Lockheed Martin Showered Susan Collins With Cash as F-35 Program Hit Turbulence
Collins received tens of thousands from Lockheed during a two-month period surrounding a critical 2023 watchdog report. The post Lockheed Martin Showered Susan Collins With Cash as F-35 Program Hit Turbulence appeared first on The Intercept .
In May 2023, the F-35 fighter jet program faced a new crisis as it was late, costly and experiencing mounting issues. An internal government watchdog report revealed a cascade of new problems, with the Pentagon criticized for lumping upgrades with overall purchase costs. Contractors behind the aircraft were also accused of failing to deliver the F-35 on time.
For Lockheed Martin, the main defense contractor overseeing the F-35's development, this timing was far from ideal. Congress was set to debate the Pentagon's budget, and with it, new funding for the purchase of F-35 jets. The senator who benefited the most from Lockheed's cash during this period was Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who served as the ranking member on the Defense Appropriations Subcommittee.
From May to June 2023, Lockheed employees and executives donated $59,500 to Collins's campaign committee, making her the largest recipient of Lockheed cash during this period.
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