Sherwood Boehlert: “I proudly support S. Con. Res. 13, a resolution to recognize the American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) on…”

“I proudly support S. Con. Res. 13, a resolution to recognize the American Society of Mechanical Engineering (ASME) on the occasion of its 125th anniversary. Since 1880, ASME has focused upon technical, educational, and research issues as they pertain to engineering. It has played a key role in standardization and safety--developing and promulgating more than 600 codes and standards over its 125-year history. Significantly, ASME created a comprehensive Boiler Code in reaction to the dangerous widespread boiler explosions that plagued early 20th century America. Following rapid adoption, this code virtually eliminated the scourge of boiler explosions. In updated versions, the code is still in existence today. It serves as a clear example of the value--indeed the necessity--of clear standards to prevent injury and maximize economic output. Fifty years after its founding, ASME worked to promote precision machining, mass production and commercial transportation--all technologies that triggered enormous productivity gains and opened the nation and the world to American enterprise. Prominent ASME members included pioneers of American technology and industry such as Thomas Edison, Henry Ford and George Westinghouse. At the same time, the human aspect of industrial processes grew into focus: ASME leaders Henry Robinson Towne, Frederick Taylor and James M. Dodge pioneered management practices that reformed labor-management relations.”