Wes Hickman or Kevin Bish

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today said he was pleased with adoption of a port security amendment to the Senate budget resolution. South Carolina Senators Graham and Fritz Hollings worked on the amendment which provides $1 billion in funding in each of the next two years for port security. It was agreed to by unanimous consent. Graham made the following statement: “Our ports are a vital component of the state’s economy and it’s important we ensure they are adequately protected. The amendment that was passed allows us to provide additional funding in a fiscally responsible manner. There’s no doubt that it’s time for Congress and the president to address the growing security needs at our nations’ ports. “I’m also pleased the funding we were able to include does not reduce the tax cut President Bush has requested and the Senate is working to approve. Stimulating our economy by returning money to taxpayers is a very high priority on my agenda. “I’m proud of the fact Senator Hollings and I were able to include language in the budget resolution to provide more funding for port security. Senator Hollings has been at the forefront of this issue for many years and I was glad to work with him to ensure our ports were protected.”