Washington, DC – Today the House of Representatives passed a resolution cosponsored by Congressman Akin (R-MO) that supports National Engineers Week. Congressman Akin a member of the House Committee on Science handled the floor debate on the resolution. The following comments were included in Akin's statement:

"The National Society of Professional Engineers established the first National Engineers Week in 1951. Throughout all of next week, a wide range of activities are planned around the theme of "Engineers Make a World of Difference" in order to increase the understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers and to promote K-12 literacy in math and science. These activities will also highlight the contributions that engineers have made to our society.

"Historically, Engineers Week is celebrated during the week of George Washington's actual birthday, to honor his contributions to engineering, as a military engineer and a land surveyor.

As our first President, he put our new Nation on a path toward technical advancements, invention, and education. "We continue down that path today, which has grown exponentially into multiple and complex highways of innovation. It is our engineers, literally and figuratively, who build those highways and help keep us ahead of the innovation curve. From landing a man on the Moon to designing bags to carry our groceries, engineers play a role in nearly every facet of our lives.

"Just a few weeks ago, the National Science Foundation released the 2008 Science and Engineering Indicators, loaded with statistics on our nation's engineering future. It is essential that we capitalize on opportunities such as National Engineers Week to raise awareness of the valuable work and contributions of engineers to society to attract young people of all ages to this rewarding profession. "I support the goals and ideals of National Engineers Weak, and I urge my colleagues to join me in this support."