Background
While engineers have not traditionally been active participants in running for Congress, there has been growing recognition that engineers must be more involved in the determination of federal laws, regulations, and policies. Engineering input is particularly important in the development of public policy where technical expertise and professional judgment are needed but often lacking.
NSPE Position
NSPE recognizes its responsibility to participate in the democratic process and offer significant contributions to the development of technical public policy. NSPE, in its dedication to the advancement of the engineering profession, recognizes the need to contribute to and influence legislative and regulatory activities at all levels of government. Furthermore, as society becomes more technical and complex, more technically trained individuals must become active in the political process.
Status
Currently, there is one member of Congress who is a licensed professional engineer:
Rep. Joe Barton, P.E.(R-TX-06) holds a B.S. degree in engineering from Texas A&M University and a master's degree in industrial administration. Prior to being elected to Congress, he was employed as a plant engineer and natural gas consultant.
In addition to the professional engineer in Congress, there are several other members with engineering degrees:
Rep. Todd Akin (R-MO-2) holds a B.S. degree in management engineering from Worchester Polytechnic Institute.
Rep. Randy Kuhl (R-NY-29) holds a B.S. degree in civil engineering from Union College.
Rep. Dan Lipinski (D-IL-03) holds a B.S. degree in mechanical engineering from Northwestern University and an M.S. degree in engineering-economics systems from Stanford University.
Rep. Jerry McNerney (D-CA-11) holds B.S., M.S., and Ph.D. degrees in engineering from the University of New Mexico.
Sen. Jack Reed (D-RI) holds a B.S. degree in engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Rep. John Shimkus (R-IL-19) holds a B.S. degree in engineering from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.
Rep. Pete Stark (D-CA-13) holds a B.S. degree in engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-FL-06) holds a B.S. degree in electrical engineering from George Washington University.
Sen. John E. Sununu (R-NH) holds B.S. and M.S. degrees in mechanical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.
Sen. John Warner (R-VA) holds a B.S. degree in engineering from Washington and Lee University.
