Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Western Carolina Higher Education Commission-Salkehatchie Leadership Institute in Allendale will receive $228,098 in grants. The grants will be used to develop an inventory of artisans and craftspeople in the newly-formed Southern Carolina Regional Economic Development Alliance. The project is expected to create 30 jobs and assist 15 businesses. The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. ####

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced the Army Corps of Engineers will receive more than $16 million for dredging projects in the Charleston and Georgetown areas. The funds include:

• $11,038,000 for dredging in Charleston Harbor.
• $4,000,000 for dredging in Georgetown Harbor ($1.5 million for the entrance channel and $3.5 million for Sampit River and Upper Winyah Bay.)
• $987,000 for dredging in the Folly River
• $459,000 for dredging in Town Creek
“South Carolina’s waterways and harbors are critical to our economy,” said Graham. “They are the backbone of commercial transportation and tourism in South Carolina. We need to ensure they are properly maintained and protected.” “This funding will ensure that South Carolina’s ports can continue to serve as the gateway to the world for America’s exports,” said DeMint. “Our state's economic growth depends on maintaining the Charleston Harbor and our natural assets.” The Senators secured the funds in the 2006 Energy and Water Appropriations bill. The legislation passed the Senate last night by a 92-3 vote. The measure will now be referred to a House-Senate Conference Committee. The Senators also noted they had secured $3 million dollars in the same bill for the maintenance of the Intracoastal Waterway in South Carolina. ####

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on the retirement of Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. Graham said: “I would like to add my name to the long list of Americans who admire Justice O’Connor. The way she conducted herself throughout public life has been an example to us all. In her professional life, she broke glass ceilings in the area of women and the law. Her keen intellect and great legal skills are matched by her kindness and decency. “Justice O’Connor will go down in history as one of the more influential justices to have ever served on the Supreme Court. She will be missed and all Americans should be grateful for her service.” ####

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement after meeting with Chairman of the Federal Reserve Alan Greenspan, Treasury Secretary John Snow, and U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-New York.) Graham said: “Senator Schumer and I strongly believe the vote this spring by 67 Senators refusing to table the Schumer-Graham amendment seeking reform of the Chinese currency was a constructive signal from the Senate. It demonstrated the urgency and seriousness of Congress toward the China currency problem and is helping generate momentum in our efforts to bring about currency reform. “The currency issue is one of the most important problems facing the global economy and directly affects U.S. manufacturing. There’s no doubt the current Chinese policy of pegging the yuan to the dollar creates an unfair discount for their products over American goods. Significant revaluation of the yuan would send a positive signal about the role China seeks to play in the global economy. “After discussions with Secretary Snow and Chairman Greenspan, I’m convinced progress is being made on this issue. In light of this progress, I believe it is appropriate for us to show flexibility in giving this new engagement between China and the United States a chance to mature and develop. Therefore, Senator Schumer and I have agreed to postpone the impending July vote on our legislation. We’re hopeful this will allow Secretary Snow to continue to make progress. “However, if progress on Chinese revaluation stalls, Senator Schumer and I retain the right to call for a Senate vote before the end of the First Session of the 109th Congress. The Senate Republican and Democratic leadership have agreed to this change. “I agree with Chairman Greenspan that a revaluation of the yuan would be beneficial to both countries. I also appreciate Secretary Snow’s hard work on this issue and the involvement of President Bush. I remain hopeful there will be a positive outcome for both the U.S. and China in this endeavor. Much is at stake and I’m hopeful we can get a result that is a win for both nations. “The benefits to the United States and world economy by moving toward a floating Chinese currency cannot be underestimated. While revaluation alone will not substantially change the trade deficit or improve manufacturing competitiveness, it will help create a ripple affect throughout Asia as other nations keep pace in revaluing their currencies. Over time, this combined effect will be tremendously beneficial to American manufacturing as Chinese movement on currency revaluation should be followed by their Asian neighbors. “The more Asian nations come in-line with international monetary policy, the better the likelihood American manufacturing can compete throughout the world.” Note: The First Session of the 109th Congress is scheduled to end October 2005. ####