Daniel Lipinski

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank Chairman Skelton and Ranking Member Hunter for placing this amendment en bloc. It is a bipartisan amendment that I offered along with Mr. Inglis, Mr. Markey, and Mr. Kirk. This amendment simply requires the Department of Defense, where feasible, to begin using high-efficiency light bulbs whenever a light bulb is installed. Currently, compact fluorescent light bulbs, known as CFLs, are the most energy efficient. CFLs use about 75 percent less energy than standard bulbs, last 8 to 10 times longer and can save over $74 over the lifetime of a single bulb. When you consider that the DOD has over 240,000 buildings in the U.S. alone, it is clear that this requirement is a practical way to make significant progress in lowering energy consumption, reducing greenhouse gas emissions, and promoting energy independence while at the same time saving millions of taxpayer dollars. At a time when we struggle with a new energy plan, this is a rare win-win-win opportunity, and I ask for your support.

Mr. LIPINSKI. I certainly agree with the gentleman, and I think we need to do more to make sure we are enforcing our Buy America provisions that we currently have in law, and certainly we need to do it here.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor two innovative organizations that positively impact over 30 Chicagoland communities-- the West Central Municipal Conference (WCMC) and the West Cook County Solid Waste Agency (WCCSWA). Through dedicated and distinguished leadership, these associations continue to foster the improvement of local government, provide quality service to citizens, and enhance the overall quality of life for area residents. Today, I would especially like to recognize and thank WCMC and WCCSWA Executive Director Richard Pellegrino, 2007 WCMC Executive Committee President Harold J. Wiaduck, and 2007 WCCSWA Executive Committee President Michael J. Garvey. Since 1980, the West Central Municipal Conference has served as the regional council of governments (COG) in west suburban Cook County. Currently, WCMC has eight standing committees that focus on areas such as buildings and codes, finance, legislative advocacy, intergovernmental affairs, public works, transportation, and public safety. The committees strive to achieve municipal cooperation, communication, community outreach, and fiscal responsibility. I am privileged today to acknowledge the incoming 2008 WCMC Executive Committee members: President Daniel Pritchett of Franklin Park; Vice President Paul Gattuso of Westchester; Treasurer Roy F. McCampbell of Bellwood; Director Frank A. Pasquale of Bellwood; Director Peter N. Silvestri of Elmwood Park; Director Anthony T. Calderone of Forest Park; Director James L. Discipio of LaGrange Park; Director Jeffrey T. Sherwin of Northlake; Director Patrick T. Rogers of Lyons Township; Director John D. Dalicandro of Elmwood Park; Director Patrick R. Higgins of Western Springs; and Ex-Officio Member Harold J. Wiaduck of Riverside. The West Cook County Solid Waste Agency, established in 1989, facilitates the efficient and environmentally sound collection, transportation, transfer, processing, treatment, storage, disposal, recovery, and reuse of municipal waste in west Cook County, Illinois. WCCSWA not only administers recycling programs such as the Household Hazardous Waste Collection Program, the Regional Disposal Project, and the Electronics Recycling Program, but organizes community events that include lawn care buy-backs and paint exchanges. Through its consumer assistance and school education programming, the agency helps citizens make sound environmental decisions and promotes the importance of recycling to young people. I am also honored today to recognize the 2008 WCCSWA Executive Committee members: President Michael J. Garvey of Brookfield; Vice President Wayne Straza of Countryside; Treasurer Roy F. McCampbell of Bellwood; Director Kevin Barr of Schiller Park; Director Guy Belmonte of North Riverside; Director Karen Rozmus of Oak Park; and Director Marilyn May of River Grove. The service and contributions made to west Cook County by the West Central Municipal Conference and the West Cook County Solid Waste Agency are extraordinary. I am pleased to honor the staff members, the committee members, and all those who make the activities of these organizations possible. As we work tirelessly to improve the lives of area citizens, I look forward to continuing to serve our communities with the current 2007 and future 2008 Executive Committee members, as well as other WCMC and WCCSWA leaders.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, as a past NSF grant recipient, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1867, the National Science Foundation Reauthorization Act of 2007. I want to thank Chairman Gordon, Chairman Baird and Dr. Ehlers for their work in bringing this strong bill to the floor today. Today, we stand at the cusp of numerous technological breakthroughs that will completely revolutionize our way of life; from hydrogen and other advanced fuels technologies that will free us from our addiction to oil, to nanotechnology that has the potential to impact virtually every sector of our economy. Much of this research has been made possible by grants from NSF, and by passing this bill we are continuing our support of American researchers, scientists, engineers, educators and students who will ensure that these breakthroughs continue and that America continues to lead the world technologically and economically. I would like to point out that consideration of this legislation comes on the heels of