Blog
Jan 20 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released the following statement after the Laken Riley Act passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 64-35.
The bill was introduced by U.S. Senator Katie Boyd Britt (R-Alabama) and Graham is an original cosponsor.
“After a long, hard fight, we have finally passed the Laken Riley Act. Hats off to Senator Britt for her leadership and determination.
“This law will make sure that illegal immigrants who are charged with crimes can be detained and deported quickly. The illegal immigrant who murdered Laken Riley was arrested for theft and released back onto the streets, and unfortunately, the rest is history.
“I was proud to support this legislation.”
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Jan 20 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released the following statement after the U.S. Senate confirmed former U.S. Senator Marco Rubio as the next Secretary of State.
“Marco Rubio was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate because he is highly qualified, widely respected and is the perfect choice by President Trump to be our next Secretary of State.
“Marco knows the world, and he is respected by our allies and feared by our enemies. He will bring needed change to the Department of State.”
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Jan 20 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released this statement on Donald J. Trump’s inauguration as 47th President of the United States.
“President Trump’s inaugural speech was a strong, bullish challenge for America to aggressively confront and solve our problems, and passionately pursue a new golden age for our country. As President Trump said, ‘the impossible is what we do best.’
“I’m excited. Let’s get to work.
“Well done, Mr. President.”
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Jan 17 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) received an “A+” rating on the Susan B. Anthony (SBA) National Pro-life Scorecard. This scorecard recognizes members of Congress who have championed pro-life policies in the 118th Congress.
“I am proud to have received an ‘A+’ rating on the SBA National Pro-life Scorecard,” said Senator Graham. “America is at her best when she’s standing up for the least among us, and I will continue to fight to protect the lives of the unborn.”
Additional information on Senator Graham’s support for strong pro-life policies is available here.
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Jan 16 2025
CLICK HERE AND HERE FOR PHOTOS
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today introduced President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Secretary of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, Scott Bessent, at his nomination hearing before the Senate Finance Committee.
Bessent is a native South Carolinian and grew up in Little River. He is the founder and CEO of Key Square Group and has been in the investment management business for over 35 years. Graham praised President Trump for nominating Bessent for the post.
- GRAHAM: “I’m here today to tell you if you use qualifications as your test, this is the easiest vote you’ll ever take.” https://youtu.be/-fl8uT4dmLk?si=OnmmMRj9dMXehdh4&t=364
- GRAHAM: “We need a Secretary of Treasury that knows what he’s doing, has the trust of the president and loves his country. Your ship came in with [Scott Bessent].” https://youtu.be/-fl8uT4dmLk?si=jK3E8jzcVSV9vCef&t=30
- GRAHAM: “He went to North Myrtle Beach High School, and he was voted Most Likely To Succeed… What did they see in him? The same thing I see. Someone who really is talented, works hard and is just a good person.” https://youtu.be/-fl8uT4dmLk?si=DNZlJuvLBH4n0vfs&t=214
- GRAHAM: “He deserves this job. He’s qualified for this job. President Trump, thank you for picking him. On behalf of all of us in South Carolina, we’re extremely proud of you, and we wish you well.” https://youtu.be/-fl8uT4dmLk?si=bCT6I_l5S86twUWh&t=402
Jan 15 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today questioned President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Attorney General of the United States, Pam Bondi.
- GRAHAM: “You have a real task ahead of you in two areas. To restore trust to many Americans who have lost trust in the Department of Justice, and to make sure that this country is safe from drug cartels that are killing 3,000 Americans every two weeks for money… and to protect our homeland that’s under siege. I think you’re the perfect pick at one of the most dangerous times in American history, and I look forward to supporting you.” https://youtu.be/kviSBjAfUIw?si=OunfX16Qf2TEwu4_&t=378
- GRAHAM: “Are you worried about an attack on our homeland being generated from ISIS or their affiliates, and what should we do about it?”
- BONDI: “Senator, I don’t have a security clearance yet, but only from the public reporting that I’ve seen, I’m terrified.” https://youtu.be/X3sUiFZGwiA?si=G3W6ti6Tx_7SOYx9&t=234
- GRAHAM: “Would you, as Attorney General, say we need more bed space [at Border Patrol facilities] so the Laken Riley [case] never happens again?”
- BONDI: “Senator, my job, if confirmed as Attorney General, will be to keep America safe.”
- GRAHAM: “Do you think we need more detention space?”
- BONDI: “And that includes having enough space for violent criminals, for people that should not be in this country who have committed violent crimes.” https://youtu.be/kviSBjAfUIw?si=7SX952DP8LZix02J&t=156
- GRAHAM: “Are we at war with ISIS?”
- BONDI: “Of course we’re at war with ISIS.”
