A resolution expressing support for the designation of the week of September 20 through September 26, 2021, as "Rail Safety Week" in the United States, and supporting the goals and ideals of Rail Safety Week to reduce rail-related accidents, fatalities, and injuries.

Mr. President, I rise today with my colleagues Senators Collins, Baldwin, Blumenthal, Brown, Casey, Hassan, Kaine, King, Klobuchar, Markey, Menendez, Rosen, Smith, Van Hollen, and Warren to recognize the week beginning September 12, 2021, as National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week. Direct support professionals are an invaluable part of our Nation's healthcare system, caring for the most vulnerable Americans, including the chronically ill, seniors, and those living with a disability. Direct support professionals include, among others, those whose titles include home caregiver, personal care assistant, home care worker, or home health aide. These varying titles speaks to the broad areas of support that are integral to the work of direct support professionals. With the assistance of direct support professionals, these individuals can perform daily activities that many people take for granted, such as eating, bathing, dressing, and leaving the house. The work of direct support professionals ensures that these individuals can be active participants in their communities.

The work of direct support professionals, like all of us, has changed due to the ongoing novel coronavirus--COVID-19--pandemic. In supporting their clients in performing activities of daily living, direct support professionals are essential and must continue to work in close proximity to their clients during the pandemic. Recognizing the work of direct support professionals is important, but all the more so as the pandemic continues, given their dedication to supporting the health and well-being of their clients.

Let me share with you the experience of Tommy Sharrow. Tommy is a direct support professional who was recognized this year for his dedicated and selfless work when he was given Maryland's Direct Support Professional of the Year Award by the American Network of Community Options and Resources, ANCOR.

I am sure there are countless examples I could share about Tommy's work, but I will describe one extraordinary example where he went above and beyond for his clients as he continued to care for them in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. During a particularly challenging period of the pandemic, Tommy's tireless dedication was on full display as he quarantined with his clients in their home to continue caring for them when others in their home were diagnosed with COVID-19. In order to maintain the care he provided for them, Tommy incredibly slept on an air mattress in their basement for 2 weeks to effectively quarantine. As day programs and other care options closed around his clients due to the pandemic, Tommy stepped in to provide creative activities like music and playing games in outdoor spaces. Throughout a challenging year for us all, Tommy was steadfast and truly considerate in his care for his clients.

Tommy's story describes a career that is fulfilling, but one that oftentimes is not easy for direct support professionals like him. The hours are often long, and the wages are low. The job can be physically laborious, as well as emotionally draining. The reward for direct support professionals, however, is that they are able to improve the lives of individuals with disabilities and help fulfill the promise of the Americans with Disabilities Act by making it possible for these Americans to participate in their communities to the fullest extent possible.

In our country, we are incredibly fortunate to have millions of service-oriented individuals who are willing to rise to the task of becoming a direct support professional. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of direct support professionals is projected to grow by an average of 33 percent from 2020 to 2030, compared to an 8-percent average growth rate for all occupations during that period. The demand will only continue to increase over time; the Baby Boomer generation will result in the doubling of the population of adults ages 65 and older by 2050. The increased demand for direct support professionals has created shortages in some areas, which can place strains on patients and their families or result in medical issues that could have been avoided.

Unfortunately, direct support professionals are often forced to leave the jobs they love due to low wages and excessive, difficult work hours. Many direct support professionals rely on public benefits, and some must work multiple jobs in order to provide for themselves and their families. Now, more than ever, it is imperative that we work to ensure that these hard-working individuals have the income and emotional support they need and deserve as we all struggle with the health and economic implications of the ongoing pandemic.

I urge my colleagues to join me and Senators Collins, Baldwin, Blumenthal, Brown, Casey, Hassan, Kaine, King, Klobuchar, Markey, Menendez, Rosen, Smith, Van Hollen, and Warren in expressing our appreciation for the critically important work of our country's direct support professionals, in thanking them for their commitment and dedication, and in supporting the resolution designating the week beginning September 12, 2021, as National Direct Support Professionals Recognition Week.

Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Senate now proceed en bloc to the following Senate resolutions, which were submitted earlier today: S. Res. 382, S. Res. 383, S. Res. 384, and S. Res. 385.

I ask unanimous consent that the resolutions be agreed to, the preambles be agreed to, and that the motions to reconsider be considered made and laid upon the table, all en bloc.