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WASHINGTON, June 2, 2025 – Brian Bryant, International President of the 600,000-member IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) issued the following statement applauding the bipartisan support of 125 members of Congress who signed a letter to House appropriators strongly backing continued funding for the F-35 Lightning II and the F135 engine programs in the Fiscal Year 2026 defense budget:
“The IAM deeply thanks the 125 members of Congress who have stepped up to show their strong, united support for the F-35 and F135 engine programs,” said IAM International President Bryant. “This is more than a commitment to national security—it’s a resounding endorsement of the American worker and the strength of U.S. manufacturing.”
Read the complete letter here.
“The F-35 program is not only essential for maintaining our military’s edge over global threats, but it also supports over 225,000 good-paying jobs at more than 1,800 suppliers across the nation,” continued Bryant. “These skilled workers are the backbone of America’s defense industrial base.
“These jobs are critical to thousands of IAM Union families who depend on this program, impacting major hubs like F-35 production in Fort Worth, engine manufacturing in Connecticut, and countless supplier communities from Florida to California.
“The continued investment in the F135 Engine Core Upgrade is especially critical. Modernizing this engine ensures that our warfighters are equipped with the safest, most advanced technology while reducing long-term costs and sustaining critical jobs in communities across the country.
“We are proud to stand with the members of Congress who recognize that national defense and American jobs go hand-in-hand. The IAM will continue to advocate for robust funding for programs that protect our country and support our members.”
The IAM Union (International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers) is one of North America’s largest and most diverse industrial trade unions, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, shipbuilding, railroad, transit, healthcare, automotive, and other industries across the United States and Canada.
