Mar 19 2003

Statement from Lindsey Graham on War with Iraq

Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made the following statement on hostilities between the United States and the regime of Saddam Hussein. "Now that hostilities have begun, it is time for the nation to come together and support our men and women in uniform. Any disagreements Americans may have had in the past should give way to our shared commitment to see this effort through. Our thoughts and prayers are with our soldiers, sailors and Marines in the field. "I fully understand why President Bush had to resort to the use of force to disarm Saddam Hussein. It has been readily apparent for many months that Saddam would not voluntarily part with his weapons of mass destruction. "It’s long past time for Saddam Hussein to be replaced. President Bush used the only reasonable option available to him and our nation."

Mar 17 2003

Senator Graham leads charge on Social Security Reform

Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON -- United States Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) announced today he will introduce an amendment to the budget resolution tomorrow, highlighting the problems with the current state of Social Security and the immediate need to find a permanent solution. The Sense of the Senate amendment is a statement of facts about the financial condition of the Social Security system and an agreement that we must work to make Social Security solvent and permanently sustainable at the earliest opportunity. “Strengthening and protecting Social Security is one of the most important domestic issues facing America today,” Graham said. “It affects the wellbeing of retirees, workers, and future generations. When it comes to Social Security, to do nothing is political malpractice.” Graham will introduce his amendment on the same day he is scheduled to address a National Center for Policy Analysis briefing on the 2003 Social Security Trustees’ Report. The 2003 Trustees’ Report was released today. It states that while the short term condition of Social Security has improved slightly, the long term deficits continue to deteriorate rapidly: In 2018, Social Security will begin to pay out more in benefits that it collects in taxes. By 2042, the system will be insolvent and tax revenues will only finance 73% of benefits. Over the next 75 years we have promised to pay $25.3 trillion (in 2003 dollars) more in benefits than we will collect in taxes. Also speaking at the briefing will be Dr. Thomas R. Saving, Social Security and Medicare Trustee, and James B. Lockhart III, Deputy Commissioner of Social Security.

Mar 13 2003

Graham Supports Partial Birth Abortion Ban

Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-Seneca) today voted in support of a ban on partial birth abortion. The measure passed by a 64-33 margin. “I’m very pleased the Senate was able to pass legislation to ban the horrible procedure know as partial birth abortion,” said Graham, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “America may be divided on abortion policy in the early stages of pregnancy, but banning abortion in the last months of pregnancy is overwhelmingly supported.” The legislation prohibits any person from performing a partial birth abortion. The procedure is defined as an abortion where the person partially delivers a living fetus and kills the fetus before completing delivery. It does provide an exception in case the life of the mother is endangered by a physical disorder, illness, or injury. Any person performing the procedure would be subject to fines and up to two years in prison. They could also be held liable for civil damages. The mother of the aborted fetus is exempted from prosecution. “Today’s action is a step in the right direction toward making our society more civilized,” said Graham. “I’m confident if the House of Representatives’ approves the legislation, President Bush will sign it into law.” In previous years, the partial birth abortion ban passed the House and Senate only to be vetoed by President Bill Clinton.

Mar 10 2003

Marion County Company Secures Contract worth $18 Million

Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-Seneca) today said the Defense Logistics Agency has awarded an $18.64 million contract to SOPAKCO Packaging in Mullins. The contract requires the company to manufacture 420,000 meals, ready-to-eat (MRE) for America’s servicemen and women. “SOPAKCO’s work contributes directly to feeding our troops and to helping win the war on terrorism,” said Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee. “This is a great example of a community doing its part. The renewal of this contract is also great news for the economy of Marion County.” The contact runs through May 31, 2003.

