[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 139 (Friday, August 26, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E882]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]





PAYING TRIBUTE TO GIUSEPPE ``JOE'' QUATTRONE, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 
                                 BARBER

                                 ______
                                 

                          HON. STENY H. HOYER

                              of maryland

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, August 26, 2022

  Mr. HOYER. Madam Speaker, I want to honor a remarkable constituent of 
Maryland's Fifth Congressional District who is beloved by me and many 
others on Capitol Hill: House of Representatives Barber Giuseppe 
Quattrone, more commonly known as `Joe Q.' After a rich career of 52 
years, he recently announced his retirement.
  Joe has cut hair on the Hill for more than a fifth of American 
history. Indeed, he has worked in the Capitol five years longer than 
the most senior senator and more than ten years longer than the most 
senior House Member. From Presidents Gerald Ford and George H.W. Bush 
to Congressional leaders like Speaker Tip O'Neal and Senator Ted 
Kennedy, those at the forefront of American politics have frequented 
Joe's barbershop in the Rayburn Building.
  Joe's story is an American story--and not just because of his 
impressive clientele. He grew up in Archi, Reggio Calabria, in Southern 
Italy under Mussolini's rule but dreamed of making it to America, just 
as his older brother had done. As fate would have it, America came to 
him. During the Second World War, Joe and his family would hide in 
local caves to escape the aerial bombing. When they emerged from the 
cave one morning in 1943, they found a U.S. Navy armada that stretched 
all the way to the horizon. Joe went down to the beach and waved an 
American flag to welcome the liberators. In time, Joe would be able to 
call that flag his own.
  A few years after the war, Joe joined his brother in America where he 
quickly became a naturalized citizen. I first met him in 1966 when Joe 
helped me campaign for State Senate in Maryland, and I was grateful for 
his assistance and his support. Later, in 1970, he began his work as a 
barber for the House of Representatives. His barbershop has served as 
an oasis for Democrats and Republicans alike ever since--one of the few 
places free of partisanship left on the Hill. Joe's clients didn't come 
to talk politics; they came to enjoy his wit and geniality.
  Joe's story is not just a paragon of the American dream but also a 
testament to the dedicated support staff who serve behind the scenes to 
help Congress function. Although they do not draft legislation or vote 
on amendments, their work is no less important. Whether cleaning the 
Capitol, serving food, or cutting hair, they do their jobs so we can do 
ours representing our constituents.
  I ask all my colleagues to join me in congratulating Joe on his well-
deserved retirement and in thanking him and the many other support 
workers who enrich our lives here on Capitol Hill. Although Members of 
Congress often have trouble reaching consensus, we can all agree that 
we will miss seeing Joe roam the halls.

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