last week's passage of the 10,000 Teachers, 10 Million Minds and Sowing the Seeds legislation. Both of these bills were introduced in response to the recommendations of the Rising Above the Gathering Storm report, which was commissioned by Congress to help the U.S. compete, prosper and be secure in the global community of the 21st century. This legislation we are considering today, which puts us on a path to double NSF funding over 10 years, will further build our commitment to competitiveness, being led in the House by Chairman Gordon. The NSF has a broad mission of supporting science and engineering and funding basic research across many disciplines. Basic research is very necessary, yet oftentimes, because it does not directly, only indirectly lead to advances, does not receive private funding. The NSF does this. This legislation also specifically calls on the director of NSF to give special consideration to research proposals having high importance for future national economic competitiveness. This is critically needed. One example is nanotechnology, a very promising field of research that has the potential to revolutionize our society from defense to health care to energy to environmental cleanup. This will help. The bill also gives special consideration to partnerships between academics, industrial scientists and businesses. I have spoken to a lot of professors and administrators at universities who say this is a major problem in our country of taking research and getting it to the market, and this will help to do this. Mr. Chairman, earlier today I had the opportunity to meet with five American scientists who each just recently won a Nobel Prize. They all emphasize that continued support of the NSF is crucial to America's future success, just as it is critical to their successes. So, as a proud cosponsor of this bill, I urge the House to heed the advice of those on the cutting edge of science and take another step in bolstering American competitiveness by passing H.R. 1867.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Matsui amendment. As Members of Congress, we all understand just how critical communications skills are, whether we are trying to influence our colleagues during debate such as tonight, or trying to explain a vote to our constituents. If you cannot communicate effectively, the value of ideas can be lost and all of your work may be lost. The same is true for our Nation's scientists as they attempt to convey their work to colleagues and especially to nonscientific audience. This afternoon, when I had the opportunity to speak with five recent American Nobel laureate scientists, I was very impressed by their ability to explain their work. I may even say I was surprised. Why? Because, unfortunately, scientists are not always the most gifted speakers, and this is not a skill that we regularly find taught in graduate schools. Dr. Ehlers was obviously doing a much better job when he was a professor, but this is not something that I have found as a professor that is taught very often. And I speak from experience both as a professor and as an engineer, and perhaps some may say I personally provide evidence supporting this generalization. So the Matsui amendment addresses this problem by helping to provide communication training to our Nation's young scientists. If scientists can help better explain their research, it will help us as policymakers as they come to explain and we could choose the best path to move forward, especially in the Science Committee. And perhaps business leaders will be better able to turn some academic research into a good marketable product if they can understand what this research can do. Finally, I believe that the ability of our scientists to more effectively communicate scientific information will inspire more children to pursue a career in science. No one is inspired by something that they don't know because they are unable to understand it. I thank Congresswoman Matsui for offering this amendment, and I urge my colleagues for joining me in supporting it.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill, H.R. 363, as amended.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 362, a bill that is critically important for America's future. I thank Chairman Gordon for his hard work on this issue of science education and for making H.R. 362 a priority in this Congress. I also thank Representative Hall, ranking member of the committee, for his work on this bill and for his continuing work in a bipartisan manner in this committee to get things done that we need done for America. Numerous studies have shown that our students are falling behind the international curve on math and science. When I was a college professor, I certainly saw far too many students coming to college unprepared. Today, we see that America is at a crossroads. The path that we choose will dictate our standing in the world for decades to come. If we continue business as usual, we jeopardize America's competitiveness and the prosperity that we have all come to enjoy. Instead, we must do all that we can to make sure that Americans are prepared by a world-class math and science education. America's high standard of living depends on this. That is why H.R. 362 is a vital part of an American innovation agenda that will help to guarantee a continued prosperity in America's future. Right now, many school districts throughout the country are finding it increasingly difficult to find good math and science teachers. Lyons Township High School Superintendent Dennis Kelly has spoken to me recently about the difficulties that they are having finding these teachers, and I hear this all