The IAM is urging Congress to stop any further spending cuts for the F-35 program, a fighter jet built by IAM members which keeps our armed forces safe while defending U.S. interests around the globe.
The President’s Fiscal Year 2015 budget request funds only 34 F-35s, eight less than was requested by the U.S. Navy and Air Force. A House Defense Appropriations markup, which the IAM supports, includes two additional F-35s for both the Air Force and Navy, no cut in Fiscal Year 2015 aircraft procurement funding for “anticipated negotiations savings” and no revocation of Fiscal Year 2015 aircraft funding.
“Built by IAM members, the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter is our nation’s only 5th Generation stealth aircraft currently in production and is the key to future air superiority for all three U.S. Services and our most important allies across the globe,” wrote IAM International President Tom Buffenbarger in a letter to Congress. “The beneficial economic effects of the F-35 program cannot be overstated. The F-35 program supports more than 129,000 high-skill American jobs at approximately 1,200 suppliers across the nation; this results in an annual economic impact to the U.S. of over $17.5 billion. Importantly, these numbers are expected to increase as production increases in the coming years.”