[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 129 (Wednesday, July 26, 2023)]
[House]
[Page H4016]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                         SALUTING JOYCE HAMLETT

  (Ms. JACKSON LEE asked and was given permission to address the House 
for 1 minute.)
  Ms. JACKSON LEE. Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise today to salute our friend 
and patriot, Joyce Hamlett.
  It is a surprise for some of us who wish that the news was not 
accurate, but I cannot miss an opportunity to call her a historic 
figure in this House.
  Joyce made history as being named the custodian, the protector, of 
the mace. I can assure you, she handles this historic responsibility 
with grace, firmness, leadership, patriotism, and a love of country.
  I do want to say that Joyce was a hero on January 6, 2021. It was 
Joyce's face that we looked at to get the original charge of getting to 
safety, of ensuring that the doors were closed. I heard her voice, and 
I saw her pointing, giving instructions to make sure that as Members 
finally discovered that we were under attack, we would be safe. She did 
not move to protect herself. She stood fast to ensure that Members had 
the right information to be able to be taken to or rush to safety.
  Her family loves her. We don't realize that she has a wonderful 
responsibility of her grandchildren, and they have grown up under her. 
I have watched that happen.
  Mr. Speaker, finally, let me say this: We will lose a great American. 
I hope as she goes in another direction, there will be others blessed 
by this grande dame, if you will, and this great American, a person who 
will always love this institution.
  We will always love Joyce Hamlett and respect her for her service to 
the Nation.
  God bless her, and God bless the United States of America.

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