The IAM’s str
ong advocacy on Capitol Hill has advanced funding for critical defense work on a variety of programs for Machinists Union members from coast to coast.
A long-time priority of the IAM, enhancing Buy American standards for major defense programs, also won approval in the House version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
The IAM, along with U.S. Rep. Donald Norcross (D-NJ), championed an NDAA amendment that expands Buy American requirements for defense procurement to 100 percent by 2026. Currently, only 50 percent of defense production is required to be produced domestically, not counting frequent exceptions to the law.
“Our men and women in uniform deserve the best, and that’s what Machinists Union members deliver,” said IAM International President Robert Martinez Jr. “I am incredibly proud of our members in the defense industry for the extraordinary work they do. This is just another validation of their talent and dedication, as well as the experience of the IAM’s Legislative Department on Capitol Hill.”
The IAM will continue to advocate for these programs and strong Buy American requirements in the Senate and final versions of the NDAA.
The House-passed version of the NDAA authorizes the following programs built by IAM members:
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- 79 F-35 joint strike fighters
- Eight C-130J transport aircraft
- 24 F/A-18 E/F fighter jets
- 12 F-15EX fighter jets
- 12 KC-46A tankers
- Two DDG 51 Arleigh Burke-class destroyers
- Two Virginia-class submarines
- One Columbia-class submarine and authorization for incremental funding to ramp up to two Columbia-class submarines per year
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