Bill S. 4755, introduced by Senator Mike Lee on June 11, 2026, directs the Secretary of the Army, through the Chief of Engineers, to create a new nationwide permit under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act. This permit would streamline the approval process for dredging projects in U.S. navigable waters, aiming to simplify and expedite such activities.
Supporters of S. 4755 argue that the bill will enhance the efficiency of dredging projects, which are vital for maintaining and expanding ports and navigation channels. By reducing bureaucratic hurdles, the bill is expected to bolster economic growth, improve trade capabilities, and create job opportunities in related sectors.
Critics express concern that the bill could weaken environmental safeguards by expediting the dredging permit process. They worry that this could lead to increased environmental degradation, harm aquatic ecosystems, and compromise water quality, as thorough environmental assessments might be overlooked in the streamlined process.
The analysis of Bill S. 4755, which pertains to dredging projects under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act, reveals no direct industry overlaps between the sponsor Mike Lee's top donor industries and the bill's subject matter. Although there is significant lobbying activity in this policy area, particularly from companies like Tencent America LLC and Alibaba Group Holding Limited, the contributions do not directly correlate with the interests represented in the bill. The total disclosed lobbying amounts from these companies are $200,000 and $80,000 respectively, but they do not indicate a direct financial interest in dredging projects. Therefore, while there is some lobbying activity, the lack of direct donor overlap suggests a low risk of conflict of interest.
Organizations that lobbied on issues related to this bill's policy area.
| Client | Lobbying Firm | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| TENCENT AMERICA, LLC | BROWNSTEIN HYATT FARBER SCHRECK, LLP | $200,000 |
| ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED | BROWNSTEIN HYATT FARBER SCHRECK, LLP | $80,000 |
| B&H FOTO & ELECTRONICS CORP | STONINGTON GLOBAL | $75,000 |
| CTIA-THE WIRELESS ASSOCIATION | MINTZ LEVIN COHN FERRIS GLOVSKY AND POPEO, P.C. | $60,000 |
| NORTH AMERICAN RESCUE, LLC | NORTH AMERICAN RESCUE, LLC | $10,000 |
| SULLIVAN STRATEGIES OBO ODOT | COLUMBIA STRATEGIC COUNSEL | $10,000 |
| ACT FOR AMERICA | ACT FOR AMERICA | $10,000 |
| ALIBABA GROUP HOLDING LIMITED | MERCURY PUBLIC AFFAIRS, LLC | undisclosed |
| TENCENT AMERICA LLC | MERCURY PUBLIC AFFAIRS, LLC | undisclosed |
| XTAR LLC | THE MADISON GROUP | undisclosed |
| ALLERGY & ASTHMA NETWORK | ALLERGY & ASTHMA NETWORK | undisclosed |
| ARDMORE CONSULTING GROUP, INC | BRADLEY ARANT BOULT CUMMINGS LLP | undisclosed |
| T-MOBILE USA, INC. | ALPINE ADVISORS | undisclosed |
| AXON ENTERPRISE, INC. | ALPINE GROUP PARTNERS, LLC. | undisclosed |
| PLAYPOWER, INC. | MILLER STRATEGIES, LLC | undisclosed |
Source: Senate Lobbying Disclosure Act (LDA) filings, 2026
Top industries funding Mike Lee, ranked by total contributions.
Source: OpenSecrets.org (Center for Responsive Politics)
