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The IEEE states that there is unusually high unemployment among all fields of engineering right now. Where do you get your statistics?

The IEEE is correct about the high EE unemployment, especially as it applies to EE graduates of the last 10 years or so. My point applies to my own specific area where there's an unprecedented shortage created by three factors:

(1)The lack of university programs, which were discontinued years ago as EE applicants rushed into hi-tech programs.

(2)Retirements of experienced engineers and managers in my field. They all seem to be ready to retire now for some reason. Many of them are doing what you suggest, posponing their retirement.

(3)The massive multi-billion dollar investments in infrastructure taking place because of the restructuring of the industry.

Our firm needs people and we can't find them. Our competitors are also looking. I had 3-4 offers in the last six months without even applying for anything. I know this is not typical of the entire EE field. But my point is that a blanket ruling to reduce H visas will hurt certain industries such as mine.

How long would it take an average EE major to take the additonal classes/training to be up to speed in this specialized industry?
As in some of the medical field, there may be a reason to keep some visa workers for a short time. The NAEA mentioned in another thread suggests lowering (but not eliminating visa workers). Their website is on this thread/posting with the article about them:
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/933473/posts?page=35#35
It sounds like you think this is a more reasonable approach. So long as Americans are hired as soon as they specialize and qualify, I'm okay with what you are suggesting.

I can see a short term limited use of guest workers in this field buit I would rather the companies sponsor permanent immigrants to fill these slots and that they either colleges and universities to graduate people with tehse specialtioies or provide additional education for those unemployed hi-tech engineers who might jump at the chance to get on board this field.