What Happened
Minnesota Democrat Directs Hundreds of Millions to Local Companies
Rep. Betty McCollum, a Democrat from Minnesota, has become a key figure in directing Pentagon funds to local defense projects, including hypersonic technology and AI-powered drones. With the help of her former staffer turned lobbyist, Bill Harper, McCollum has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in funding for Minnesota companies, such as North Wind and the University of Minnesota. The defense industry has taken notice, increasing donations to McCollum’s campaign, according to the Minnesota Star Tribune.