Policy Features

August 2003

H-1B and L-1 Visas Accelerate Offshore Outsourcing
According to IEEE-USA testimony presented on Capitol Hill in June, the presence of guest workers in the United States on H1-B and L-1 visas has accelerated the incidence of outsourcing high-tech work and jobs. Hearing participants discussed whether the nation could continue to lose such white-collar jobs to offshore competition and still prosper.

Technology Taking a Lead Role in U.S. Security
While The Patriot Act and other laws enacted to secure our nation have garnered their fair share of criticism, they all acknowledge the role technology will play in tightening up security in the United States. Biometrics and x-ray technology will lead the effort, while other systems are poised for future implementation.

No Funeral for Amtrak
While still faced with a funding crisis, Amtrak keeps rolling along. Can the national rail system generate a profit? What changes may be in store in the near future and how will they affect the organization and its passengers?

Capitol Shavings: Tough Times for Pensions

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July 2003

Is Aerospace Worth Saving?
With the glory days seemingly behind the U.S. aerospace industry, should we continue to invest in funding and talent? The President's Commission on the Future of the Aerospace Industry thinks so, and it outlined several recommendations to strengthen the weakened sector.

FAA Will Upgrade Technology and Boost Related R&D
The Federal Aviation Administration's recent push to acquire and implement updated technology that will modernize the country's outdated air traffic control system follows recommendations made last year in an IEEE-USA position statement. Terry Costlow reports on changes that will bring some much-needed funding to the battered high-tech industry.

Nanotech Briefing Educates Congressional Staff
The United States faces considerable challenges in maintaining leadership in the worldwide nanotechnology movement. In June, IEEE-USA and several other engineering societies sponsored a congressional briefing to educate congressional staff on the basics of nanotechnology, and to review the two main nanotechnology legislative proposals before Congress.

Capitol Shavings: When Disaster Strikes
IEEE-USA News: A Word from the WISE

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June 2003

High Noon for H-1B Visas
Unless Congress says otherwise, come 1 October, the 195,000 temporary (H-1B) guest worker visa quota will revert to its original level of 65,000 per year. What does this mean for U.S. engineers and scientists — and the public?

Technologists Still Watching Effects of Medicare Decision
Medicare’s precedent-setting decision to approve coverage for alternative communication devices for people with disabilities has had wide implications across the medical technology field. How quickly will other technologies follow suit?

Capitol Shavings: Preparing the Nation's Capital for Catastrophe

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May 2003

National ID System: Will We Trade Privacy for Security?
Do you find yourself having to prove you are who you say you are at every turn? As security measures continue to tighten and identification rules expand, some say it’s time to create a national identification system. The issues are far-reaching and the debates are strong.

Making Recycling and Reuse More Efficient: Tough New Regulations Call for Engineers to Think Green
Engineers and executives who continue to downplay the impact electronic products have on the environment had better join in the green movement quickly. Tough new environmental regulations are changing the way engineers approach new product design and apply alternative materials to existing products.

Symposium Focuses on Engineering R&D
IEEE-USA was among six engineering societies that sponsored a two-day symposium in March to review federal R&D plans and budgets, to carry a message to Congress about the need for more R&D funding. Many participants visited federal agency leaders to talk about issues. Find out what they had to say.

Capitol Shavings: Civil Service Reform

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April 2003

Aviation Coalition Faces Industry Challenges
We have come to take for granted the availability of a safe and sophisticated aviation transportation system. But as federal support for aviation research has declined in the United States, foreign governments are increasing support for their programs. Leading-edge technology will determine the winners in the global competition, and technology advances will depend on national will, available capital and specific investments... more

Fuel Cell Research Moving 'At Light Speed'
It’s not likely the popularity of fuel-guzzling SUVs will ebb anytime soon, but rising oil prices have put energy-saving technologies back onto the front burner. Among them, many are pushing hard for fuel cell development, which could reduce both gasoline consumption and vehicle pollution. Will the latest push actually make fuel cells real options for consumers? more

