[Congressional Record Volume 155, Number 127 (Thursday, September 10, 2009)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2230]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 RECOGNIZING CONTRIBUTIONS OF AMERICAN COUNCIL OF ENGINEERING COMPANIES

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                               speech of

                          HON. MARK E. SOUDER

                               of indiana

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, September 9, 2009

  Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to express my support for H. 
Res. 447 and recognize the American Council of Engineering Companies 
for its 100 years of service to the engineering industry and the 
Nation. In Indiana, the American Council of Engineers has been active 
for 50 years and currently represents over 100 firms throughout the 
state.
  The engineering industry has been responsible for tremendous 
developments in the transportation, environmental and energy 
infrastructure that contribute to our economic success. Indiana has 
long been known as the ``Crossroads of America'' and our transportation 
infrastructure is fundamental to our economic health. Engineers design 
and create critical infrastructure to help ensure the goods we produce 
in our area are able to move to market.
  My Congressional District is the manufacturing center of the country 
and has the highest percentage manufacturing jobs in the United States. 
However, in recent years, these positions are increasingly becoming 
more hi-tech and require higher levels of skills and training.
  The American Council of Engineering Companies of Indiana is helping 
to meet this need through college scholarship programs that awarded 
$17,500 in 2009 to Indiana residents who are pursuing a Bachelors or 
Masters in engineering at an Indiana school. With programs like Project 
``Lead the Way,'' the American Council of Engineering Companies 
partners with Middle Schools and High Schools to promote engineering, 
and make science and math relevant to young students by demonstrating 
how these technical skills can be applied in every day life.
  Through these educational outreach programs, the American College of 
Engineering Companies is working to address the need for a skilled 
workforce and helping to generate interest in the math and science 
skills necessary for the next generation to succeed in our competitive 
global economy.
  I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing the American Council of 
Engineering Companies on its 100th year anniversary.

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