Engineers have an important role to play in public policy making by providing government decision-makers with the technical information to make informed decisions on increasingly complex issues.  Government Relations is directed at affecting the outcome of issues identified by members as important to the practice of mechanical engineering in the public interest.

Programs
ASME’s Board on Government Relation identifies activities and programs – such as the Federal Government Fellowships, Washington Internships for Students of Engineering (WISE), and Congressional Briefings – to prepare and enable the Society's members to provide all levels of government with this essential information and guidance. 

Public Policy Agenda
One of the public service goals of the 120,000 member ASME is to "provide advice to government officials at all levels on engineering and technology matters and policies affecting the public interest, and to develop a climate of understanding and credibility that fosters a continuing dialogue.”  The ASME Public Policy Agenda identifies the issue priorities of the Society for calendar years 2005-2006, playing a part in fulfilling that goal by providing policymakers with the basics of ASME's issue concerns and giving them the information necessary to follow up in a more detailed way.

Position Statements
Each year, ASME issues more than 25 position statements aimed at contributing the expertise of engineers for the public good on issues ranging from energy and federal funding for research and development to science, math, engineering, and technology education. These position statements are designed to assist policy makers who are confronted with decisions on a wide variety of technical issues.

Capitol Update
ASME Capitol Update is a weekly electronic newsletter focused on legislative and regulatory news of interest to the engineering community. It is a free service to ASME members, providing valuable insight on the latest public policy developments from Capitol Hill on key issues such as energy, research and development, education, environment, standards, and other issues.