Political Quotes

“I thank the gentlewoman for her remarks. Mr. Speaker, I close by recognizing an individual that I have grown very fond of in my time here at the House of Representatives. I don't do a lot of these Special Orders and come down and talk about individuals, but since I have been in the House, getting to know Joyce Hamlett has been an extraordinary pleasure and honor. I wish Joyce were on the floor at this moment because she is going to be retiring here shortly, either tomorrow or next week. She has worked here on the Hill for 35 years. Speaker McCarthy already gave a fantastic speech detailing her bio and background. She grew up in North Carolina and she will be returning to North Carolina. She devoted 35 years here, working up from being in the cafeteria with her mom, if I remember correctly from Speaker McCarthy's speech, and serving as the elevator operator. For over a decade, she has faithfully protected the mace. The mace of the House of Representatives is one of the oldest symbols of the United States Government representing Congress' order and authority. Her duty is to protect the mace that opens the House each day and closes it each night. Mr. Speaker, I would note she was also responsible for keeping decorum on the floor of the House of Representatives, and I have been the recipient of her admonition on more than one occasion. It has been, frankly, an honor to receive it. Mr. Speaker, I will miss her and I wish her God speed in her retirement.…”