WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the investiture ceremony for Justice Brett Kavanaugh at the Supreme Court of the United States and his meeting in the Oval Office with President Trump.

Investiture of Justice Brett Kavanaugh:

“I very much enjoyed being with the President and First Lady at the investiture of Justice Brett Kavanaugh. 

“The ceremony was a poignant reminder of the majesty of the Court and the wisdom of the American Constitution which created a series of checks and balances on all branches of government. 

“I’m very proud of Justice Kavanaugh and know he will be a great Supreme Court Justice for years to come.”

Meeting with President Trump in the Oval Office:

“I had a good discussion with the President about the opportunities and challenges that come from divided government.  I found him to be very upbeat and ready to find common ground with the House and Senate in order to make America safer and more prosperous. 

“We discussed Afghanistan and how, in my opinion, his new strategy -- which reversed Obama’s policy of fighting with one hand behind our back and changed the rules of engagement against the Taliban and radical Islamists -- is paying dividends. 

“The most recent Afghan elections are a testament to the sacrifice of the American and the Afghan people who are trying to change Afghanistan for the better.  While Afghanistan remains a source of frustration to some, we have come so far from the days of Taliban control.  Now, because of our success, we have only a small fraction of U.S. forces remaining that were present during the surge peak in 2011.

“In the last two years we have lost nineteen brave Americans in combat.  Recently, the Afghan Security Forces have suffered between 30-40 deaths per day, and countless more wounded.

“Our hope has always been that we will provide help and the Afghans will do most of the fighting.  That long-held hope is now coming true.  Ensuring Afghanistan remains free from radical Islamic domination remains a high priority for the United States.  It is important for all Americans to never forget the 9/11 attacks on our homeland came about from the safe havens offered in Afghanistan to Al-Qaeda.  Equally important to understand is forward-deployed troops in places like Afghanistan act as a virtual wall against radical Islamists who would regenerate and attack our homeland if given the opportunity.

“President Trump and his team should be complimented for this new direction and new success in Afghanistan. 

“Finally, I talked with the President about a permanent replacement for Attorney General.  I’m confident the White House is looking for someone who the President and country can have confidence in, and be confirmed by the Senate.  In my role as a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, I look forward to meeting with acting Attorney General Whitaker soon and have confidence he will do a professional job in this position.”

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