IEEE-USA Legislative Update

Russ Harrison
Legislative Representative for Grassroots Activities, IEEE-USA

Thursday, 17 April 2008 at 6:30 PM
Steak and Ale, Hampton

Every year Congresses debates and votes on dozens of bills that could affect engineers and engineering. Join one of IEEE-USA’s Washington lobbyists in discussing what Congress has planed for us this year – and what we can do about it. Topics will include:

• The most sweeping change to US intellectual property law in 50 years.
• $158 Billion in federal spending on project we care about.
• High-skill immigration and H-1B visas.
• Alternative energy.
• Whatever else you care about.

Engineers could play a unique role in public policy debates, but we usually miss our chances to influence our political leaders. Our meeting will cover simple techniques for influencing politicians and the political system. Our speaker, Russell Harrison, has discussed public policy with over 90 IEEE sections and other local groups over the past five years. Join the IEEE Hampton Roads Section on April 17th for an entertaining discussion of public policy and its impact on you, your profession and your career.

Biographical Sketch: Russell is the Senior Legislative Representative for Grassroots Activities for IEEE-USA. He is responsible for helping IEEE members in the U.S. interact with, and ultimately influence, elected officials. Prior to IEEE-USA, Russell directed grassroots programs at the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries and the American Iron and Steel Institute. In these positions he represented the recycling and steel industries on Capitol Hill and in state capitols on a variety of issues as a professional lobbyist. Russell has a BA in Political Science, with minors in History and Communications, from Allegheny College, and a Masters in Public Policy from the University of Maryland.

Please send inquiries and RSVP to or online at http://www.acteva.com. On line registration accepts credit cards!