[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 28 (Tuesday, March 2, 2010)]
[House]
[Pages H984-H987]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                        NATIONAL ENGINEERS WEEK

  Mr. WU. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the 
resolution (H. Res. 1097), supporting the goals and ideals of National 
Engineers Week, and for other purposes.
  The Clerk read the title of the resolution.
  The text of the resolution is as follows:

                              H. Res. 1097

       Whereas engineers use their professional, scientific, and 
     technical knowledge and skills in creative and innovative 
     ways to fulfill the needs of society;
       Whereas engineers have helped to address the major 
     technological and infrastructural challenges of our time, 
     including providing water, defending the Nation, and 
     developing clean energy technologies that are needed to power 
     the American people into the future;
       Whereas engineers are a crucial link in research, 
     development, and the transformation of scientific discoveries 
     into useful products and jobs, as the people of the United 
     States look more than ever to engineers and their 
     imagination, knowledge, and analytical skills to meet the 
     challenges of the future;
       Whereas engineers play a crucial role in developing the 
     consensus engineering standards that promote global 
     collaboration and support reliable infrastructures;
       Whereas the sponsors of National Engineers Week are working 
     together to transform the engineering workforce through 
     greater inclusion of women and underrepresented minorities;
       Whereas the 2009 National Academy of Engineering and 
     National Research Council report entitled ``Engineering in K-
     12 Education'' highlighted the potential role for engineering 
     in primary and secondary education as a method to improve 
     learning and achievement in science and mathematics, increase 
     awareness of engineering and the work of engineers, help 
     students understand and engage in engineering design, build 
     interest in pursuing engineering as a career, and increase 
     technological literacy;
       Whereas an increasing number of the approximately 2,000,000 
     engineers in the United States are nearing retirement;
       Whereas National Engineers Week has developed into a formal 
     coalition of more than 100 professional societies, major 
     corporations, and Government agencies that are dedicated to 
     ensuring a diverse and well-educated engineering workforce, 
     promoting literacy in science, technology, engineering, and 
     math, and raising public awareness and appreciation of the 
     contributions of engineers to society;
       Whereas National Engineers Week is celebrated during the 
     week of George Washington's birthday to honor the 
     contributions that the first President, who was both a 
     military engineer and a land surveyor, made to engineering; 
     and
       Whereas February 14, 2010, to February 20, 2010, has been 
     designated as National Engineers Week by the National 
     Engineers Week Foundation and its coalition members: Now, 
     therefore, be it
       Resolved, That the House of Representatives--
       (1) supports the goals and ideals of National Engineers 
     Week to increase understanding of and interest in engineering 
     careers and to promote technological literacy and engineering 
     education; and
       (2) continues to work with the engineering community to 
     ensure that the creativity and contributions made by 
     engineers can be expressed through research, development, 
     standardization, and innovation.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Oregon (Mr. Wu) and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Broun) each will 
control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Oregon.


                             General Leave

  Mr. WU. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may 
have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and to 
include extraneous material on House Resolution 1097, the resolution 
now under consideration.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Oregon?
  There was no objection.
  Mr. WU. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1097, 
supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week.
  I would first like to thank my friend and colleague, the chairman of 
the Subcommittee on Research and Science Education, Mr. Lipinski, for 
introducing this resolution. As one of only a handful of engineers in 
Congress, Mr. Lipinski has and will continue to be a strong advocate 
for engineers and engineering on the Science and Technology Committee 
and in Congress.
  National Engineers Week, which was held from February 14 to February 
20, has grown into a formal coalition of more than 100 engineering, 
education, and cultural societies, major corporations, and government 
agencies. Its goal is to raise public awareness of the significant 
positive contributions to society by engineers and encourage students 
to become engineers.
  This resolution supports the goals and ideals of National Engineers 
Week. It also pledges that the House of Representatives will work with 
the engineering community to make sure that the creativity and 
contribution of the engineering community can be expressed through 
research, development, standardization, education, and innovation.
  This is a vitally important cause for our country's future well-
being. As China and India graduate record numbers of engineers, the 
number of engineering graduates in the United States is stagnant. This 
is a troubling sign for our ability to maintain our edge as the world's 
technologic leader.
  I might add that numbers alone do not tell the story. Quality, as 
well as quantity, counts, and traditionally we in this country have 
focused on quality and maintaining the best education system and the 
best professional and technical communities that we can, and we intend 
to maintain that lead in quality also.
  We also need to continue to highlight the importance engineers play 
in our