across my district and all across the country. This bill targets this problem and offers viable solutions to recruiting new teachers, as well as developing and supporting current ones. H.R. 362 will expand the Noyce Teacher Scholarship Program at the National Science Foundation allowing more universities to be able to host programs for recruiting students into teaching. This is a vital part of our educational system, connecting universities with K-12 education. This will ensure that our children have an abundance of qualified, well-equipped math and science teachers who will prepare them for their future. I have a special understanding of the impact that teachers have on children's lives, especially when it comes to inspiring students in math and science. In addition to being a former college professor, I am only one of the handful of Members of Congress with a degree in engineering. In addition, my wife has a degree in math, and we often talk about the teachers who have inspired us. I will always remember my high school physics teacher, Father Fergus, who inspired me to pursue a degree in engineering, and I also will always remember Father Thul who really inspired me in mathematics. It is vital that we pass this bill and continue to produce these teachers that continue to inspire our children and make our future more secure.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Clerk be authorized to conform the table of contents to the text of H.R. 362.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, today I am introducing the Bulb Replacement In Government with high-efficiency Technology Energy Savings Act, otherwise known as the BRIGHT energy savings act. Today Americans are rightly concerned about the impact of foreign energy dependence on our national security and the effect of global climate change on the future of our planet. The BRIGHT Energy Savings Act will help us to address both of these issues by cutting down significantly on energy use by the Federal government, and at the same time it will save millions of taxpayer dollars. It's a win for the environment, a win for national security, and a win for American taxpayers. This bill directs the GSA to replace commonly used low efficiency light bulbs with high efficiency bulbs whenever a new bulb is installed in a GSA-owned federal building. The impact of the BRIGHT Energy Savings Act could be significant. The GSA owns approximately 1,800 facilities with about 174 million square feet of space. At least 3 million lights throughout the Federal government could be upgraded to high efficiency bulbs. One type of high efficiency bulb that could be used is the Energy Star-certified Compact Fluorescent Light bulb, also known as a CFL. CFLs use approximately 75 percent less energy than incandescent bulbs to provide the same amount of light and they last approximately 8-10 times longer. Replacing an ordinary bulb with a comparable CFL saves up to $74 in energy costs over the bulb's lifetime. It's easy to see that hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars can be saved by implementing this bill. As an engineer by training, I am fascinated by the promise of new and emerging technologies and what they mean for our future. In addition to CFLs, new halogen technologies are expected to become commercially available later this year. Further down the road, LEDs (light-emitting diodes) will revolutionize the lighting industry, leading to vastly more efficient lighting and the prospect of bulbs that do not burn out. Much of this technology represents American ingenuity and innovation, and provides hope for a brighter future. And with the Federal government purchasing large quantities of these high efficiency bulbs, this next generation of technology will be less costly to put in American homes. Reduced energy consumption, lower greenhouse gas emissions, and saved taxpayer dollars. It's a common sense, practical measure that is simply the right thing to do. A bipartisan group of more than 35 members have already joined us on the BRIGHT Energy Savings Act; clearly, the future is bright.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, this bill represents a great example of what we can be doing and should be doing in this country. We have legislation here that takes advantage of our great American universities and all of the knowledge, wisdom that is there, the research ability of these institutions, and puts that together with American industry to come up with ways that we can both save American jobs, grow American jobs, and help to protect the environment. As Representative Hall said, a dollar in this program saves a barrel of oil. It is a great opportunity and a great example of what we should be doing more of here in this Congress. I would like to thank Representatives Ehlers and Akin for their support also on this legislation. I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 1126) to reauthorize the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1126, the bill now under consideration.