Cheryl Johnson, the 36th House clerk, was honored with the 2023 Freedom Award for her dedication to freedom, democracy, and representative government.
She played a crucial role during the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol and the prolonged House speaker election.
Both Nancy Pelosi and Kevin McCarthy praised her steadfastness and fairness during these tumultuous times.
“For 15 rounds last year, Cheryl held the gavel with steadiness, fairness and non-partnership,” McCarthy said. “For 15 rounds, America heard Cheryl speak and they liked what they saw.”
“Her diligent work kept the House moving so that we could fulfill our legislative responsibility to the American people and she did so even under many of the most trying and unprecedented of circumstances when the eyes of the world were on the Congress,” Pelosi said.
Johnson was respected by members and staff from both political parties and was appointed by both Democratic and Republican speakers, making her a rarity in American history.
She emphasized the importance of democracy’s resilience during the ceremony at the Capitol.
“Democracy is fragile, but it’s also stubbornly resilient and each of us have a role to play in ensuring its longevity,” Johnson said.
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