[[Page H985]]

society and encourage our young people to enter into these careers. 
Engineering is a challenging field, but one that can be truly rewarding 
for both the engineer and our society.
  I ask you to join me in supporting this effort, and urge passage of 
House Resolution 1097.
  I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. BROUN of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Madam Speaker, H. Res. 1097 supports the goals and ideals of National 
Engineers Week, which was celebrated this year February 14th through 
the 20th. The National Society of Professional Engineers established 
one of America's oldest professional outreach efforts, National 
Engineers Week, in 1951, to coincide with President George Washington's 
birthday. President Washington is considered our Nation's first 
engineer, notably for his survey work.
  National Engineers Week is observed by more than 70 engineering, 
education, and cultural societies, and more than 50 corporations and 
governing agencies. The purpose of National Engineers Week is to call 
attention to the contributions to society that engineers make. It is 
also a time for engineers to emphasize the importance of learning math, 
science, and technical skills.
  During this week, a wide range of activities are planned in order to 
promote interest in engineering and technology fields in the K-12 
levels. Some of the events this year included Introduce a Girl to 
Engineering Day, which was held on February 18th. Schools and 
businesses around the country used this to spark interest and 
enthusiasm for science and engineering among young women.
  Also Discover Engineering Family Day in Washington, D.C., occurred on 
February 20, 2010, at the National Building Museum. After a full day of 
hands-on activities and amazing demonstrations, kids and their parents 
went home with a new appreciation for the wonders of engineering.
  Engineers are a vital part of the American economy. Everywhere you 
turn, there is evidence of the hard work of an engineer. From designing 
and constructing cardiac pacemakers to the very form of transportation 
we use to move us from one place to another, engineering is all around 
us.
  I applaud our American engineers and their ingenuity and am pleased 
to see opportunities such as National Engineers Week that raise 
awareness and give credit to all of the engineers and their valuable 
work and contributions to society. I hope that the awareness spreads 
interest in this rewarding profession to all young people of this 
Nation.
  I support the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week, and I urge 
my colleagues to do the same.
  Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. WU. Madam Speaker, I now yield such time as he may consume to the 
gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski), the Chair of the Research 
Subcommittee of the Science and Technology Committee.
  Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding.
  Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 1097, supporting 
the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week. As one of only a 
handful of engineers in Congress, as Chairman Wu mentioned, I am proud 
to again sponsor this resolution honoring National Engineers Week.
  I would like to thank the gentleman from Michigan, Dr. Ehlers, for 
working with me on this resolution and on many other issues. 
Unfortunately for this institution and for America's science and 
technology policy, Dr. Ehlers announced a couple of weeks ago that he 
is retiring at the end of the year. We are going to miss his leadership 
and knowledge, especially in the area of science, technology, 
engineering, and math education. I will particularly miss working with 
him as a co-Chair of the STEM Ed Caucus. Promoting STEM Ed, and 
especially engineering education, is a big part of what National 
Engineers Week is all about.
  Two weeks ago marked the 20th anniversary of National Engineers Week, 
and for each of the 5 years I have introduced this resolution, it seems 
to get more important.

                              {time}  1445

  We continue to fall behind other countries in the STEM fields, with 
China seemingly poised to overtake us as the leading producer of 
knowledge within a decade. Our infrastructure continues to languish, 
and we face serious energy and water challenges in our country. At the 
same time, we face an urgent need to create jobs.
  If we want to solve these problems, any of these problems, we need 
engineers. Of course, engineers build bridges and airplanes, but they 
also are the ones who design our computer networks and turn new 
discoveries into products, industries, and jobs. The more than 2 
million engineers in the U.S. have helped make our country great, but 
we need more of them, and we need to recognize the contributions they 
have made and continue to make to our Nation.
  National Engineers Week seeks to address this problem through events 
aimed at educating youth and fostering public awareness about the vital 
contributions made by engineers to our quality of life and our economic 
prosperity. Through programs like Future City Competition, Introduce a 
Girl to Engineering Day, and the first robotics competition, the 
National Engineers Week Foundation confronts the challenge of 
encouraging more students to pursue careers in engineering. Engineering 
Week comprises numerous events like the ones I just mentioned.
  Another example is students learning the value of teamwork as they 
work in groups to create creative and practical solutions to some of 
the most important problems facing our Nation and the world. Projects 
like designing future cities make engineering come alive for students, 
planting a seed that can lead to further studies or a career in 
engineering. In fact, research shows our children's early experience 
with science and engineering are a stronger prediction of long-lasting 
interest in science fields than aptitude tests. By drawing upon 
volunteers throughout country, Engineers Week reaches thousands of 
parents, teachers, and students, exposing them to the excitement of 
engineering in a real and tangible way.
  I can attest that my own childhood experiences with science and 
engineering captivated me. As I grew up, I was always fascinated with 
the way things work. I remember going to the Museum of Science and 
Industry in Chicago. Touring the coal mine and watching the model 
trains run over this enormous track layout that they had were two of my 
favorite activities. These exhibits excited and captivated me. Most 
importantly, though, I remember the teachers in school who helped mold 
this childhood fascination into an interest in engineering. All these 
experiences instilled in me the knowledge, confidence, and intellectual 
curiosity needed to pursue an undergraduate degree in mechanical 
engineering at Northwestern University, and a master's degree in 
systems engineering at Stanford.
  One of the central goals of National Engineers Week is to provide 
this kind of inspiration, inspiration that I had as a child, to inspire 
the next generation of students. We desperately need these students, 
since it's projected that by 2012, about 46 percent of all engineering 
jobs could become vacant due to retirement by the aging workforce. 
Educating and exciting America's youth about engineering and science 
needs to be a national priority. I understand personally that an 
engineering education is useful, no matter what someone decides to do. 
My education helps me understand science and technology issues, STEM 
education, transportation, manufacturing, and risk analysis.
  But it is more than knowledge. Engineering is problem-solving. There 
are so many problems that we need to find solutions to, in our Nation 
and in the world, and engineers will be involved in finding all of 
these solutions.
  Madam Speaker, I'd like to again thank the gentleman from Michigan, 
Dr. Ehlers, as well as the 27 other cosponsors of this resolution. I'd 
also like to thank Senator Kaufman for introducing a companion 
resolution in the Senate. Above all, I'd especially like to thank the 
engineers who have contributed so much to America and honor them for 
their commitment to continuing to better our society. I urge my 
colleagues to pass this resolution.
  Mr. BROUN of Georgia. A lot of kids in this country think that 
engineers

