The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“RECOGNIZING THE OPENING OF THE FRIENDSHIP CAFE” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Labor was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E29 on Jan. 13, 2020.
The Department provides billions in unemployment insurance, which peaked around 2011 though spending had declined before the pandemic. Downsizing the Federal Government, a project aimed at lowering taxes and boosting federal efficiency, claimed the Department funds "ineffective and duplicative services" and overregulates the workplace.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
RECOGNIZING THE OPENING OF THE FRIENDSHIP CAFE
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HON. THEODORE E. DEUTCH
of florida
in the house of representatives
Monday, January 13, 2020
Mr. DEUTCH. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Friendship Cafe, a restaurant created by the nonprofit The Friendship Circle of Fort Lauderdale. This cafe uplifts adults with developmental and intellectual disabilities by providing them with jobs and employment training in the food service, hospitality and customer service industry.
According to the Department of Labor 80 percent of adults with disabilities do not enter the workforce due to various barriers to employment. The Friendship Cafe aims to lower that percentage by fulfilling a vital role in Fort Lauderdale as a safe, secure, and educational environment where adults with disabilities can earn a living wage.
The cafe will serve a Mediterranean inspired menu curated by world renowned Israeli chef Yoram Getter. Bill Fienberg, the President of Allied Kitchen and Bath, donated his firm's labor and materials to build the cafe, International decorator Perla Lichi of Perla Lichi Designs helped the cafe complete their image with a French inspired interior design. Due to the leadership at the Las Olas Chabad Jewish Center and their support and partnership with the Friendship Circle adults with disabilities in Fort Lauderdale are now provided with resources to help them succeed in finding employment.
Please join me in congratulating the Friendship Circle and their community partners on the opening of the Friendship Cafe.
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