WASHINGTON—Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) and Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) have launched an offensive against a new legislative initiative, informally known as "Project 60," which proposes $60 billion in federal outlays. The package targets infrastructure upgrades and defense technology development. Their public opposition signals a brewing fight within the Republican party over fiscal policy and government intervention in key economic sectors.
The proposed $60 billion allocation includes $35 billion for modernizing military infrastructure and $25 billion for AI and quantum computing research. Defense giants like Raytheon Technologies and Lockheed Martin stand to gain substantial new contracts. Raytheon, which reported $70 billion in revenue last year, has deployed a team of five new lobbyists to Capitol Hill this quarter, according to public filings. These firms have collectively spent over $8 million on lobbying efforts since January, advocating for increased defense appropriations.
Fiscal conservative groups are mobilizing against the plan. Heritage Action for America and Americans for Tax Reform argue the spending is inflationary and adds to the national debt, which now exceeds $35 trillion. These organizations, funded by major donors like the Koch network, are prepared to launch targeted ad campaigns in key states, aiming to sway moderate Republicans. Their opposition creates a direct conflict with the defense industry's lobbying apparatus.
The initiative's proponents, including several centrist Democrats and some pro-business Republicans, argue the investment is critical for U.S. competitiveness against China. They point to the creation of an estimated 200,000 jobs across the construction and technology sectors. However, the political cost of passing such a large spending bill without clear bipartisan consensus remains high, especially with President Trump's administration prioritizing fiscal restraint in other areas.
The battle over "Project 60" will test the influence of industry lobbies against fiscal conservative sentiment. The outcome will determine not only the allocation of billions in federal funds but also the trajectory of U.S. industrial policy for the next decade.
