[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.
____________________