The International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers (IAM), urged Congress to sign an important bipartisan letter supporting the F-35 Lightning II program. 

What the letter says 

“We are specifically requesting support for the President’s budget request and any service unfunded requirements to incrementally fund a production ramp toward full rate production. We are also requesting additional funding for modernization, spare parts and spare engines for increased readiness, and propulsion growth.

Rapidly advancing threats require accelerating procurement of the F-35, the only 5th Generation stealth fighter in production. 5th Generation fighters combine capabilities and characteristics that cannot be replicated by other platforms, providing lethality, situational awareness, the denial of enemy situational awareness, and connectivity fused on a survivable aircraft that thrives in the forward line of combat.” 

F-35 Lightning II