Lockheed Martin boosted lobbying spending as big programs face threats

Lockheed ramped up lobbying in 1Q

WASHINGTON — Lockheed Martin Corp. significantly increased the amount of money it spent lobbying Congress and the Pentagon during the first quarter as it fought to stave off proposed cuts to some of its major weapons programs.

In a lobbying report filed with the House and Senate, Lockheed said it spent $6.35 million on lobbying during the three months that ended March 31. During the 2008 first quarter, the Bethesda, Md.-based defense contractor paid $3.78 million for lobbying work.

Defense Secretary Robert Gates’ 2010 fiscal year budget proposal would slash funding for some big Lockheed contracts. For example, production would end of the F-22 fighter jet and a Lockheed contract to build a new fleet of helicopters for the president, known as the VH-71 helicopter, would be canceled.

But Lockheed would also see some gains under the budget, which must be approved by Congress. The Pentagon would speed up purchase of the Littoral Combat warship that can sail in shallow waters, a program Lockheed splits with General Dynamics Corp.

Lockheed’s lobbying report lists a wide range of programs and federal agencies. But it also specifies the F-22, the VH-71 and the Littoral Combat ship as part of its work on “federal and defense budget development.”