IAM Union Urges Congressional Support for F-35 Program
IAM Union Urges Congressional Support for F-35 Program
WASHINGTON, April 11, 2025 — The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) wrote a letter urging members of Congress to sign a bipartisan letter in support of the F-35 Lightning II and F-135 engine programs — a move critical to both U.S. national security and the livelihoods of American workers.
The letter, led by Reps. Marc Veasey (D-Texas), Michael Turner (R-Ohio), John Larson (D-Conn.), and John Rutherford (R-Fla.) urge the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House Armed Services Committee and the House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee to continue robust funding for the F-35 program in the upcoming defense budget.
“The F-35 is the most advanced fighter aircraft in the world, and continued investment in this program is essential to maintaining U.S. air superiority and national defense,” wrote IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “Equally important, the program sustains tens of thousands of good-paying, high-skilled jobs for IAM members and supports nearly 300,000 jobs across the country. As America faces growing global threats, now is not the time to waver in our commitment to readiness and innovation.”
The bipartisan letter also calls for full support of the President’s budget request and service unfunded priorities to incrementally ramp up production toward full-rate output. It also urges increased funding for modernization efforts, spare parts and engines, and future propulsion upgrades.
“Beyond its national security value, the F-35 program is a key driver of the U.S. manufacturing base, supporting over 225,000 high-tech, high-paying jobs across more than 1,800 suppliers, half of which are small or disadvantaged businesses,”reads the bipartisan letter. “Thousands of these workers are skilled union members, reinforcing the program’s role in sustaining American manufacturing leadership. Moreover, the F-35 program has a significant impact on local economies, with suppliers and subcontractors located in nearly every state, contributing to the growth and development of communities across the country.”
The IAM Union is strongly urging every member of Congress to join this bipartisan effort and support our military and working families across the nation.
