Hoyer Tours Coherent Technical Services, Inc., Discusses Make It In America Jobs Plan
LEXINGTON PARK—Tuesday morning, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) toured Coherent Technical Services, Inc. (CTSi), a veteran-owned small business in St. Mary’s County that supports the Department of Defense, NASA, and commercial customers. During his visit, Congressman Hoyer discussed the Make It In America jobs plan he is leading in Congress.
“Today, I visited Coherent Technical Services, Inc. to see their impressive fabrication shop firsthand and learn more about the innovative work they perform in St. Mary’s County,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “I’m focused on a jobs plan I call ‘Make It In America’ to help businesses expand and support the creation of well-paying jobs. A key component of the Make It In America plan is to train and secure a twenty-first century workforce so that businesses can find the workers with the skills they need, and workers can get the training they need to fill those in-demand jobs. A Make It In America bill that will help workers access training programs – the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act – was signed into law last month, and I will continue to urge the House to consider additional Make It In America legislation so that more Marylanders and businesses like CTSi can succeed.”
The Make It In America plan has four core components: adopt and pursue a national manufacturing strategy; promote U.S. exports; encourage businesses to bring jobs and innovation back home; and train and secure a twenty-first century workforce. Since the plan was launched, eleven Make It In America bills have been signed into law. The most recent, the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act, reauthorizes important workforce investment and training programs that help job seekers and dislocated workers learn in-demand skills for jobs. Click here for a full list of Make It In America laws.
Hoyer Hosts Reception to Honor Participants of the 2014 Fifth District Congressional Art and App Competitions
BOWIE—Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) hosted a reception Tuesday evening to honor the participants of the 2014 Fifth District Congressional Art Competition and Congressional App Challenge.
“Tonight’s reception recognized the very talented Fifth District students who have engaged in two unique opportunities – the Congressional Art Competition, and for the very first time, the Congressional App Challenge,” stated Congressman Hoyer. “I am so impressed by the creativity, innovation, and hard work of this year’s participants, and am incredibly proud that their extraordinary work will be on display in the Capitol and in my Congressional offices over the next year. I thank them for taking part in this year’s competitions, and I congratulate them on their outstanding submissions.”
The Congressional Art Competition – An Artistic Discovery – has been held each year for the past 33 years to showcase artwork from each Congressional district around the country. Representatives of the Fifth District arts community review submissions for the Fifth District Congressional Art Competition and selected Jekko Syquia from Waldorf, Maryland as this year’s winner. His artwork will be displayed in the U.S. Capitol and other artwork submitted by Fifth District students will be displayed in Congressman Hoyer’s offices throughout the year.
This year marks the first annual Fifth District Congressional App Challenge. Established by the U.S. House of Representatives in 2013, this competition is a nationwide event that invites students from all participating Congressional districts to compete by creating and presenting an original software application, or “app,” for a mobile, tablet, or computer platform of their choice. The inaugural winners of the competition are Paris Ferguson, Kamesha Hicks, Rainbow Lewis, Señora Louis, Jameia Lynn, Elizabeth Pratt, and Kayla Young, a group of students from Great Mills High School that developed an anti-bullying app called “Stand Up!” The students participate in a mentoring organization at Great Mills High School called Sisters In Success. A video presentation of their app will be on display in the U.S. Capitol for the following year.
Hoyer Delivers Remarks at Ribbon Cutting for University of Maryland’s Unmanned Aircraft Systems Test Site in Southern Maryland
CALIFORNIA—On Tuesday, Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-5) joined officials from the University System of Maryland as they announced the launch of a new Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Test Site in Southern Maryland, which will bring together leaders in academia, industry, and government to accelerate UAS research. Below are his remarks as prepared for delivery:
“Good morning. I want to begin by expressing the gratitude all of us feel for Brit Kirwan’s service as Chancellor these past twelve years. He has overseen a period of growth, investment, and a reaffirmation of the University System of Maryland’s core mission to expand and enhance higher education in our state. When he retires later this year, he will be greatly missed by the entire University System and all those who have worked closely with him, as I have been privileged to do, to make it one of the best public universities in the country.
“Part of his legacy will be the University System’s participation in the Mid-Atlantic Aviation Partnership and the strengthening of ties to Pax River and UAV development.
“The test site we are unveiling today is part of a regional effort to promote innovation and technology research in a critical field – one that is already playing an important role in our national defense and our economic development.
“Maryland has a long history in the areas of flight research, development, and testing, and drone technologies represent a key part of that industry’s future.
“Unmanned aerial systems are poised to launch what could be nearly a $90 billion economy over the next decade – and this partnership will ensure that Maryland is leading the way.
“I’m proud of the work we have done together to facilitate a significant level of investment over the past few years by the Department of Defense into UAV technology.
“And the same is true for the federal investment I have worked hard to secure for Pax River to conduct state-of-the-art research, testing, and deployment of new defense technologies – many that can be commercialized for civilian uses.
“Bringing Pax River, the University System of Maryland, and our regional partners together will help tap into our shared knowledge base and talent pool in order to expand this technology in our state.
“Moving forward, we must continue to work together as we help the FAA see the full potential in UAV technologies and ensure that our airspace is ready for UAV testing.
“I want to join in welcoming two very special additions to this effort and to our community.
“I’ve had the opportunity to spend time with the leaders of both Aurora Flight Sciences and UAV Solutions – two outstanding companies who have indicated their desire to partner with us and join us on the ground floor of this exciting effort.
“John Langford, the founder, chairman and CEO of Aurora is a pioneer in unmanned aviation and a man with great vision. When we first met in March, he indicated he shared our vision and that he wanted to be a partner and he is true to his word. He is opening an office here and intends to do more in the near future. Get to know him – he is a true leader!
“Billie Anne & Bill Davidson are the owners of UAV Solutions. They have already partnered with us to bid for the FAA designation and they also share in our vision. We want them here also and they have signaled their intent to open an operation here also in the future.
“They join with local companies such as Neany, Compass Systems, Smartronix and CTSi – who are building products in our community. We are proud to be building this segment of our local regional economy.
“When we work together, there are no limits to what we can achieve here in Maryland.
“We may be the ‘Old Line State,’ but it is a straight line into the future that we draw as a result of what we are unveiling here today.
“Thank you.”