Jun 20 2005

Graham and Inglis Praise SC Efforts in Hydrogen Research

Passing Bush’s Energy Bill is a Must

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and U.S. Representative Bob Inglis (R-South Carolina) today held a press conference to recognize the leading role South Carolina plays in hydrogen research and to call for passage of President Bush’s energy bill. “South Carolina is a leader in hydrogen research,” said Graham. “Research institutions across the state have recognized the impact hydrogen fuel technology could have on our future. Working together, they will help lead our state and nation into the next generation of fuel technology.” "Smart cars and fuels of the future will come only from successful collaboration with capable partners," Inglis said. "Here in South Carolina we - Clemson, USC and State - the Upstate, Midlands and Lowcountry - must work in common cause." Graham recently hosted a meeting in Washington to bring together South Carolina’s leaders in hydrogen to discuss collaboration. The goal of the meeting was to help ensure everyone is working together to further the state’s image as a leading research location. Members of South Carolina’s Congressional delegation were in attendance along with representatives from:
  • University of South Carolina- The only university designated by the National Science Foundation for fuel cell research.
  • Clemson University- Leader in the development of ICAR, along with BMW.
  • South Carolina State University- Home of the Clyburn Transportation Center.
  • Savannah River National Lab- Home of the Center for Hydrogen Research, SRS has 50+ years of experience in handling hydrogen and is positioned to be a national leader in a hydrogen economy.
“South Carolina has positioned itself well to be a major beneficiary of President Bush’s energy bill,” said Graham. “This bill contains nearly $4 billion for hydrogen research. It is the most aggressive hydrogen fuel development package in our nation’s history.” As Co-Chairman and founder of the Senate Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, Graham noted the hydrogen section of the energy bill is based largely on legislation he introduced with Senator Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota). That bill was the result of work done by the bipartisan caucus. The energy bill provides $3.8 billion for hydrogen and fuel cell funding over five years, including $1.1 billion specifically for hydrogen supply research projects. In addition, it establishes demonstration programs for hydrogen technologies and fuel cell vehicles for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles, calls for enhanced public education and research efforts, and provides for private sector coordination. The bill sets a goal for the private sector of making a decision about the commercialization potential of hydrogen fuel by 2015. “This energy bill has great potential for the future of South Carolina and the nation,” said Graham. “Working with Congressman Inglis and our entire delegation, it is my goal to make South Carolina the Detroit of hydrogen. Passing this bill will go a long way toward achieving that.” ####

Jun 17 2005

Graham Statement on Senator Durbin’s Comment

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 in response to comments made by U.S. Senator Richard Dubin (D-IL). Durbin compared the treatment of Guantanamo prisoners to actions taken by Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, and former Cambodian leader Pol Pot. Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said: “Comparing treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay to practices engaged in by some of the worst regimes in human history provides additional fuel to the anti-American propaganda machine. This directly and indirectly puts our troops who serve abroad at additional risk. “Also, characterizing the actions of American service members at the same level of those among the most notorious in history is not only unfair, it’s bad for morale. It should be the last thing coming out of the U.S. Senate at a time of war. “It’s my belief that keeping Guantanamo Bay open, with proper reforms, will help win the War on Terror. Closing the facility will be a setback. “I hope Sen. Durbin will correct the problems he has caused and rise above the political moment to set the record straight. Our men and women in uniform deserve nothing less.” #####

Jun 16 2005

Graham Supports Boyle Nomination to 4th Circuit Court of Appeals

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today supported the nomination of North Carolina Judge Terrence Boyle to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond. The vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee was 10-8. Boyle was first nominated in October, 1991 by President George H. W. Bush, but he was not given a hearing in the Judiciary Committee, which was controlled by Democrats. In May 2001, President George W. Bush re-nominated Judge Boyle to the Fourth Circuit. The circuit covers South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. “I find Judge Boyle to be extraordinarily qualified and deserving of this promotion,” said Graham. “He will be a great addition to the Court of Appeals and I look forward to voting for his nomination in the full Senate.” South Carolina’s William ‘Billy’ Wilkins serves as the Chief Judge for the circuit. #####

