| Sponsor | Rep. Lipinski, Daniel |
| Committee | Science and Technology |
| Date | February 10, 2009 (111th Congress, 1st Session) |
| Staff Contact | Adam Hepburn |
H.Res. 117 is being considered on the floor under suspension of the rules, requiring a two-thirds majority vote for passage. This legislation was introduced by Representative Daniel Lipinski (D-IL) on February 4, 2009.
H.Res. 117 resolves that the House of Representatives:
- "Supports the goals and ideals of National Engineers Week and its aims to increase understanding of and interest in engineering and technology careers and to promote literacy in math and science; and
- "Will work with the engineering community to make sure that the creativity and contribution of that community can be expressed through research, development, standardization, and innovation."
President Obama has designated the week of February 15-21, 2009, as National Engineers Week. National Engineers Week is celebrated during the week of George Washington's birthday. The first President was a military engineer and land surveyor. National Engineers Week aims to raise public awareness of engineers' significant contributions to society. The week is sponsored by a coalition of over 70 engineering, education, and cultural societies, as well as over 50 corporations and government agencies.
According to a 2006 National Academy of the Sciences report, fewer American students are focusing on engineering in college. This comes as many of the United States' two million engineers are nearing retirement age. Engineers make many important contributions to American society, such as rebuilding towns after natural disasters, building information technology systems, and engaging in research and development.