ASME Applauds President's Call for Commitment To Education and Innovation

Washington, D.C., Jan. 26, 2011– The American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME) today praised President Obama’s call for a renewed focus on education and innovation issues, as he stated in yesterday’s State of the Union address.  The Society reiterated its commitment to working with Congress and the Administration in the coming year to help inspire a new generation of engineers and scientists to meet the technological challenges of tomorrow. 

ASME President Robert T. Simmons observed: “In order to maintain U.S. global leadership in research and technology, it is critical that America confronts its challenges in energy, job creation, and global competitiveness head on.  Therefore, we must act now to equip our young people and our nation’s innovators with the science and engineering tools necessary to compete and succeed in the global marketplace.”

Simmons also reiterated ASME’s call for Congress to honor the recently passed America COMPETES Reauthorization Act, as well as provide for a permanent extension of the research and development tax credit.  ASME is a long-time supporter of the America COMPETES Act, working with Congress to support two bipartisan authorizations of the act, which lays out strong mandates for investments in science research and education.

“These investments will catalyze the growth and innovation critical to American competitiveness abroad, while helping to create high-paying jobs here in the U.S.” Simmons concluded.

About ASME

ASME helps the global engineering community develop solutions to real world challenges. Founded in 1880 as the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, ASME is a not-for-profit professional organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing and skills development across all engineering disciplines, while promoting the vital role of the engineer in society. ASME codes and standards, publications, conferences, continuing education and professional development programs provide a foundation for advancing technical knowledge and a safer world. For more information visit

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