Mar 06 2003

Graham Votes to End Miguel Estrada Filibuster

Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today voted to end debate on the nomination of Miguel Estrada to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The voted failed by a 55-44 margin. Under Senate rules, it takes 60 votes to end debate on an issue. All 51 Republican Senators along with 4 Democratic Senators – Zell Miller of Georgia, Ben Nelson of Nebraska, Bill Nelson of Florida, and John Breaux of Louisiana voted to end the filibuster which has now lasted four weeks. “Needless to say, I’m disappointed the U.S. Senate has failed to end the partisan filibuster on this very qualified nominee,” said Graham, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “Miguel Estrada is being opposed because he is a conservative and the liberal left of the Democratic Party has declared war upon him. Requiring 60 votes to confirm a judge will lead us down a very destructive path.” “A person with Mr. Estrada’s qualifications and experience seemingly would be a shoe-in for a speedy confirmation,” said Graham. “Unfortunately, partisan Senate Democrats are holding the Estrada nomination hostage and are engaged in a filibuster to prevent the issue from coming to a vote. The tactic is without precedent as the Senate has never blocked – by partisan filibuster – any judicial nominee.” Born and raised in Honduras, Estrada immigrated to the United States at age 17. He graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Columbia College and magna cum laude from Harvard Law School, where he was editor of the law review. He’s argued numerous cases before the U.S. Supreme Court and served in the U.S. Justice Department under both Democrat and Republican presidents. If confirmed by the U.S. Senate, Estrada would become the first Hispanic ever to sit on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. circuit, often considered the second most important federal court behind the Supreme Court. Graham noted the attacks on Estrada include: Myth: Estrada lacks the proper qualifications. Reality: Senate Democrats have admitted he is a brilliant lawyer, but say he lacks experience. This overlooks the fact two Supreme Court justices – Byron White and Chief Justice William Rehnquist – appointed by a Democrat and Republican president, had no experience prior to their serving on the highest court in the land. Also, the American Bar Association, referred to as the “gold standard” by many Senate Democrats, unanimously conferred on Estrada their highest rating of “well qualified.” Myth: We haven’t had enough time to question the nominee. Reality: Estrada testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee for five hours. After the hearing was complete and he answered the questions asked of him, only 2 Democratic Senators submitted additional questions. In addition, President Bush nominated Estrada in May 2001 when Democrats controlled the Senate. Had they seen fit, and being in complete control of the Judiciary Committee, they could have held multiple hearings and questioned him for hours on end. They chose not to. Myth: Estrada is too conservative. Reality: Part of the filibuster revolves around the fact Senate Democrats have little tolerance for placing a qualified, conservative Hispanic on the bench even though seven former Solicitor Generals who represented the U.S. government before the Supreme Court, 3 Democrats and 4 Republicans, have all recommended his nomination be approved. Graham also noted Estrada also worked for the Clinton Justice Department, hardly a bastion of conservatism. Seth Waxman, President Clinton’s Solicitor General, called him a “model of professionalism and competence” and said of his beliefs, “In no way did I ever discern that the recommendations Mr. Estrada made or the views he propounded were colored in any way by his personal views – or indeed that they reflected anything other than the long-term interests of the United States.” “I hope the Senate will eventually end debate and allow a vote on this qualified judicial nominee,” said Graham. “We owe it to Mr. Estrada and to the nation to give this public servant his day in court, or in this case, the U.S. Senate.”

Mar 04 2003

Graham Wants Human Shields and Those Impeding American Military Action to Face Prosecution

Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-Seneca) has requested the U.S. Justice Department review whether American citizens traveling to Iraq to act as ‘human shields’ or ‘voluntarily engage in conduct designed to impede military action’ could face trial in American courts for violation of federal law. In a letter to United States Attorney General John Ashcroft, Graham also requests information on whether the Justice Department has considered “formally notifying Americans engaged in such conduct of the legal risks they are about to assume” and asks whether the department “will be aggressive in prosecuting such individuals and groups.” “I strongly believe efforts to impede a potential military operation against Iraq should be strongly dealt with and I am seeking your assistance in this matter,” wrote Graham, a member of both the Armed Services and Judiciary committees in the U.S. Senate. “It is my opinion that any American who voluntarily engages in conduct to impede a potential military operation, and who thereby endangers the lives of our nation’s men and women in uniform, is participating in a program designed to weaken the power of the United States to wage war successfully.” Article III, Section 3 of the U.S. Constitution defines the act of treason. It reads, “Treason against the United States, shall consist only in levying War against them, or in adhering to their Enemies, giving them Aid and Comfort.” Congress has also passed the Trading with the Enemy Act which restricts economic activities, including those associated with travel. Current restrictions are in place for Cuba, North Korea, Libya, and Iraq. “It goes without saying that Americans enjoy the right to challenge their government and protest in a variety of lawful ways,” said Graham. “However, our constitution and federal legal structure do not allow Americans to actively aid nations or groups engaged in hostilities with the United States.” Graham noted American John Walker Lindh was recently convicted and sentenced to prison for his relation with the Al-Qaeda terrorist network and Taliban. “I, along with many other Members of Congress, strongly believe the full force of the law should be applied to those American citizens who give aid and comfort to our enemies,” concluded Graham.

Feb 27 2003

Federal Grant Aids Disabled Workers

Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced South Carolina will receive a $500,000 grant to increase services for workers with disabilities and help others return to work without risking the loss of their health benefits. The funds are part of a $2.5 million package the Department of Health and Human Services awarded to five states, including Indiana, Maryland, Mississippi, and North Carolina. The funds can be used to build programs that allow people with disabilities to purchase affordable health coverage through Medicaid, support programs that provide personal assistance in the home or office, train workers, improve transportation for people with disabilities, or aid other programs that facilitate integrating people with disabilities into the workforce. “We have a responsibility to ensure that every South Carolinian who wants to work has the opportunity to do so, and is not penalized for contributing to the economy,” Graham said. “I think this demonstrates a commitment from the Bush Administration and the Congress to assist every American and ensure people are given every opportunity to succeed.” The grants support President Bush's New Freedom Initiative to eliminate barriers for people with disabilities. It also helps advance the goals of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999 to ensure people with disabilities can retain their Medicare, Medicaid or similar health benefits if they return to work.

Feb 14 2003

Senate Passes Spending Bill Containing Projects for South Carolina

Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) said the $397.4 billion spending plan funding nearly all non-defense federal government operations in the coming year will directly affect South Carolina. The legislation passed the Senate yesterday by a vote of 76-20 and President Bush is expect to sign it into law in the coming days. “This bill isn’t perfect, but it’s a good compromise between many varied interests. President Bush deserves credit for helping push the process along,” said Graham. “We still need to make structural reforms to how the Congress spends money and until we do the process is always going to be very messy. “I’m very proud of my Republican colleagues for having the discipline to pass last years’ appropriation bills which Democrats were unable to complete,” said Graham. “At the end of the day the new Republican majority was able to complete the appropriations process in a little over a month – a task Senator Daschle and his Democratic colleagues were unable to do in an entire year. “We demonstrated we're capable of leading the country,” continued Graham. “I'm very proud of my Republican colleagues for sticking together to vote down almost all attempts to add additional spending measures.”

