The bill S. 4756 aims to allow dredge ships from NATO countries and major non-NATO allies to operate within the United States. This would enable these foreign vessels to participate in dredging activities, which are essential for maintaining and improving waterways and ports.
Supporters of the bill argue that it enhances international cooperation and strengthens partnerships with allied nations. They highlight the potential for improved efficiency in dredging operations and the sharing of expertise and resources, which could lead to better infrastructure and economic growth.
Critics of the bill express concerns about national security and the potential risks of allowing foreign vessels to operate in U.S. waters. They worry that this could lead to vulnerabilities in critical infrastructure and question the oversight and regulations governing foreign dredging activities.
The analysis of Bill S. 4756, which permits the use of NATO and major non-NATO ally dredge ships in the United States, 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 related areas, such as contributions from Tencent America LLC ($200,000) and Alibaba Group Holding Limited ($80,000), these companies do not have a direct connection to dredging or maritime operations. The lack of direct financial ties reduces the likelihood of conflicts of interest. Voters should be aware that while lobbying exists, it does not indicate a direct influence on this specific legislation.
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)
