[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 128 (Tuesday, July 25, 2023)]
[House]
[Pages H3939-H3940]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         HONORING JOYCE HAMLETT

  (Ms. TLAIB asked and was given permission to address the House for 1

[[Page H3940]]

minute and to revise and extend her remarks.)
  Ms. TLAIB. Madam Speaker, I still remember the first few months here 
almost 5 years ago. One of the people I looked for was a young woman 
sitting to the left of the House Chamber. I would lock eyes with her, 
and when she smiled at me, it was always with a warm welcome.
  Joyce Hamlett will be sorely missed as she retires as the Keeper of 
the Mace and Assistant Sergeant at Arms.
  She took her role very seriously. I know because I was one of the 
Members she reminded every so often of the rules of the House.
  Ms. Joyce would even take out one of the laminated black and white 
articles in plastic. Check it out in the drawer right in front of her.
  Ms. Joyce worked so hard for the last 35 years here in this Capitol. 
Her story is inspiring, Madam Speaker. She is not only the first Black 
woman to hold this post, but she also was so proud of growing up in the 
tobacco fields of Broadway, North Carolina, and to come here to make 
history in Congress. She never forgot her roots and the strong 
character that her grandparents instilled in her.

  In a place that can sometimes be harsh, Madam Speaker, she always 
remained kind and fair to all. I will dearly miss Mother Joyce and 
never forget her hugs on some of the toughest days in this Chamber. She 
may be considered the Keeper of the Mace for many here in the House 
Chamber, but she will always be my khalto.

                          ____________________