WASHINGTON – Sen. Mike Lee (R-UT) introduced a series of legislative measures to bolster the United States' supply chain resilience and modernize its port infrastructure. The suite of four bills introduced by Senator Lee seeks to address long-standing impediments in the port sector and is poised to enhance the competitiveness of American maritime logistics.

"These bills represent a critical step towards upgrading our nation's ports and securing our economic future,” said Sen. Lee. “Dredging is vital for maintaining our ports and ensuring that America remains a global trade powerhouse. It's time we update outdated laws that hinder our progress and adopt measures that reflect the current needs of international trade and commerce."

Sen. Lee's legislative initiative includes the following bills:

Dredging to Ensure the Empowerment of Ports (DEEP) Act

The DEEP Act repeals the Foreign Dredge Act of 1906 and proposes a new Nationwide Permit (NWP) for dredging projects. Requiring clear response times and eliminating duplication will reduce dredge backlog and provide project managers certainty in the decision-making process. 

The Allied Partnership and Port Modernization Act

The Allied Partnership and Port Modernization Act aims to amend the Foreign Dredge Act of 1906 to welcome NATO-affiliated dredging vessels into U.S. waters, fostering competition that can lead to reduced dredging costs and consumer prices for goods entering U.S. ports.

The Port Modernization and Supply Chain Protection Act

Building on the need for competitive dredging markets, the Port Modernization and Supply Chain Protection Act would repeal the Foreign Dredge Act of 1906's cabotage requirements, allowing any qualified dredge vessel to operate in U.S. waters. This move is expected to drive down the costs of dredging – which have risen dramatically over the past decades – and, by extension, lower the costs of goods imported into the United States.

Incentivizing the Expansion of U.S. Ports Act

To expand the U.S. dredging fleet, the Incentivizing the Expansion of U.S. Ports Act would amend the Foreign Dredge Act of 1906 to allow the purchase of foreign-built dredge vessels, provided they are crewed by Americans and fly the U.S. flag. This act is a strategic move to enhance the operational capacity of American dredgers.

Of the bill, Nick Loris, Vice President of Public Policy at C3 Solutions said, “Senator Lee’s dredging reform efforts are good for the economy and the environment. America’s ports are essential for bringing in the products Americans need and helping U.S. businesses export their products around the world. Regrettably, a law that predates Henry Ford’s Model T is holding back efforts to modernize domestic ports. Increasing competition for dredging activities will improve America’s ports at a lower cost to taxpayers and provide more economic opportunity for U.S. businesses. Critically, more efficient dredging generates environmental benefits by reducing congestion on the roads and restoring wetlands and beaches. Repealing the Foreign Dredge Act is long overdue.”

Senator Lee's introduction of these bills underscores his commitment to revitalizing America's maritime infrastructure and supply chain logistics. By addressing the cost and regulatory challenges of dredging, these bills aim to position American ports to efficiently meet the growing demands of global trade.