[Congressional Record Volume 169, Number 130 (Thursday, July 27, 2023)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E738]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       RECOGNIZING JOYCE HAMLETT

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. RASHIDA TLAIB

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, July 27, 2023

  Ms. TLAIB. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Congress' very 
own Joyce Hamlett, the Keeper of the Mace as the House of 
Representatives Assistant Sergeant-at-Arms, as she retires from more 
than 3 decades of public service.
  I still remember my first few months here, almost 5 years ago. One of 
the people who I looked for was a young woman sitting at the left of 
the House chamber. I would lock eyes with her and when she smiled at 
me, it was always a warm welcome.
  Joyce Hamlett will be sorely missed as she retires as our 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 House. Ms. Joyce would even take out 1 of 
those laminated black and white articles from decades ago to remind me, 
this is how it has been.
  Ms. Joyce has worked here in the Capitol for over 35 years. Her story 
is inspiring. She is the first Black woman to hold the post. From 
growing up in the tobacco fields of Broadway, N.C., to making history 
here 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, 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 for 
me in this chamber. She may have been the Keeper of the Mace for the 
House Chamber, but she will always be my ``Auntie'' (Khalto).
  Please join me in recognizing Sergeant-at-Arms Joyce Hamlett as we 
thank her for her many years of public service.

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