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Minnesota’s Defense Boom Under McCollum | Minnesota Timberwolves News
Description
Congresswoman Betty McCollum is quietly reshaping Minnesota’s economy by channeling billions in Pentagon dollars into cutting-edge defense tech—hypersonic missiles, AI drones, and aerospace hubs. With her former chief of staff now a top defense lobbyist, they’ve turned military projects into commercial goldmines, reviving a once-dormant industry and creating jobs. Yet, while she rails against bloated defense budgets, her own office has seen a surge in industry donations—and she’s personally pushed key contracts, including a $100M aerospace deal for North Wind, even coaching researchers on how to win grants. Critics say it’s hypocrisy; McCollum insists she’s just keeping America competitive and transparent, even as the lines between advocacy and influence blur.
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