- GRAHAM: “They’re at war with us, do you agree with that?”
- BONDI: “Absolutely, Senator.”
- GRAHAM: “Do you think since our withdrawal from Afghanistan, threats to our homeland have gone up from ISIS?”
- BONDI: “Yes.” https://youtu.be/kviSBjAfUIw?si=u-VJ6bbdNWYV29E9&t=208
- GRAHAM: “Do you support making certain drug cartels in Mexico foreign terrorist organizations?”
- BONDI: “… They are a grave and violent threat to our country. Yes, Senator.” https://youtu.be/kviSBjAfUIw?si=DHmm_xq5N5HqZ1Cr&t=70
Click here to watch Graham question Bondi part 1
Click here to watch Graham question Bondi part 2
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Jan 14 2025
Graham on Hegseth Nomination Hearing
“With today’s performance, I believe Pete Hegseth’s path to confirmation has been assured.”
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Pete Hegseth’s nomination to be President Trump’s Secretary of Defense.
“Pete did a very good job answering difficult questions at today’s hearing while laying out a vision to reform the Pentagon and to be the warfighters’ biggest champion.
“Democratic attacks were overly personal and fell flat. It was clear Pete was more prepared for the hearing than my Democratic colleagues.
“With today’s performance, I believe Pete Hegseth’s path to confirmation has been assured.”
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Jan 10 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) joined his colleagues once again to introduce the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act. The bill would allow individuals with concealed carry privileges in their home states to exercise those rights in any other state that allows concealed carry while abiding by that state’s laws.
“Personal protection should not end at a state line,” said Graham. “I am proud to once again introduce legislation that enhances the Second Amendment rights of Americans who carry and responsibly own a firearm.”
The legislation was led by U.S. Senator John Cornyn (R-Texas) and cosponsored by Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-South Dakota) and U.S. Senators Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Kevin Cramer (R-South Dakota), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Rick Scott (R-Florida), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Bill Cassidy (R-Louisiana), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), Tim Sheehy (R-Montana), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Todd Young (R-Indiana), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Jim Banks (R-Indiana), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), John Curtis (R-Utah), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma) and Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia).
Background on the Constitutional Concealed Carry Reciprocity Act:
- Allow individuals with concealed carry privileges in their home states to exercise those rights in any other state that has concealed carry laws.
- Treat state-issued concealed carry permits like drivers’ licenses, allowing an individual to use his or her home-state license to drive in another state while abiding by the speed limit of whatever state that person is in.
The National Shooting Sports Foundation, the National Rifle Association, and Gun Owners of America have endorsed this legislation.
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Jan 10 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill to impose sanctions against the International Criminal Court (ICC) for their efforts to seek arrest warrants against Israel’s Prime Minister and former Defense Minister. Yesterday, the House passed the Illegitimate Court Counteraction Act by a vote of 243-140-1.
Graham is a cosponsor of the Senate’s companion legislation, led by U.S. Senator Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), and has been a leading voice in calling on Congress to act. The Senate is expected to hold a vote on the sanctions in the near future.
“I am very pleased that the House, in a bipartisan fashion, has approved sanctions against the International Criminal Court for its outrageous conduct against the State of Israel. The court is biased and corrupt when it comes to Israel.
“Neither the United States nor Israel are members of the court. By standing up to the ICC now on behalf of Israel, we are protecting America’s servicemembers and diplomats in the future.
“I urge my Democratic colleagues in the Senate to vote for this important piece of legislation to not only protect our ally Israel but to protect our own nation.
“Well done to all those who have pushed this cause.”
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Jan 10 2025
Graham on President Trump's Sham NYC Sentencing
"This is a sad day for America."
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released this statement following President Donald Trump’s sentencing in the Manhattan trial.
“The New York justice system is beyond anti-Trump. The New York Attorney General and Manhattan District Attorney see President Trump as a political prize.
“They have singled out President Trump for prosecution for offenses that either never existed before or were cobbled together to get a result and make Trump a felon.
“President Trump has been tried in the most liberal state and local jurisdictions in America by the most liberal prosecutors and judges.
“The judge in this case rushed this sentencing so that he can tell the world, ‘I made Trump a felon.’ I am sure he will be in great demand on the Manhattan party circuit.
“I am confident the judge’s decision will be overturned by the Supreme Court.
“The prosecutor’s statements are a weak attempt to dress up a sham proceeding.
“As I have said repeatedly when it comes to this case, I fear we have opened up Pandora’s box. The model of state and local prosecutors weaponizing the law is not only a threat to the presidency but to our entire representative system.
“I have no respect for the process being used in New York. I find the judge and prosecutor’s motives to be dripping with politics.
“This is a sad day for America.”
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