Notable Projects in South Carolina Receiving Funding

Anderson County
  • $3 million for South Carolina transit system.
  • $1.5 million for Brown Road Bridge.
Barnwell County
  • $166,000 to the County Government Health Services Facility.
Berkeley County
  • $1 million for Railroad Avenue extension.
  • $450,000 for extension of water lines to Cross Community schools.
Beaufort
  • $2 million for 278 corridor improvements.
Charleston / North Charleston
  • $3.5 million for the MUSC Oncology Center.
  • $1.9 million for United States Vegetable Lab.
  • $1.8 million increase to College of Charleston School of Science and Mathematics.
  • $1.2 million for John F. Limehouse Bridge.
  • $1 million for biological and environmental research at MUSC.
  • $900,000 for the Commission of Public Works for wastewater tunnel replacement.
  • $810,000 for the South Carolina Association of Community Development Corporation for job training.
  • $630,000 for pre and post homeownership classes.
  • $500,000 to Trident Technical College.
  • $500,000 for North Charleston Regional Intermodal Transportation Center.
  • $416,000 for the Advanced Technical Institute Telehealth Deployment Center.
  • $202,500 to Housing Foundation, Inc for construction of the Lincolnville Community Center.
  • $180,000 to the country for wastewater infrastructure improvements.
Columbia
  • $1.8 million increase to the South Carolina Association of School Administrators for the Blue Ribbon School Reform Project and Interactive Library.
  • $1.5 for Columbia Metropolitan Airport ATC Tower relocation.
  • $1 million for Assembly Street railroad consolidation and grade crossing elimination.
  • $990,000 for facilities construction and redevelopment of the Drew Park Wellness Center.
  • $500,000 for the South Carolina State Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education for distance learning programs.
  • $450,000 for the University of South Carolina for geological study for uranium groundwater contamination.
Clemson
  • $700,000 for Call Me Mister program at Clemson University.
Eastover
  • $225,000 for water infrastructure improvements.
Florence
  • $500,000 for swine lagoon alternatives research.
  • $450,000 for continued construction of a regional surface water plant.
  • $250,000 for Cotton Genetics Research.
  • $100,000 to ScienceSouth for science education programs, science traveling exhibits and outreach activities.
Georgetown
  • $2 million for Highway 17/521 improvements.
  • $360,000 for Five Rivers Community Development Corporation for economic development and affordable housing.
Greenville
  • $900,000 for city water and sewer infrastructure improvements.
Greer
  • $250,000 for master plan relocation study.
Jackson
  • $171,000 for removal of radium from water supply.
Jefferson
  • $600,000 for the Sandhills Medical Foundation.
Mount Pleasant
  • $900,000 for the Waterworks Commission for the Snowden Community Wastewater Collection project.
Marion County
  • $50,000 for the county library.
Myrtle Beach
  • $3 million for I-73 from North Carolina state line to Myrtle Beach.
  • $1.125 million for regional multimodal transit center.
  • $450,000 for South Carolina Downtown Redevelopment Corporation for storm water infrastructure improvements for the Pavilion Area master plan.
Orangeburg
  • $4.144 million for the Orangeburg Substation Phase II.
  • $550,000 to South Carolina State University of Southern Rural Transportation Center.
  • $400,000 to the County Rural Transit Demonstration Project at South Carolina State University.
Spartanburg
  • $1 million for the Arkwright Connector.
  • $1 million for runway extension at downtown airport.
  • $283,500 to the South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind for facilities construction.
Rock Hill
  • $270,000 for a feasibility study and physical assessment for the redevelopment of the Rock Hill Printing and Finishing Company Textile mill site.
Sumter
  • $5 million for Intermodal Transportation Center.
  • $4.6 million for the Broad River Corridor.
Walhalla
  • $198,000 for water infrastructure improvements.
Williamsburg
  • $180,000 for Boys and Girls Club of Williamsburg country for construction related to facilities expansion.
Army Corp of Engineers- General
  • $575,000 for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.
  • $200,000 for the Broad River Basin.
  • $135,000 for Charleston Harbor.
  • $100,000 for Pawley’s Island.
  • $50,000 for the Reedy River.
  • $50,000 for the Santee Delta Environmental Restoration.
  • $25,000 for the Waccamaw River.
Army Corp of Engineers- Construction
  • $5.5 million for Charleston Harbor Deepening and Widening.
  • $3.2 million for Hartwell Lake Upper and Lower Diversion.
  • $1.862 million for Lakes Marion and Moultrie.
  • $400,000 for Myrtle Beach Storm Damage Reduction.
Army Corp of Engineers- Operations and Maintenance
  • $10.516 million for Charleston Harbor.
  • $6.89 million for the Cooper River.
  • $3.7 million for Georgetown.
  • $3 million for the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway.
  • $1 million for Port Royal Harbor.
  • $816,000 for Shipyard River.
  • $396,000 for Town Creek.
  • $257,000 for Folly River.
Savannah River Site
  • $93 million for the construction of the MOX fuel fabrication facility.
  • $33 million for pit disassembly and conversion.
  • $14.87 million for High Level Waste Removal.
  • $10.48 million for modernization of the Tritium Extraction Facility.
  • $2 million for Plutonium Packaging and Stabilization.
  • $198,372 for fissile material disposition.
Other Projects of South Carolina Interest
  • $10 million for the National Textile Center.
  • $7 million for South Carolina vehicles and facilities.
  • $5 million for the Forest Legacy Coastal Forest Ecological Restoration.
  • $2.5 million for land acquisition at the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge.
  • $2 million for the Waccamaw National Wildlife Refuge Visitors Center.
  • $2 million for the Francis Marion National Forest.
  • $2 million for the Chattooga Wild and Scenic River.
  • $1 million for the South Carolina National Heritage Corridor.
  • $1 million for intermodal/inland port terminal.
  • $1.5 million for South Carolina statewide ITS as part of South Carolina Department of Transportation.
  • $4 million for Bonneau Ferry.
  • $1.5 million for South Carolina shrimper assistance.
  • $1 million for South Carolina Oyster Recovery.
  • $800,000 for study to characterize land use change while preserving natural resources in cooperation with Clemson University.
  • $650,000 for a new maintenance facility at the Congaree Swamp National Monument.
  • $500,000 for high speed rail corridor in South Carolina.
  • $500,000 for South Carolina Board for Technical and Comprehensive Education / Distance Learning.
  • $500,000 for interchange improvements at Little Mountain exit on I-26.
  • $500,000 for South Carolina Taxonomic Center.
  • $500,000 for South Carolina seafood marketing.
  • $450,000 for shrimp pathogens.
  • $450,000 for Charleston Bump.
  • $262,000 for Peach Tree Short Life.
  • $166,000 for the Manufacturing Extension Partnership.
  • $150,000 for the Cape Romain National Wildlife Reserve.