Jun 15 2005

SC State to Receive Nearly $350,000

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced South Carolina State University will receive $347,200 for the department of Biological and Physical Sciences. Graham secured the funds as a congressional earmark in the Fiscal Year 2005 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The funds will be used to procure state-of-the-art equipment to support its research and instructional programs. Funds will also be used to improve laboratories, computer facilities, classrooms, a greenhouse, and offices. ####

Jun 14 2005

Senate Confirms Another Bush Nominee to the Federal Bench

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) was pleased the Senate today confirmed Thomas S. Griffith to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The vote was 73-24. Griffith is the sixth Bush nominee to be confirmed to a federal appeals court in less than four weeks. He joins Judges Priscilla Owen, Janice Rogers Brown, William Pryor, David McKeague, and Richard Griffin on the federal bench. The confirmations are lifetime appointments. The D.C. Court of Appeals is widely considered the second most powerful court in the United States behind the Supreme Court. Graham said: “It was another good day for President Bush, the U.S. Senate and the judiciary. Judge Griffith will be an outstanding conservative judge who will follow the laws as written, not engage in law-making. I know he will serve our nation well.” #####

Jun 14 2005

Senators Graham and Clinton Launch Senate Manufacturing Caucus

Bipartisan Caucus will lead Senate Efforts to Address Manufacturing Crisis

Wes Hickman (Graham) 202-224-5972 or Sarah Gegenheimer (Clinton) 202-224-2243
WASHINGTON -- Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) today launched the bipartisan Senate Manufacturing Caucus to spearhead Congressional efforts to address problems facing our country’s manufacturing industry. The United States has seen a significant erosion of its manufacturing base with over three million manufacturing jobs lost over the past seven years. Today, 14.3 million Americans are employed in the manufacturing sector, the lowest level of manufacturing employment since the end of World War II. Manufacturing job losses have hit virtually every state in the country. “For generations, our manufacturing sector has been the backbone of the American economy. Manufacturing jobs built our great Middle Class and allowed millions of families to live the American Dream and create a better life for their children. That bedrock strength is being eroded and we cannot afford as a country to sit back while our manufacturing capability slips away,” said Senator Clinton. “We need a strong manufacturing base for our economy to grow and we need to invest in creating the manufacturing jobs of the future. This caucus will lead efforts on Capitol Hill to help address these challenges.” “South Carolina’s economy is heavily based on manufacturing and over the last decade this sector has taken one hit after another,” said Senator Graham. “We can no longer watch good jobs disappear. It’s now time for Republicans and Democrats to join together to protect American manufacturing jobs and take steps to create a better business environment. The caucus will explore all aspects of the manufacturing sector with the ultimate goal of restoring this vital part of our economy. To improve the manufacturing climate in our state and nation, we’ll have to work together. The creation of the Manufacturing Caucus is another step in the right direction.” The caucus will identify strategies to address the root causes of the problems facing American manufacturing and opportunities for Congressional action to create and keep manufacturing jobs. They also noted the need to address the costs of health care and pensions that threaten American companies and their workers. Manufacturing leads every other sector of our economy in productivity growth, leading to higher wages, higher profits and lower prices. The average manufacturing job pays about $5 per hour more than jobs in the service sector and manufacturing jobs have a multiplier effect -- for every manufacturing job created in the United States, there are four jobs created that depend on that manufacturing job. In particular, Senators Graham and Clinton noted the urgency to continue to invest in research and development to foster innovation needed to keep our manufacturers competitive. Manufacturers currently lead the way in R&D;, spearheading almost two-thirds of all private-sector R&D.; The innovations resulting from this R&D; benefit not only the manufacturing sector, but also non-manufacturing sectors of the economy. Senators Graham and Clinton emphasized we cannot remain confident in our economic or national security if we become a country dependent on our other nations to provide our goods. In order to sustain a healthy and competitive manufacturing base, we need to maintain innovation and productivity. The caucus will bring together business and labor leaders, economists, and other stakeholders; commission academic studies and other inquiries and champion legislation to address challenges facing our country’s manufacturing sector. Clinton and Graham will serve as Co-Chairs of the caucus. Charter members of the caucus include Senators Evan Bayh (D-IN), Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Tom Coburn (R-OK), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Kent Conrad (D-ND), Mark Dayton (D-MN), Mike DeWine (R-OH), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Ben Nelson (D-NE), Barack Obama (D-IL), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Arlen Specter (R-PA), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). FACTS ON AMERICAN AND SOUTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURING 14.3 million Americans are employed in the manufacturing sector, the lowest level since the end of World War II. The United States has lost 2,997,000 manufacturing jobs in the last 5 years. This represents a loss of 17.4 percent of all manufacturing jobs. South Carolina has lost 72,800 manufacturing jobs in the last 5 years. This represents a loss of 21.6 percent of all manufacturing jobs in South Carolina. The current unemployment rate in South Carolina is 6.5 percent. This is the 5th highest unemployment rate in the country. The national unemployment rate is 5.1 percent. Nationwide, from 2001-2003 the manufacturing sector has lost: 387,900 computer and electronic producing jobs 292,200 metal fabrication jobs 219,500 telecommunications jobs 214,800 machinery jobs 213,300 textile mill jobs 162,500 transportation equipment production jobs 97,000 electrical equipment and appliance jobs #####

