The trade group, through Exports Inc., pushed for a Bush administration proposal that allows the U.S. Export-Import Bank to use fees it charges U.S. companies to cover the bank's costs, instead of relying on government appropriations.

Using the fees, the trade group has said, would make financing the bank more reliable.

Companies use the bank, which usually guarantees loans and other financing provided by developing country banks, to help finance high-value exports to developing countries. Companies say their risk is lessened with such guarantees.

Besides Congress, the coalition -- whose 29 members include Boeing Co., General Electric Co. and Halliburton Co. -- lobbied the Export-Import Bank, White House budget office, Commerce, State, Defense and Treasury departments and other agencies.

The form was posted online Nov. 21 by the Senate's public records office.

Lobbyists are required to disclose activities that could influence members of the executive and legislative branches, under a federal law enacted in 1995. They must register with Congress within 45 days of being hired or engaging in lobbying.