    Note: Please note the list is a guide and there may be other projects not included on the current list.

Feb 07 2003

Harborwalk Marina to Receive $323,000 Federal Grant

Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R- South Carolina) announced today the Department of the Interior U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded a $323,070 boating infrastructure grant to the Harborwalk Marina in Georgetown. The funds will be used to remove an existing pier, and install new docks and fixed piers that can accommodate up to thirteen boat slips. This upgrade will provide transient boaters with greater access to the city’s historic district. “South Carolina’s waterways are one of our state’s greatest resources,” said Graham. “Recreational boaters are attracted to the historic sites and beautiful scenery along our coastal waterways. We need to provide safe and easy access from water to land.”

Feb 07 2003

Graham Represents United States at European Conference on Security

Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R- South Carolina) along with Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld and a bipartisan group of lawmakers will be in Munich, Germany this weekend to attend the 39th Munich Conference on Security Policy. The major topics of discussion will be the conflict with Iraq and the continuing war on terrorism. The annual conference on global security brings together government and private sector experts from the United States, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. “Our allies and the world will see our elected leadership is united in the goal of disarming Iraq and are prepared to use whatever means are necessary,” said Graham, a member of the Armed Services Committee. “It’s my hope this trip will help solidify support for any future action that might be taken to disarm Saddam Hussein and his weapons of mass destruction.” Conference attendees will hear from Secretary General of NATO Lord George Robertson, German Minister of Foreign Affairs Joschka Fischer, German Minister of Defense Peter Struck, Russian Minister of Defense Sergey B. Ivanov, French Minister of Defense Michele Alliot-Marie and others. Before arriving in Munich, the congressional delegation will attend a briefing at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
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