Kathy Manning

Ms. MANNING

Ms. MANNING. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in favor of the National Apprenticeship Act of 2021. We are living in a time of record job loss with 10 million people out of work and many businesses devastated by this pandemic. That is why this legislation is critical. We must invest in helping people gain the skills they need to prepare for high-quality jobs that earn good wages. This apprenticeship act will do exactly that, including those with barriers to employment. This investment is projected to yield $10.6 billion in net benefits to U.S. taxpayers by increasing their productivity and decreasing spending on public assistance programs and unemployment insurance. Equally important, it will help countless Americans achieve the dignity of providing for their families and the satisfaction of having good jobs. This is exactly the kind of investment that will help us build back better.

Ms. MANNING

Ms. MANNING. Madam Speaker, on February 1, 1960, four young Black men sat down at a Whites only Woolworth's lunch counter in Greensboro, North Carolina, and asked to be served. These students from North Carolina A&T State University had trained for weeks to be able to withstand the hostility and abuse that would be thrust upon them. The next day, the ``Greensboro Four'' were joined by women from Bennett College and Greensboro Woman's College. The courage demonstrated by these students sparked a national sit-in movement that spread to 55 cities in 13 States. The sit-ins lasted for 6 months until, finally, the Woolworth's lunch counter was integrated. As the Representative from Greensboro, I join my colleagues, Representatives Adams and Butterfield, in introducing a resolution to recognize the legacy of the Greensboro Four, and follow their lead in fighting for a future that will bring equal rights to all people.

Ms. MANNING

Ms. MANNING. Madam Speaker, this President has repeatedly lied to the American people about his election loss. He incited his followers to attack our democracy, resulting in five deaths. His dangerous efforts to derail the peaceful transition of power were a violation of his oath of office. This President is unfit to lead our Nation and unable to discharge his duties of office. I call upon my Republican colleagues to speak the truth to their supporters and join me in holding President Trump accountable by voting to impeach.