[[Page H986]]

just drive trains, and it's unfortunate that that's true. But this 
bill, recognizing the work of engineers, is so important. Our service 
academies have big engineering departments--in all of our military 
service academies. In my own field of medicine, it's engineers in the 
medical field that create a lot of the new products that have helped 
save lives in America and has helped us have the best health care 
system in the world.
  Bringing forth the idea of educating the American public to the 
importance of engineering, I think, is extremely valuable. We need to 
encourage our kids to consider careers in engineering because we owe, 
in our economy and in our society, a tremendous amount not only to 
those engineers that drive the trains around and help deliver the goods 
that we need throughout the country, but the other engineers that go to 
great lengths to help improve our lives and have made America the 
greatest Nation in the world for our innovation and our technology. And 
it's engineers that we owe just a tremendous debt of gratitude to for 
what they do for this society.
  So I'm very eager to see this legislation pass. I'm very proud to be 
here on the floor managing this bill. And I encourage all of our 
Members to support this legislation so that young men and women across 
this Nation can understand the importance of engineering--that all of 
society can--and will help to develop interest in the engineering field 
so that young men and women will go into engineering so we can continue 
with the design and innovation that has made this country great and 
will continue the greatness of America.
  With that, I congratulate Mr. Lipinski and my good friend, Dr. 
Ehlers, for this legislation. I ask all of our colleagues to support 
this legislation.
  Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. WU. I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  I want to agree with my good friend and colleague from Georgia that 
America does indeed, does indeed, have the best care system in the 
world, if you can pay for it. And the great struggle in which we find 
ourselves today is the challenge of coming together--of coming together 
to help all Americans be able to pay for their health care. And I want 
to thank my friend for his service as a physician and as a Member of 
this body.
  I also want to thank Dr. Ehlers, a Ph.D. and physicist, for his 
service in this body. We have worked on many issues together in a 
bipartisan fashion because these tend to be the issues which come 
before the Science and Technology Committee. For years, I was his 
ranking member and he was the chairman. For a few years, I was the 
chairman and he was my ranking member. It did not matter who was 
playing which role in our agreement or, quite frankly, in our 
disagreement. But we were always honest about it, and we were able to 
work together for the public good. Dr. Ehlers, Vern, thank you for your 
public service.
  Today, I hope that my parents are actually watching C-SPAN because 
they are both research engineers. At a certain level, I remain 
concerned that they still regret that I left science and technology, 
first for law, and now for what I'll call public service. When I was 
here on this floor being sworn in, I can remember seeing them right 
there. And what was going through my head was, You know, I wonder if my 
dad is still angry that I left science and technology. He cares about 
it, and my mom does also, because they realize that engineering is hard 
and that it's important. Recognition in this resolution today is 
appropriate because it recognizes that engineering is hard.
  All of us can remember that when we went through college, the 
engineers took these classes where they worked really, really hard, and 
they got three credits for it. We took some other things that weren't 
quite as hard, and we got five credits for it. So it is a difficult 
thing for a student, and it remains challenging as a young 
professional. I think that this body and this Nation should recognize 
and celebrate those things which are hard, at least in part just 
because they are hard. We should do some things because they are hard; 
we should do more of. That is the American way--to work your way 
through, to earn your way through, to step up to the challenge.
  Today, we take a small step with this resolution of recognition. I 
ask that all Members support H.R. 1097.
  I'm happy to yield to the gentleman from Georgia.
  Mr. BROUN of Georgia. I thank the gentleman for yielding a moment.
  I was just sitting here thinking, I'm sure Mr. Wu's parents are 
extremely proud of him, and he can tell them that he is engaged in 
engineering. He's engaged in policy engineering and social engineering 
here in the U.S. House of Representatives. And I'm proud that he's my 
friend. We have a great time in Science and Technology because we can 
work together and can put personalities aside. Mr. Wu has been just a 
phenomenal friend and member of this committee, and I congratulate him. 
