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Engineering Inc. magazine

Meet the professional engineers in Congress who draw on their industry expertise to shape policy. These legislators bring distinct skill sets to tackle pressing issues in energy, infrastructure, and technology.

Engineers are on the rise in Congress. Two decades ago, there were only four engineers walking the halls of the Capitol as elected officials. Today there are nine.

That still may seem like a small number given that there are 535 elected members of the House of Rep­resentatives and the Senate. But consider this: While engineers comprise just 0.5 percent of the total U.S. population, they make up 1.7 percent of Congress, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Still, to hear from some of the engi­neers now serving in Congress, the nation might be better off if it elected even more from the profession.

“That might allow us to see emerging issues coming sooner, such as the influence of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and biotech,” says Rep. Chrissy Houlahan, (D-Pa).

Rep. Bruce Westerman, (R-Ark.), adds, “Having more profes­sional engineers on Capitol Hill would bring more common sense and scientific understanding to energy and transportation bills.”

It makes sense. The work of an engineer is often highly complex. Multiple variables—from the strength of materials to environmental factors—may have to be considered on any given project. So, too, do the needs of different stakeholders.

Governing is similarly complex work. Lawmakers must care­fully craft legislation, ensuring that it will be effective and will have a positive impact on the electorate—all while trying to build a consensus with fellow lawmakers, including those who may sit across the aisle.

Legislators with engineering backgrounds often look at practi­cal, rather than simply philosophical, ways to address issues, says Rep. Ron Estes (R-Kan.) “What you learn with the engineering approach is logical problem-solving using facts.”

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Date

January 28, 2025

Category

ADVOCACY / INDUSTRY NEWS

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