Recognizing the Work of Ais and Sew the Masks

Floor Speech

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Mr. McGOVERN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Affordable Interior Systems (AIS) of Leominster, Massachusetts, a company in my Congressional District which manufactures office furniture and which has organized and joined together with people from across the United States to create an amazing new nonprofit initiative called Sew the Masks.

Like so many other patriotic Americans, when the AIS team began to see the terrible toll the coronavirus pandemic was inflicting on our country, they jumped into action. Affectionally drawing on the inspiration of World War II icon Rosie the Riveter, AIS leveraged their expertise and retrofitted a chair production line to produce high- quality, reusable masks.

Then, they mobilized their own employees, as well as individual sewers across the country, affectionately known as ``Rosies,'' to create high-quality reusable masks for first responders and other essential employees at risk of COVID-19.

Fifty masks at a time, these volunteers are sewing the pre-cut masks that AIS provides and then shipping them out to corporate sponsors across the country, which then are distributed to communities in need.

AIS has also launched a special partnership with the United Way of North Central Massachusetts to help combine efforts and provide masks for United Way volunteers.

Madam Speaker, I find this dedication to the fight against COVID-19 nothing short of awe-inspiring. During these challenging times, AIS has demonstrated an exceptional commitment to helping their fellow Americans. They now have hundreds and hundreds of volunteers across the country, and their leadership is a true testament to the value of bringing people together to make a difference. I am sincerely grateful to the employees of AIS, including President and CEO Bruce Platzman, and to all the volunteers across America who have given their time and talent to this awe-inspiring and selfless cause.

On behalf of the United States Congress, the people of Massachusetts' Second Congressional District, and all the people impacted by this incredible work, it is my great honor and privilege to recognize AIS and Sew the Masks for their tireless efforts to support our communities during this unprecedented time.

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