. It is a tribute to the Grants that they have effectively handled this large increase in mail. Constituents often express their satisfaction with the quick, accurate responses to their inquiries. It is the hard work of the Grants that makes these quick responses possible.

While they work side-by-side, they most definitely have provided tremendous individual contributions to my office.

Chas Grant was born and raised in Idaho. He graduated from Caldwell High School in 1972, and later received a B.A. in history from Boise State in 1977. Chas began working on Capitol Hill for the Postmaster in 1981. Since that time he has worked for Senator Symms, then Senator and now Governor Dirk Kempthorne, and myself.

Jim Grant grew up in Idaho, where he attended Caldwell schools. He graduated from Caldwell High School in 1975. From there, Jim attended Gallaudet in Washington, DC, where he earned a bachelor of arts in English. He began working for Senator Symms on July 18, 1983. During his time working in the Senate he has assisted three Idaho Senators: Symms, Kempthorne, and myself. We have all benefited greatly from his service.

I asked Senator Symms and Governor Kempthorne to contribute to this statement, as I know they valued the Grant's contributions as much as I do.

From Governor Dirk Kempthorne: "Jim Grant was a dedicated and dependable employee in my Senate office for six years. His work ethic and 'can-do' attitude was a pleasure to be around. As with many of us, he has had to overcome personal challenges, but has served the citizens of Idaho well. His hard work was truly appreciated, and he has been a tremendous public servant for the citizens of Idaho.

"Chas Grant was always ready to help resolve any problems that came up with constituent mail. His common sense view and solutions put the constituent first, and provided me with a smooth running mail operation. Chas faced personal challenges, and always found a way to make certain that his work responsibilities were met. His tenure as a public servant has been remarkable for many reasons, and I thank him for his years of service."

And from Senator Steve Symms: "Congratulations, Jim and Chas, on your many years of exemplary service. On behalf of Steve Symms, Governor Kempthorne, the members of my staff, and other Senate staffers that have benefited from your work: we honor you today. Thank you for your great work!"

Since Jim and Chas started in the Senate, many things have changed. When Chas came to Washington, Ronald Reagan had just been elected President and Pac-Man was the latest craze. When Jim started in '83, camcorders and "Just Say No" had just been introduced. In the Senate, we have gone through 24 sessions of Congress and have made changes like allowing TV cameras to cover all the happenings on the Senate floor. Even mailrooms have become increasingly complicated as e-mail and fax messages have been added to traditional letters as means of long-distance communication.

One constant that has been, however, is Jim and Chas Grant's dedicated service to the members of the Senate and the people of Idaho. Also unchanged is the Grants' untiring work ethic and commitment to their job. I have appreciated their talent, experience, and knowledgeable assistance in my office. Jim and Chas recently went out of town for an extended period and the rest of my staff stepped in to keep up with the barrage of mail over that time. Trying to fill in for the Grants gave everyone a better appreciation of the important role the Grants play in the office. We were all very glad to have them back, as we realized we weren't that great doing their jobs. I look forward to having them around for as long as they intend to be.