Washington Scene: IEEE-USA Government Fellows Fill Key Roles in Congress
IEEE-USA’s 2003 Government Fellows are in place and hard at work bringing their technical expertise and professional experience to bear on key issues facing the U.S. government... more

Capitol Shavings: More on Privatizing Federal Jobs

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March 2003

Cyber Security: Will the Bush Administration Strategy Make a Difference?
The Bush Administration’s National Strategy to Secure Cyberspace offers a framework for “organizing and prioritizing efforts.” But without the legislation to back it up, even some who helped craft the strategy openly question its efficacy... more

R&D in the President's FY 2004 Budget
President Bush’s budget proposal for FY 2004 includes $122.5 billion for research and development, a 4.4 percent increase over FY 2003 funding levels. But with most of the increases going toward weapons systems development and research at the new Department of Homeland Security, what happens to the rest of the money? more

Capitol Shavings: Clean Coal Plant

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February 2003

The Future of Aerospace — Challenges Lie Ahead
The tragic loss of the space shuttle Columbia dramatizes problems that have long existed in the aerospace industry. Faced with an aging orbiter fleet, canceled R&D programs and eroding business opportunities, what does the future hold for NASA? more

A Still-Neutral FCC Eyeing HDTV's Evolution
A recent agreement between the cable and consumer electronics industries that would enable HDTV sets to receive HDTV signals over cable without a set-top box has captured the attention of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), which, thus far, has been more concerned with the industry’s phase-in of digital tuners to accommodate digital television... more

Capitol Shavings: Privatizing Federal Jobs

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January 2003

National Electric Power Policy
Decision makers based many past electric power policies on the assumption that market forces would lower electricity costs and produce a reliable system. The past decade has proven this assumption incorrect. How can we ensure sound electric energy policy for the future?

ISS Brings Civil Space Program Flaws to Light
It’s a decade late, more than eight times the projected cost, and will have reduced capacity. The International Space Station illustrates the flaws of our civilian space program. Is there time to win back support and public confidence to save the future of human space flight?

Stalking Moves Onto the Web
As Internet use continues to increase, so too, does web-based criminal activity. One particularly distressing crime on the rise is cyberstalking. What is cyberstalking, who are the victims, and how can virtual stalkers be stopped?

Capitol Shavings: Who'll Get the Jobs Government or Private Enterprise?

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December 2002

Has the Time Come for an IEEE-USA PAC?
With the recent ban on 'soft money' contributions to national political parties, Political Action Committees (PACs) are expected to play a more prominent role in shaping the political landscape... more

Engineering R&D Gets Late Boost from 107th Congress
Engineers will benefit from several research and development- related bills that were passed and signed into law during the so-called 'lame-duck' session of the 107th Congress... more

Despite Successes, Telemedicine's Future Is Cloudy
Futurists foresee a time when patients will be able to talk to medical experts over the Internet. But how soon will it happen? more

The National Nanotechnology Initiative
The promise of nanotechnology is as large as its products are small. What is the United States’ National Nanotechnology Initiative and what opportunities lie ahead in this cutting-edge technology area? more

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November 2002

Anti-Spamming Approaches — Will New Laws Help?
Concern that unwanted e-mail — also known as spam — will have a huge negative impact on Internet use. What are the technical challenges associated with reducing spam? Will new laws help? more

Tapping the Regenerative Medicine Potential
IEEE-USA’s Medical Technology Policy Committee has considered the many issues associated with regenerative medicine and associated stem cell research and believes there are compelling scientific and ethical grounds to support advancing certain types of research in this sensitive area... more

Capitol Shavings: Congress to Watch Corporate Accounting

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October 2002

Virtual Migration Speeds Up Globalization
People have debated the impact people migrating to North America have had on this society since the 1700s. As the world has become more interconnected, the debate has shifted to globalization and a trend termed 'virtual migration'... more