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 1126, legislation reauthorizing the Steel and Aluminum Energy Conservation and Technology Competitiveness Act of 1988, also known as the Metals Initiative. Today, the steel industry and other metals industry, including aluminum and copper, are important parts of our national economy; and they must remain innovative in order to stay competitive in the increasingly global economy. It is vital to ensure that these industries are fully prepared to confront the challenges they face. This bill will help develop the innovative tools needed to grow valuable American jobs and businesses, and to protect the environment, by tapping into good old-fashioned American ingenuity. Originally passed by the 100th Congress, the Metals Initiative authorizes Federal cost-sharing of research whose goals are threefold: first, enhancing energy efficiency; second, increasing the competitiveness of American industries; and, third, improving the environment through reductions in greenhouse gas emissions. More specifically, this legislation promotes collaborative, public- private cost-shared research between American industry, the Department of Energy, and institutions of higher education. The bill would reauthorize the Metals Initiative at $12 million per year for fiscal year 2008 through fiscal year 2012 to fund advanced metals research. The success of the American steel industry has a special personal significance to me. My father-in-law was a steelworker at Bethlehem Steel in Johnstown, Pennsylvania, until he lost his job when his plant closed due to foreign competition. This bill will help prevent further loss of good American jobs like his by using American innovation to increase the competitiveness of our domestic industry. While American industries have significantly modernized, the pace of technology and the competition from overseas is relentless. Reauthorization of this bill is essential to grow American jobs, keep the customers of metal industries strong, and ensure that we have a domestic supply of the materials we need for our national defense. The results of this program speak for themselves. Since its inception, the Metals Initiative has delivered numerous technologies to the factory floor, resulting in incredible environmental and energy savings while increasing the competitive position of the steel industry and the domestic manufacturing sector. In the Chicago area, schools such as my alma mater Northwestern University have participated in this program, as well as companies such as IPSCO. Because of the advances made in steel production, partially through the industry's partnership with DOE, the steel industry as a whole used 28 percent less energy per ton in 2004 than it did in 1990. In addition, this research has produced several successful and important technological breakthroughs, including the development of advanced high-strength steels and ultra-lightweight steel automobile bodies, meaning lighter, safer and more energy-efficient cars. Recently, these advanced technologies were applied to a new, lightweight military vehicle, yielding performance improvements including 25 percent weight savings and 50 percent fuel efficiency improvements. Through this partnership program, the U.S. Army now has a next generation tactical vehicle that is agile and responsive. These advances, applied to the civilian versions of the vehicle, add a substantial further positive impact to our Nation's economy. It is also important to note that the Federal funds in this program are given to the schools to conduct the research. Companies are not the recipients of funds, and they must provide a share of the cost of the research. But the American company that provides that match has the first opportunity to take advantage of the research findings and improve their manufacturing operations, benefiting American workers. H.R. 1126 is simply a great example of how public-private partnership can benefit American workers and taxpayers, while saving energy, improving the environment, and accelerating the development and implementation of modern technology. All Americans can benefit from commonsense programs such as this one, and I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 1126. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, today we salute and honor the life of Casimir Pulaski. Casimir Pulaski was born in Poland and gained extensive military experience there before moving to the United States in 1777. At that time, the U.S. was in the midst of the Revolutionary War, and George Washington's army was in need of experienced commanders. Casimir Pulaski bravely volunteered to serve with the American troops, famously stating, ``I came here, where freedom is being defended, to serve it, and to live or die for it.'' Casimir Pulaski soon distinguished himself in battles at Brandywine and Charleston before being fatally wounded during the Battle of Savannah. However, his military legacy lives on, as he is still known as the ``Father of the American Cavalry''. As Illinois celebrates Casimir Pulaski Day today, it is my honor to join in recognizing the life and achievements of that great patriot. In Congress, I am working with many of my colleagues to pass legislation that would make Casimir Pulaski a citizen posthumously. I believe this is a fitting tribute for a man who did so much to win the independence, rights and liberties that Americans enjoy today.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this resolution and in support of a new policy in Iraq. Up until this point, the Bush administration's Iraq policy over the last 3\1/2\ years appears to be one of America's worst foreign policy blunders. More than 3,100 of our brave men and women in uniform have been killed and more than 24,000 have been wounded, many very seriously, and hundreds of billions of dollars have been spent and in some cases wasted. This has resulted from the tactical mistakes, errors in judgment and other major missteps by the Bush administration. It is painfully clear that a change in strategy in Iraq is needed now. We need a plan for bringing stability to Iraq and bringing our troops home. Unfortunately, the President's plan to add over 20,000 additional troops does not provide this, and, therefore, I must support