[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 29 (Thursday, February 12, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E254]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




       SUPPORTING THE GOALS AND IDEALS OF NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK

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                               speech of

                           HON. RUSH D. HOLT

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, February 11, 2009

  Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to rise today in support of 
this resolution recognizing National Engineers Week and the important 
contributions to society made by engineers. A range of activities and 
programs highlighting Engineers Week will be taking place across the 
country. Communities, schools, and museums will host events to excite 
young people about engineering by helping them see the role this 
discipline plays in the world around them.
  This resolution and National Engineers Week come at a fitting time. 
We are in a dire economic situation, in part because of a failure to 
sufficiently support science and engineering in the past. Research and 
development will be the foundation for the discoveries that will fuel 
our economic recovery and sustain our long term economic growth. 
Engineering is often the critical bridge between the basic science and 
the productive innovation or the marketable product. It is entirely 
proper that we acknowledge this important field at this critical time.
  National Engineers Week is the most visible event in an ongoing, 
year-round effort by the National Engineers Week Foundation to support 
and encourage interest in engineering and technology. As Congress 
supports the excellent programming of National Engineers week, it 
should follow the Foundation's lead in making a commitment to science, 
research, engineering, and education. Congress should work to ensure 
that all individuals who choose to pursue an education in engineering 
and related fields have the opportunity to do so. And Congress should 
fully fund the America COMPETES Act and make a sustained investment in 
our national innovation infrastructure.
  This resolution recognizes the value of National Engineers Week and 
engineering-related disciplines generally. I am delighted to support 
it.

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