[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 164 (Tuesday, September 22, 2020)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E869]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             RECOGNIZING THE WORK OF AIS AND SEW THE MASKS

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                         HON. JAMES P. McGOVERN

                            of massachusetts

                    in the house of representatives

                      Tuesday, September 22, 2020

  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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