BILLERICA, Mass., Aug. 26, 2013 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- U.S. Representative John F. Tierney (D-MA) today visited the offices of American Science and Engineering, Inc. ("AS&E") (Nasdaq:ASEI), a leading worldwide supplier of innovative X-ray detection solutions. Rep. Tierney, the local member of Congress who has a key role in setting border security metrics, met with the Company's executive leadership to discuss developments in border security policies and viewed demonstrations of AS&E's advanced technologies that help secure borders and high profile locations around the world.
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Rep. Tierney is the ranking Democrat on the House Oversight and Government Reform's Subcommittee on National Security, Homeland Defense and Foreign Operations. He also sits on the House Committee on Education and Workforce.
"The work that American Science and Engineering, Inc. does right here in Billerica is an excellent example of the cutting-edge research and development and state-of-the-art manufacturing flourishing in Massachusetts. I enjoyed meeting with leaders at AS&E to discuss border security technology and solutions," said Congressman John Tierney.
During the visit today, AS&E's President and CEO, Chuck Dougherty, emphasized the need for Congress to assure border entry points are fully secured to defeat illegal entry of persons as well as contraband that includes radiological materials and narcotics. Dougherty and Rep. Tierney also discussed the importance of the passage of comprehensive immigration reform legislation, and how it is critical to the nation's security and economic prosperity.
"It was a tremendous honor to host Congressman Tierney today," said Dougherty. "He provided us with valuable insight on the latest work on border security in Washington, and we in turn were able to demonstrate to him our products and solutions that are currently in-use at multiple border crossings for critical counter-drug and anti-terrorism missions. It was very helpful for both sides."
AS&E's systems are used to detect drugs, contraband, and illegal immigrants at border crossings around the world. Reported seizures as a result of the use of AS&E's detection solutions include 37,000 methamphetamine pills; $4 million of pirated and counterfeit goods; 8,400 lbs. of cocaine; 253 lbs. of marijuana; 9.45 lbs. of liquid methamphetamine; more than $800,000 of smuggled U.S. currency; 3,000 lbs. of drugs with a street value estimated at $31 million; 105,000 ecstasy tablets; and 1,000 gas bombs and 46 tasers.
American Science and Engineering, Inc. (AS&E) is the trusted global provider of threat and contraband detection solutions for ports, borders, military, critical infrastructure, law enforcement, and aviation. With over 50 years of experience, AS&E offers proven, advanced, X-ray inspection systems to combat terrorism, drug smuggling, illegal immigration and trade fraud. AS&E systems are designed in a variety of configurations for cargo and vehicle inspection, parcel inspection, and personnel screening. Using a combination of technologies, these systems provide superior detection capabilities, with high-energy, dual-energy, and Z Backscatter™ X-rays — pioneered by AS&E. Learn more about AS&E products and technologies at www.as-e.com.
Safe Harbor Statement: The foregoing press release contains statements concerning AS&E's financial performance, markets and business operations that may be considered "forward-looking" under applicable securities laws. AS&E wishes to caution readers of this press release that actual results might differ materially from those projected in any forward-looking statements. Factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements contained herein include the following: significant reductions, delays or cancellations (in full or in part) in procurements of the Company's systems by the United States and other governments; disruption in the supply of any source component incorporated into AS&E's products; litigation seeking to restrict the use of intellectual property used by the Company; limitations under certain laws on the Company's ability to protect its own intellectual property; potential product liability claims against the Company; global political trends and events which affect public perception of the threat presented by drugs, explosives and other contraband; global economic developments and the ability of governments and private organizations to fund purchases of the Company's products to address such threats; the potential insufficiency of Company resources, including human resources, capital, plant and equipment and management systems, to accommodate any future growth; technical problems and other delays that could impact new product development and the Company's ability to adapt to changes in technology and customer requirements; competitive pressures; lengthy sales cycles both in United States government procurement and procurement abroad; future delays in federal funding, the market price of the company's stock prevailing from time to time, the nature of other investment opportunities presented to the company from time to time, the company's cash flows from operations and market and general economic conditions. These and certain other factors which might cause actual results to differ materially from those projected are detailed from time to time in AS&E's periodic reports and registration statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission, which important factors are incorporated herein by reference. AS&E undertakes no obligation to update forward looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events, or changes in future operating results, financial condition or business over time. Readers are further advised to review the "Risk Factors" set forth in the Company's most recent Form 10-Q and Form 10-K, which further detail and supplement the factors described in this Safe Harbor Statement. Among other disclosures, the Risk Factors disclose risks pertaining to that portion of the Company's business that is dependent on United States government contracting as well as international customers.
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