The political action committee for the nation's largest defense contractor, Lockheed Martin Corp., made campaign contributions in the first six months of 1999 that include donations to two House members who proposed budget cuts for its F-22 fighter, Bloomberg News Service reported.
The Bethesda-based company's PAC made $389,379 in campaign donations through June 30, according to FEC records. Among the five candidates who got the largest contributions were House Defense Appropriations Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Lewis, R-Calif., and ranking member John Murtha, D-Pa., who received $6,000 each. Lewis and Murtha are advocating a $1.8 billion cut in F-22 production funds for fiscal 2000.
"Congressman Lewis has never taken fundraising into account when considering the value of a program," said a Lewis spokesman, adding, "In the case of defense contractors, it seems a little absurd to suggest he or Mr. Murtha would favor one or another on a multibillion [dollar] contract for a $6,000 donation."
In a statement, Murtha said, "I'm always tried to do what I believe is best for our defense, best for our military and best for our nation."
Lewis and Murtha say long-range defense budgets cannot afford to buy the plane based on its current cost trends and lack of a compelling adversary. The cuts have been approved by the House. The Senate approved the money, however, and the House and Senate will try to reconcile their differences on the issue next month.
"Our PAC donations are bipartisan and intended to show support in general for the democratic process and members of Congress who have interests in our company," said a Lockheed Martin spokesman. "Beyond this, we have no other expectations."
Lockheed Martin's other largest half-year contributions included $8,000 to Sen. Max Cleland, D-Ga., who represents the state where the F-22 is assembled, $7,000 to Senate Majority Leader Trent Lott, R-Miss., and $6,000 to Sen. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio. Lockheed's PAC donations also included $5,000 contributions each to House Majority Whip Tom DeLay, D-S.D., Defense Appropriations Subcommittee member James Moran, D-Va., and the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee.
The PAC for Boeing, the nation's second largest defense contractor, made $279,750 in campaign contributions through June 30, while Raytheon Co. gave $202,200, General Dynamics Corp. $238,107, and Northrop Grumman Corp. $140,500, according to newly filed FEC records.
NEXT STORY: FCC chief unveils reorganization plan