ICYMI: Largest Defense Union Urges Appropriators to Keep Two Submarines in US Defense Budget

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last week, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers – the largest defense union in the United States – sent a letter to House Appropriation leaders urging prioritization and support of consistent funding for two Virginia Class submarines per year in the FY25 budget and beyond.

IAM President Bryant wrote to House Appropriators: “We applaud the House Armed Services Community for prudently including language authorizing procurement of two Virginia-Class Submarines for FY25 in their committee-passed FY25 National Defense Authorization Act. On behalf of the thousands of Machinists Union members proudly working in the shipbuilding industry across the United States, I urge you to support full funding for procurement of two Virginia-class submarines in FY 2025.

“Consistent funding for two VA-class submarines per year is necessary to promote the long-term health of the domestic shipbuilding industrial base and the workforce on which it relies. This industry cannot thrive as a feast-or-famine endeavor. A clear market signal of consistent two-per-year funding is absolutely vital to maintain and grow the necessary highly skilled workforce and promote the industry partnerships needed to ensure success in efficient submarine production.” 

The letter came after HAC-D Republicans released its FY25 bill, which did not mirror the annual defense bill passed out of the House Armed Services Committee (57-1) that included authorization for the second Virginia Class submarine.

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