this resolution. I see three main flaws in the President's plan. First, the administration has not provided convincing evidence that this surge will succeed after many similar plans have failed. After almost 4 years in Iraq, the American people are asking, why should we have faith in this plan and place more troops in harm's way? Second, by failing to provide clear benchmarks for success or a time frame by which we can expect the surge to yield positive results, the President's plan appears to commit our country to a ``stay the course'' strategy with no clear end in sight. Aid should be tied to a deadline for progress by the Iraqi Government. Third, and most importantly, the President continues to place too much emphasis on a military solution, when it is clear that force alone will not solve this crisis. Solutions must support broad international engagement to promote stability and reconstruction in Iraq and must address political, economic and religious issues. Because of the need for such a plan, earlier this year I laid out a set of recommendations, and this week I introduced H.Res. 152 based on these. My proposal consists of three core recommendations. First, encourage achievement of important goals and national reconciliation, security and governance by arranging a peace conference for Iraq's ethnic and religious factions, similar to the conference that led to the Dayton Accords. One venue for this would be El Salvador, which has shown a strong commitment to stabilizing and rebuilding Iraq and has gone through its own recent history of a bloody civil war and ensuing reconciliation. But wherever and however it is done, the political, economic and religious issues must be addressed if peace and security are to be established in Iraq. And it is essential that more pressure be put on the Iraqi Government and all interested parties in Iraq to find and accept real solutions so the American forces can begin withdrawal. The second recommendation is to seek international cooperation to develop solutions for Iraq. This should include calling an international conference that will work on putting together a peacekeeping force and setting up an international reconstruction program. Iraq's strategic position in the volatile Middle East, its potential to become a terrorist safe haven, its large supply of oil and the great potential for a humanitarian catastrophe make security in Iraq a critical international issue. It is time for America to engage the nations of the world to encourage them to address this international crisis. The final recommendation is to require the administration to give Congress detailed reports on the situation in Iraq so that we can make informed decisions regarding funding for reconstruction and deciding when American forces can be redeployed. This new Congress has been vigorously conducting oversight after 3\1/2\ years of congressional neglect, but we must have the full cooperation of the administration. If the recommendations laid out in my resolution are followed, I believe American troops can begin redeployment in 2007, leaving a secure, stable Iraq. As the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops stated, ``The search for genuine justice and peace in Iraq requires moral urgency, substantive dialogue and new direction.'' Unfortunately, the President does not give us this. That is why his plan is discouraging to many Americans who are weary of this war. But no one is wearier than our troops and their families. This past weekend I spoke to a soldier who spent 13 months in Iraq and will likely be returning. He told me that it is important to make sure that we let our troops know that they have our complete support. We cannot let anything in this debate be construed otherwise. If this surge occurs even after we pass this resolution, we must continue to support our troops and pray for them every day, so that by God's grace they can succeed in their mission.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding educator in my district, Mrs. Dawn Gasior. For 27 years, Mrs. Gasior has tirelessly served her students and the entire St. Symphorosa Parish community. As a result of her dedicated and enthusiastic efforts, she was recently nominated for the Archdiocese of Chicago's ``Heart of the School'' Award. A long-time Clearing resident and student at St. Symphorosa from 1963 to 1971, Mrs. Gasior returned to the school in 1980 to establish a Kindergarten program and began teaching the second grade in 1984. Mrs. Gasior still teaches the second grade today and especially enjoys teaching the Sacraments. She not only provides valuable insight and moral guidance in the classroom, but also offers support to the parish through her work as a Eucharistic Minister. The Archdiocese of Chicago's ``Heart of the School'' Award annually recognizes 14 teachers for their outstanding, unique, and innovative accomplishments. This year, the Archdiocese is acknowledging Mrs. Gasior in the area of Catholic School Identity and Mission for her work in the design and implementation of effective catechetical approaches in the curriculum and for her commitment to promoting peace and justice. Mrs. Gasior's nomination is a tribute to her work and a reflection of the Chicago Archdiocesan pledge to develop educated, thoughtful, and moral students. It is my honor to commend Mrs. Dawn Gasior for her achievements as an outstanding teacher and advocate of Catholic education. She, along with countless other educators, serves to enhance our overall education system--impacting one student at a time. I thank Dawn, along with all of our Nation's teachers, for their dedication, passion, and noble service.