Jun 13 2005

Senate Apologizes for Tragedies of the Past

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON -- The United States Senate today passed a resolution apologizing to the victims of lynching and their descendants for the Senate’s failure to enact anti-lynching legislation. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) was a co-sponsor of the bipartisan resolution. “It’s appropriate for the Senate to acknowledge its failure as a body and end a sad chapter in our nation’s history,” said Graham. “When people needed us, the Senate was not there.” Between 1882 and 1968 at least 4,742 people, predominantly African-Americans, were reported lynched in the United States. During the first half of the 20th century, nearly 200 anti-lynching bills were introduced in Congress. The House of Representatives passed three strong anti-lynching measures between 1920 and 1940. The Senate failed to act. “Acknowledging the shortcomings of this body and formally offering an apology to the victims and their families helps heal wounds,” said Graham. “I am hopeful that this action will move us further down the road of reconciliation.” ####

Jun 09 2005

Graham Announces $1.175 Million for Palmetto Health Alliance

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Palmetto Health Alliance in Columbia will receive a $1,175,000 Healthy Start Initiative grant. The funds will be used to help eliminate racial and ethnic disparities in perinatal health. The Healthy Start Initiative serves minority and low-income women in an effort to reduce infant mortality rates. The grant was awarded by U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. ####

Jun 09 2005

Graham Announces $675,200 to Support Juvenile Justice Programs

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham today announced the South Carolina Department of Public Safety will receive a $675,200 grant to improve our state’s juvenile justice system. The funds may be used for a variety of programs and activities including: planning and administration, compliance monitoring, juvenile justice issues for American Indian tribes, substance abuse prevention, crime prevention, gang involvement prevention, identification of at risk youth, treatment programs, and aftercare. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice. ####

Jun 09 2005

Senate Approves Three Bush Nominees to Federal Bench

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) said he was very pleased the U.S. Senate today confirmed three more judicial nominees from President Bush -- William Pryor, David McKeague, and Richard Griffin -- to positions on the federal bench. Five Bush nominees to federal appeals courts have been confirmed by the Senate in slightly more than two weeks. They include Janice Rogers Brown, Priscilla Owen, and the three judges confirmed today. The confirmations are lifetime appointments. “This has been a banner week for President Bush, the U.S. Senate, and the federal judiciary,” said Graham, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “We finally achieved up-or-down votes on some of the most distinguished and qualified nominees President Bush has submitted to the U.S. Senate. I’m pleased we confirmed them to the federal bench and know they will serve us well. “I view it as a positive development we are now filling vacancies on the federal courts,” said Graham. “I hope the Senate continues the practice of voting on instead of filibustering judicial nominees.” Pryor will serve as judge on the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta. McKeague and Griffin will serve on the 6th Circuit Court of Appeals in Cincinnati. “The confirmation of William Pryor is the most satisfying to me personally,” said Graham. “Of all the judicial candidates who have been filibustered, I have felt the most sympathy for him and Charles Pickering. “Judge Pryor will be a conservative judge every American can be proud because he will uphold the law – not make it,” said Graham. “He is a solid conservative who has taken some very brave stands in his home state of Alabama to uphold the law. “Judge Pryor has been unmercifully maligned by critics for sharing the values of average every day citizens in Alabama and throughout much of the country,” said Graham. “I’m pleased for him and his family that he will now take his lifetime appointment on the federal bench.” #####
« First < Prev Next > Last »

Related