International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

Feb. 8, 2012 - Both the U.S. House of Representatives and the Senate agreed to the conference report on a bill that provides a long-term reauthorization of the Federal Aviation Administration (HR 658). A main sticking point centered on labor issues -- in particular, changes to the National Mediation Board that would make it more difficult for airline and railway workers to unionize.

The measure was opposed by unions such as the Communications Workers of America, the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers, and the International Brotherhood of Teamsters. The measure was supported by the Aerospace Industries Association, the Air Transport Association, and the Associated General Contractors of America.

U.S. Senate

• Interest groups that oppose this bill (Building trades unions, Teachers unions, Manufacturing unions, Railroad unions, etc.) gave 2.2 times as much on average to Senators who voted 'NO' ($180,640) as they gave to Senators who voted 'YES' ($83,649).
• Interest groups that support this bill (Public works, industrial & commercial construction, Builders associations, Aircraft manufacturers, Travel agents, etc.) gave 1.9 times as much on average to Senators who voted 'YES' ($134,065) as they gave to Senators who voted 'NO' ($71,362). 17 of the top 20 recipients of campaign contributions connected to interest groups that support this bill voted in favor of the measure.

U.S. House of Representatives

• Interest groups that oppose this bill (Building trades unions, Teachers unions, Manufacturing unions, Railroad unions, etc.) gave 5.9 times as much on average to House members who voted 'NO' ($100,072) as they gave to House members who voted 'YES' ($16,915). 18 of the top 20 recipients of campaign contributions connected to interest groups that oppose this bill voted against the measure.
• Interest groups that support this bill (Public works, industrial & commercial construction, Builders associations, Aircraft manufacturers, Travel agents, etc.) gave 1.5 times as much on average to House members who voted 'YES' ($33,973) as they gave to House members who voted 'NO' ($21,984).