Matching Software Protection to the Competition
Illegal copying poses a constant threat to software companies. Fortunately, businesses have several legal tools to combat copiers. What are they and how should they be applied? more

UCITA: Entering Into Software Agreements on Blind Faith
Imagine making a business deal without knowing the terms of the contract. If supporters of the Uniform Computer Information and Transactions Act (UCITA) get their way, this is exactly how software purchases will be treated... more

Capitol Shavings: Contingency Plans for Congress

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September 2002

Broadband Technologies Move to Higher Speeds
Broadband use has grown from 3.5 million to 15 million homes since 2000, and this growth rate is expected to continue as applications continue to require higher speeds. Can alternative broadband technologies compete with existing cable or satellite connections? more

Biotechnology: The Key to Sustainable Global Development
Great strides have been made in the biotechnology industry. We all stand to benefit from moving biotech efforts forward. What is the state of the industry and where is it headed? more

Capitol Shavings: Responding to Unemployment
Reader Poll: Biotech and You

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The Future of Broadband: Where Are We Headed and How Will We Get There?
As the telecommunications industry continues to make broadband technologies available to more users, government leaders in Washington, D.C., are addressing some of the critical issues that will affect the future of America's Internet infrastructure. Will government actions open up or limit competition, and will consumers' rights be protected? more

Global Warming and the Kyoto Protocol: Managing Our Future
Much uncertainty exists over the extent and nature of global warming. World leaders and experts are grappling with finding ways to reduce greenhouse gases while staving off potential associated economic and political hardship. What are the issues and what's at stake? more

Attacking Through the Wires: Cyber Terrorism, Hackers and Cyber Security
Cyber terrorism can take many forms, and cyber threats are real and potentially devastating. How can the United States - and the world - protect itself from digital rogues?... more

Council Corner: MTPC 2002 Focus

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July 2002

The H-1B Debate Continues As U.S. EEs Face Uncertain Employment Future
Congress won't debate the quota for H-1B immigrants until 2003, but corporations, engineers and others continue to debate the need for foreign guest workers, especially in technical fields... more

Copyright Protection in the Digital Age
With the increased ease of manipulating digital media has come the increased potential for illegal distribution of that media. Is there a solution that will stem piracy without restricting fair use?

Capitol Shavings: Cyber Security
Council Corner: Focus on Tech Policy Issues

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June 2002

Is R&D Still the "Engine of Prosperity"?
Prior to 1980, federal R&D expenditures exceeded those of industry. Since the end of the Cold War, however, federal R&D spending has declined while industry expenditures have nearly doubled. Is R&D supported adequately, and is it still a driving force behind the nation's economy? more

Festo v. Shoketsu: An Overview of the Historic Patent Case and IEEE-USA's Role
In May, the Supreme Court ruled on Festo, ultimately adopting a solution proposed by IEEE-USA. The New York Times said the ruling "may be the most significant Supreme Court patent decision in two decades." more

Policy Insight: Educational and Employment-Based Visa Programs
Information on admissions programs commonly used by foreign-born professionals, including recent statistics on permanent and temporary admissions a summary of IEEE-USA's policy recommendations on immigration issues... more

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April 2002

Intelligence: Balancing the Techniques and the Costs
What does the future hold for U.S. intelligence-gathering agencies? What will change — and how much will it cost?... more

Congressional Visits Day: Theme Attuned to the Times
Some 200 members of the U.S. science, engineering and technology community participated in the 7th SET Congressional Visits Day (CVD), on 5-6 March. CVD is a great way for U.S. IEEE members to get involved in the legislative process... more

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March 2002

U.S. Security vs. Public Privacy
America’s ability to monitor conversations and track people down is widely admired. But when that technology is used to eavesdrop on people inside U.S. borders, many people’s views change quickly. Who draws the line between security and privacy? How much access should law enforcement have? [More]

Latest IEEE-USA Position Statements
In an effort to educate members, Capitol Hill policymakers and the public, IEEE-USA periodically issues approved position statements on complex technical issues. These three are the latest... [More]

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