Mr. LIPINSKI

Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I rise today to support H. Res. 59, supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week. National Engineers Week takes place this year February 18 through February 24. This is not a random week that is chosen; it is chosen because this is the week that we celebrate George Washington's birthday. George Washington is widely recognized as our Nation's first engineer. Engineers have helped make our country great from their service in the American Revolution to developing key modern industries, such as aerospace and energy. I would like to honor and recognize the more than 2 million engineers in the United States and the contributions that they have made to our country. Engineers are at the forefront of human advances because engineers combine imagination and creativity, with math and science training to solve problems. Engineers are not just builders, as they are sometimes envisioned; they are problem solvers. This is one of the first things I was taught when I was a graduate student at Stanford University in the department of engineering economic systems. Engineers in the past have helped build the boats to cross the seas, railroads to take us west, and the Internet to communicate with the world. We need the innovative capability of engineers to confront the problems and challenges before us today. Engineers will help Americans develop energy independence, find solutions to confront global climate change, and make our Nation more secure. I have a unique perspective as only one of a handful of engineers in Congress. Besides my Master's degree from Stanford, I earned a Bachelor's degree from Northwestern University in mechanical engineering. I have seen that America is falling behind other countries in this discipline. U.S. students continue to score below international averages on math and science tests. It has been reported that in 2004 China graduated more than six times the number of engineers that graduated in the U.S. On a recent tour of Northern Illinois University's college of engineering and engineering technology, I again heard how few Americans are getting engineering degrees, especially graduate degrees. It is great that America has such top universities that we are attracting some of the brightest minds from around the world to come to study here, but we are beginning to lose more and more of these students when they graduate and they go back home. This is harmful to America's future. In 2005, the National Academy of Sciences released a report entitled, ``Rising Above the Gathering Storm,'' which raised questions about America's future technological competitiveness. This report echoed by the President of the United States in the State of the Union address last year emphasized the need for government to take a number of actions, including addressing the potential for a shortage of engineers. We must act quickly to take up this challenge. We cannot let another year go by and we cannot afford to let our economic future falter, and that future requires continuing technological innovation supplied by our Nation's engineers. National Engineers Week seeks to raise public awareness about engineers' contributions to society and our quality of life. It has inspired future engineers for more than 50 years. Founded by the National Society of Professional Engineers, including more than 100 society, government, and business sponsors and affiliates, including Boeing, the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and the American Council of Engineering Companies, National Engineers Week draws upon local and regional experts to promote high levels of math, science, and technology literacy. Annually, it reaches thousands of parents, teachers, and students in communities across the country. From national and regional engineering competitions such as the Future City Competition, to events such as Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day, this week helps inspire the next generation of engineers and scientists. If we are going to produce more American engineers, one needed step is to improve STEM education, that is science, technology, engineering and math education. But we must also do more to inspire our children to become interested in engineering. When I was growing up in Chicago, I was fascinated in learning how things work, as most kids are. I remember it was Father Fergus who taught me physics in high school at St. Ignatius, and in that class he took my childhood fascination with how things worked and got me interested in engineering. He spurred me to follow up on that when I went to college. We need events such as National Engineers Week and things that go on within the week to help encourage and inspire more kids to go into engineering. We have to do everything we can to inspire future engineers so that America continues its leadership in this increasingly competitive world. I would like to thank the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Inglis) for his involvement also with this National Engineers Week resolution. And I would like to especially thank the engineers that contributed so much to America and to honor them for their commitment to continue working to better our society. I ask my colleagues to support H. Res. 59 in its deserved recognition. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks, and to include extraneous material on H. Res. 59, the resolution now under consideration.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 59) supporting the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week, and for other purposes.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time. We have no more speakers besides myself.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I thank Mr. Inglis, Mr. Gingrey and Mr. Hall for their support on this resolution. As an engineer but also as a former political science professor, I do not want to disparage political science whatsoever. However, it is clear that America does need more engineers, and to do this we have to value engineers and engineering much more in this country. I am very hopeful that this resolution is going to be the first step that this Congress takes to not only honor our current engineers but also inspire more American children to become engineers and to find the solutions to the challenges that we face today. We need to do more. We need to take more steps. We need to improve science, technology, engineering, math, known as STEM education. We need more R&D funding; but today, let us just take this first step and urge my colleagues to take this first step. Vote for H. Res. 59 and honor engineers during National Engineers Week.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Eddie Bernice Johnson).

Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt), the distinguished plasma physicist.