IAM, Rep. Courtney urges Congress to support the second Virginia-class submarine

WASHINGTON, May 16, 2024 – The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), the largest defense union in the United States, urges Congress to support and prioritize consistent funding for two Virginia-class submarines per year in the budget for the financial year 2025 and beyond.

The House Armed Services Committee released its version of the fiscal 2025 National Defense Authorization Act ahead of an increase. Thanks to advocacy from the IAM and U.S. Rep. Joe Courtney (D-Conn.), language to fully fund two Virginia-class submarines per year is now included in the FY 2025 budget.

The IAM has been at the forefront and actively advocated to successfully secure a place for the procurement of two Virginia-class submarines per year in the final draft of the NDAA and to ensure that Congress will provide the necessary funds allocation through the Defense Appropriations Bill.

“Consistent funding for two Virginia-class submarines per year is critical to the vitality of the industries we represent and the skilled workforce they employ,” said Brian Bryant, president of IAM International. “This program not only supports thousands of high-quality machinist jobs, but is also critical to maintaining our nation’s industrial and defense capabilities.”

Earlier this year, the IAM sent a letter to the Biden administration urging continued financial support for this program, highlighting its significance in strengthening the U.S. shipbuilding industry and supporting a wide range of high-quality union jobs.

The IAM extends its gratitude to Representative Courtney for his strong commitment and efforts to ensure that provisions for the procurement of two Virginia-class submarines are included in the FY 2025 NDAA.

“Congressman Courtney’s leadership and commitment to our national defense and the American workforce have been critical in achieving this milestone,” said Bryant.

America’s defense industrial base is critical to the nation’s economic and national security. It makes a significant contribution to the economy, creating millions of highly skilled jobs across the country, in the manufacturing sector and beyond. The Virginia-class submarine program plays a key role in supporting a strong workforce and driving economic growth.

The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM) is one of the largest and most diverse industrial unions in North America, representing approximately 600,000 active and retired members in the aerospace, defense, airlines, railroads, transportation, healthcare, automotive and other industries.