Post by bot on Jun 26, 2016 17:03:10 GMT -5
Hoyer Remarks at Second Annual Capitol Hill Maker Faire
WASHINGTON, DC – House Democratic Whip Steny H. Hoyer (MD) delivered remarks this morning at the second annual Capitol Hill Maker Faire. Hosted by the Institute of Museum and Library Services and the Congressional Maker Caucus, led by Rep. Mark Takano, the Faire brings together Members of Congress and national Maker leaders to explore the trends and educational opportunities of the Maker movement. Below are his remarks are prepared for delivery:
“Thank you – I’m honored to join you all here to open today’s discussion.
“Rep. [Mark] Takano was with me last Monday in Baltimore when I unveiled House Democrats’ new ‘Make It In America’ plan for jobs and opportunity. I asked him to join me there because one of the four major action areas I announced is ‘Expanding Entrepreneurship and Innovation,’ which includes a focus on increasing access to facilities like maker spaces and fab labs.
“‘Make It In America’ is a plan we originally launched in 2010 to boost job creation by helping to grow our manufacturing sector. A lot has changed, though, in the past six years. New technologies have transformed the way businesses connect with consumers, and businesses’ new products are as likely to be apps as they are to be physical objects. Energy is cheaper and produced more abundantly here in the United States. And the rise of the ‘on-demand economy’ has generated new work opportunities that give workers greater flexibility but challenge our traditional understanding of the employer-employee relationship.
“When we launched ‘Make It In America’ in 2010, our focus was on bringing our economy from recession to recovery. Now, we need to bring it from recovery to resurgence.
“In order to do that, Congress needs to empower those who are creating the jobs of the twenty-first century: the innovators, the entrepreneurs, the builders, the makers. We need to draw on the experiences of those great innovators who transformed our economy from garages and basements across America.
“That’s why fab labs and maker spaces are a critical part of the new Make It In America plan.
“In Baltimore, we saw a maker space that operates much like a gym. Anyone can become a member and make use of nearly every type of machine and tool imaginable. It has computer stations connected to 3-d printers. And it is supervised by manufacturing experts on hand to provide advice and to teach classes. In short, it is the ultimate garage.
“We need maker spaces like this all across our country. And with the leadership of Rep. Takano and other maker space and fab lab advocates, House Democrats are going to push to make it happen.
“I want to thank Rep. Takano for helping to organize today’s second annual ‘Maker Faire’ and for facilitating this discussion about the future of innovation and its role in our economy, along with the Institute for Museum and Library Services and the Congressional Maker Caucus.
“I also want to note that among those showcasing their innovative technology at tonight’s ‘Maker Faire’ are students from Bowie State University in Maryland’s fifth district.
“Bowie State computer technology students have developed a prototype of an interactive electronic kiosk for use in libraries and metro stations that help homeless individuals access real-time information about available space and resources at local shelters. What an extraordinary way to combine innovation with social action.
“I’m proud they’ll be representing our district here, and I’m excited to learn about what the other makers present. Who knows – the next great game-changing technology might be featured here tonight.
“In the coming weeks, Rep. Takano, other Democratic Members, and I will be unveiling detailed policy proposals on how to help more of our businesses and more of our people Make It In America – including through the expansion of maker spaces.
“I hope you will follow along as we do and help us push for Congress to act on our proposals in order to help ensure America continues to be a nation of makers, inventors, and entrepreneurs. Thank you.”