I'm sure the Wu family is extremely proud of him, even though he's not 
in technical engineering. He's involved in some kind of engineering 
here in another form today.
  Mr. WU. I thank the gentleman. I am concerned about my dad. I think 
my mom realizes that I'm doing my best, and I'm just trying to keep 
science and technology and engineering well funded through this 
committee.
  Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 
1097, a resolution recognizing National Engineers Week and the great 
contributions of engineers across this nation. From increasing energy 
efficiency to designing world-class skyscrapers to launching the space 
shuttle, engineers have paved the way for American progress. Our modern 
society exists as a testament to their commitment to invention, 
imagination and scientific wonder. Engineers have written the pages of 
our history while also plotting the direction of our future. National 
Engineers Week recognizes the accomplishments of America's engineers 
and promotes a new generation of discovery.
  Today, engineers are tackling the largest issues of our time. For 
example, Argonne National Laboratory, located in my home state of 
Illinois, is working with government, industry and international 
partners to provide nuclear energy that is safe, dependable and 
environmentally manageable. Educational institutions such as the 
Engineering Department at Western Illinois University have nurtured 
creativity and leadership among its students for decades. Western's 
reputation for excellence has drawn students from around the world and 
has produced not only fine engineers but also extraordinary leaders of 
business and science.
  Among the many reasons I joined the Congressional Science, 
Technology, Engineering and Mathematics, S.T.E.M., Education Caucus was 
to promote ingenuity among the bright minds of the American people. 
Engineering is a key component to providing the solutions our nation 
needs to take on the challenges that lie ahead. I am proud to tout the 
impressive engineering feats that have taken place throughout my 
district in both the public and private sectors of West Central 
Illinois. I hope to continue working with my colleagues on the S.T.E.M. 
Education Caucus to craft bipartisan, pro-engineering legislation to 
boost America to the forefront of global competitiveness once more.
  America's future is only bound by our imagination. The imagination 
and innovation of America's engineers will continue to promote the 
growth and development of America, ensuring that our future will have 
no limit. Engineers have not only contributed to our stride in science 
and technology, but to our economy, our culture and our lives.
  Madam Speaker, I commend my colleague from Illinois, Representative 
Daniel Lipinski for introducing this worthy resolution which merits 
congressional action. I invite all of our colleagues to recognize 
National Engineers Week so that we may honor their contributions, past, 
present and future.
  Mr. BLUMENAUER. Madam Speaker, I strongly support H. Res. 1097, 
Supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week. Throughout 
my career at the local, State and Federal level, I have worked with 
engineers in Oregon and around the country on some of the world's 
biggest challenges. From addressing climate change to creating livable 
communities to helping deliver clean water to poor people around the 
world, engineers are often the first to roll up their sleeves and build 
solutions.
  Over the past 10 years, I have seen a revolution within the 
engineering community, as both companies and individuals have been 
playing increasingly innovative roles. Organizations such as the 
American Council of Engineering Companies and the American Society of 
Civil Engineers have done a tremendous job of educating Members of 
Congress and the public about the infrastructure challenges this Nation 
faces as well as presenting commonsense solutions. I hope they will 
continue to work to leverage their colleagues and their communities to 
make even more progress on these fronts.

[[Page H987]]

  Engineers are leading the charge to renew and rebuild America in an 
economically and environmentally sustainable way, and I am pleased that 
we can honor them with this resolution highlighting National Engineers 
Week.
  Mr. WU. Madam Speaker, I ask all Members to support the resolution, 
and I yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the motion offered by the 
gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Wu) that the House suspend the rules and 
agree to the resolution, H. Res. 1097.
  The question was taken.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds 
being in the affirmative, the ayes have it.
  Mr. WU. Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a 
quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not 
present.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.
  The point of no quorum is considered withdrawn.

                          ____________________