Washington, D.C. – Senate Energy Committee Chairman Pete V. Domenici today applauded National Engineers Week (February 19-16, 2006) as a time for engineers and government agencies to reach out to communities, schools and businesses to raise public awareness of engineers’ positive contributions to the qualities of life.  National Engineers Week works to promote increased math and science education and motivates youth to pursue future careers in science and engineering fields.

Chairman Domenici’s statement:

“I commend the organizers of National Engineering Week for bringing attention to the importance and excitement of the engineering field.  Engineering is a terrific career for young people who want to make the world a better place, and want to contribute to their nations’ future.  Our nation needs to encourage and support the next generation of engineers to keep our economy strong and competitive in the high-tech, global marketplace.”

Chairman Domenici, along with Senators Jeff Bingaman, Lamar Alexander, and Barbara Mikulski, last month introduced a package of three bills aimed at helping America maintain its leading edge in science and technology. The bills, collectively titled the Protect America’s Competitive Edge (PACE) Act, calls for increased investment in research and educations for future American scientists and engineers, as well as investment in current and future math and science teachers.                      

###