Kendrick Meek: “I rise today to give honor to one of our great House employees here that works in this Chamber every day, and that's…”

“I rise today to give honor to one of our great House employees here that works in this Chamber every day, and that's Joyce Hamlett. Joyce has had the opportunity to be appointed as Assistant Sergeant at Arms in charge of the mace of the House of Representatives. I think this is a very high accomplishment for someone like Ms. Hamlett who has a meek-like spirit and very nice lady, and I've been working with her, and she's been working not only with me but my mother and other Members that have served here in the House. She's the first African American woman to serve as keeper of the mace. Her high moral upbringing prepares her for this honorable position. Mr. Speaker, I can go further, and I do as it relates to my Congressional Record statement, but we honor not only her presence here, but we honor the fact that she gives God all of the grace and the glory for her accomplishments here in the House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker and Members of Congress, as a Member of Congress, I am moved by Ms. Joyce Hamlett's trust in patience, trust in truth and trust that God has planned a great path for her life. I rise to ask you to join me in recognizing the excellent service and continued professional success of Ms. Joyce Hamlett, newly appointed Assistant Sergeant of Arms for the U.S. House of Representatives.”