Tate Zeigler (202-224-5972) ore Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on his vote against ending debate on the reauthorization of the Export-Import (Ex-Im) Bank.  The vote to end debate failed 55-44 as it required 60 votes for passage.

 

“This is one of the best examples in recent memory of how dysfunctional the Senate has become.  My vote today was not on the merits of Export-Import Bank reauthorization -- which I strongly support -- but against a broken process which did not allow Senators to offer any amendments.

 

“Ex-Im reauthorization is an important issue for South Carolina businesses and I don’t think it’s asking too much for the United States Senate to debate and vote on a handful of Republican and Democrat amendments.  And just so the American people are clear, we’re not talking about days or weeks of additional debate.  The whole process would consume a few hours.

 

“Thousands of jobs in South Carolina are at risk.  It’s time to stop the silly games.  Let’s devote a few hours to debate and votes and move forward with the reauthorization of Ex-Im Bank.

 

“The American people rightfully expect more from the United States Senate than what they received today.  I’m confident reason will prevail and Ex-Im Bank will ultimately be reauthorized.  To not do so would be catastrophic for our economy.

 

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