The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM Union) reaffirmed its support for the bipartisan SHIPS for America Act as Congress held a joint hearing on revitalizing shipbuilding and the maritime industrial base before key House subcommittees on Apr. 22.
The IAM Union said the legislation is necessary due to a significant gap in U.S.-flagged vessels operating internationally compared to China, which has roughly 5,500 such ships while the United States has just 80. The union stated that the SHIPS for America Act would strengthen U.S. maritime policy, rebuild domestic shipyards, reduce regulatory barriers, and invest in workforce development.
In a joint statement with other major labor organizations including AFL-CIO, United Steelworkers (USW), International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW), and International Brotherhood of Boilermakers (IBB), the IAM Union called on Congress to bring the bill—known as S.1541/H.R.3151—to a vote without delay.
“On behalf of the tens of thousands of IAM Union members working in the shipbuilding and repair industries, the IAM strongly supports the SHIPS for America Act,” said IAM Union International President Brian Bryant. “This legislation will help reinvigorate our domestic shipbuilding and repair industries, create good-paying jobs, strengthen critical supply chains, and bolster our economic and national security.”
Bryant also said: “Today, we joined our allies in Washington, D.C., to urge Congress to move this critical, bipartisan legislation forward. We are grateful to U.S. Reps. John Garamendi (D-Calif.) and Trent Kelly (R-Miss.), along with U.S. Sens. Todd Young (D-Ind.) and Mark Kelly (D-Ariz.), for their leadership and commitment to revitalizing the American maritime industrial base.”
The union highlighted its ongoing efforts across various states supporting workers in shipbuilding sectors while advocating stronger trade enforcement against unfair global competition—specifically referencing its role in driving a Section 301 petition that led to action by the U.S. Trade Representative targeting China’s dominance in shipbuilding.
Bryant concluded: “America cannot afford to fall further behind in an industry so vital to our national and economic security… The time to act is now.”
