Blog
Feb 11 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), and U.S. Representative Ralph Norman (R-South Carolina) filed an “amicus curiae” (or “friend of the Court”) brief in the case of Medina v. Planned Parenthood. The brief supports South Carolina’s determination that Planned Parenthood does not qualify to receive Medicaid funding. The South Carolina Republicans were joined by 14 other Senators and 76 other members of the House of Representatives.
“Most Americans oppose their hard-earned tax dollars being used to subsidize abortion,” said Senator Lindsey Graham. “I am honored to join my South Carolina Republican colleagues and lend our voices to Governor Henry McMaster’s effort to make sure Medicaid funding cannot be used by Planned Parenthood in South Carolina in any fashion.”
“The purpose of Medicaid is to provide essential healthcare services to parents and children in underserved communities where access to quality medical care can be limited,” said Senator Tim Scott. “Using taxpayer dollars to fund abortion not only diverts resources away from Medicaid’s mission, but undermines the intent of both the law and the program itself. I’m proud to join my colleagues from South Carolina in standing up for the right to life and against this government overreach.”
"Private parties like Planned Parenthood have no right to undermine congressional intent by forcing states to say that Planned Parenthood is a qualified Medicaid provider," said Representative Ralph Norman. "South Carolina has every right to determine what qualifies and disqualifies Medicaid healthcare providers operating within our state. That was precisely the intent of Congress. My hope is the Court will see this lawsuit for what it truly is: a misguided attempt to undermine that authority."
"As a pro-life state, South Carolina taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize the abortion industry,” said Governor Henry McMaster. “I am grateful for the support of members of the South Carolina delegation and the many other members of Congress who recognize the importance of this case and are standing with South Carolina as we defend our values.”
Background:
Under federal law and guidance, states administer Medicaid plans, including deciding which medical providers qualify to receive payments for certain services. In 2018, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster ordered the state’s Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to disqualify abortion clinics from receiving Medicaid funding. Over three years, Planned Parenthood received over $1.5 billion in state Medicaid reimbursements nationwide, which is one of their largest funding sources.
Following South Carolina’s determination, Planned Parenthood and one of its clients sued the DHHS Director in federal court, claiming a right to force DHHS to reverse that decision. There have been four appeals, each of which Members have supported with similar briefs.
This brief has the support of Alliance Defending Freedom, Americans United for Life, CatholicVote, Family Research Council, Students for Life, and Susan B. Anthony Pro-Life America.
#####
Feb 11 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Jackie Rosen (D-Nevada), and Katie Britt (R-Alabama) today introduced a bipartisan resolution to affirm that Hamas cannot retain any political or military control of the Gaza Strip.
“One of the defining moments for the future of the Middle East and the world at large is to state directly and with moral clarity that Hamas – a terrorist organization – will no longer have political or military control of Gaza at the end of this conflict,” said Senator Graham.
Senator Graham continued, “Hamas is responsible for the brutal and horrific October 7 attack against Israel and ruthlessly detaining hundreds of hostages, including many Americans. They have oppressed the Palestinian people under their control. They are corrupt and would push the world into further darkness if they could. Hamas exists to destroy Israel, not to bring a better life for the Palestinian people. I appreciate the bipartisan support for this resolution and believe it will receive overwhelming support in the U.S. Senate.”
“Hamas is an anathema—to Palestinians and Israelis alike, indeed to all who live in the region,” said Senator Blumenthal. “Their barbarity and inhumanity is a terrorist scourge—demonstrated most tragically in the October 7 massacre—and a major barrier to peace and stability. Eliminating Hamas ought to be common ground as a paramount goal.”
“Hamas is a group of murderous terrorists with American and Israeli blood on their hands,” said Senator Cotton. “The United States must back Israel to the hilt and help ensure Hamas isn’t allowed to retain any political or military control in Gaza.”
“Hamas is a terrorist organization backed by Iran, and it is responsible for committing the deadliest attack on Jews since the Holocaust. In order to best ensure the safety and security of Israel, as well as the Palestinian people, Hamas cannot be allowed to remain in power in Gaza in any capacity,” said Senator Rosen. “It is imperative we continue to push for diplomatic solutions to the current conflict, which must make abundantly clear that there is no future for Hamas in the Middle East.”
“It has been almost 500 days since Hamas’ barbaric attack on Israel,” said Senator Britt. “I will continue to stand with my colleagues and call for our nation to use every tool in our toolbox to halt all sources of funding for Iranian-backed terrorists. Our support for Israel’s right to defend herself is unwavering as they work to bring every single hostage home. The threat of Hamas must be ended permanently. Only through strength can we achieve lasting, sustainable peace.”
This resolution:
- Affirms that Hamas cannot be allowed to retain any political or military control in the Gaza Strip;
- Calls upon the President to use all economic and diplomatic tools possible to halt all sources of funding for Hamas from the Islamic Republic of Iran and all other sources of revenue; and
- Supports the State of Israel as it continues to defend its sovereignty against attacks from Hamas, the Islamic Republic of Iran, and all other Iranian proxies.
To read the full resolution text, click HERE.
#####
Feb 07 2025
Feb 06 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today made this statement after voting to confirm Russ Vought as the next Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB). Vought was confirmed by a vote of 53-47.
“I look forward to working with OMB Director Russ Vought and congratulate him on being confirmed by the Senate.
“Russ is highly qualified, and served in the same capacity in the first Trump Administration. I believe he is the right man at the right time to get our fiscal house in order.”
###
Feb 05 2025
Chairman Graham: Senate Budget Committee Will Move Forward On A Budget Resolution
Committee to markup the blueprint for a border security bill next week
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today announced the committee will mark up the Senate’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget resolution next week.
The FY 2025 budget resolution will be the blueprint that unlocks the pathway forward for a fully paid for reconciliation bill to secure the border, bolster our military and increase American energy independence.
“To those who believe that Republicans should fulfill their promises on border security, mass deportation of criminal illegal aliens: I agree.
“That is why the Senate Budget Committee will be moving forward next week to give the Trump Administration’s Border Czar, Tom Homan, the money he needs to finish the wall, hire ICE agents to deport criminal illegal immigrants, and create more detention beds so that we do not release more dangerous people into the country.
“This will be the most transformational border security bill in the history of our country.
“It’s time to act.”
###
Feb 04 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after voting to confirm Pam Bondi as the next Attorney General of the United States. Bondi was confirmed by a vote of 54-46.
“I applaud President Trump for choosing Pam Bondi to be our next Attorney General. As I said when she was first nominated, Pam is an outstanding choice.
“With her confirmation today, Pam is ready to hit the ground running. She will put an end to the weaponization of law that has been a trademark of the Justice Department for the last four years. Pam will also make sure that our laws are fairly enforced, and for terrorists and criminals, Pam will be their worst nightmare.
“I look forward to working with her as she transforms the Department of Justice and marches America toward a new era of prosperity and safety.”
####
Jan 31 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) and Katie Britt (R-Alabama) along with U.S. Representatives Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida-23) and Mike Lawler (R-New York-17) this week introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to affirm that the United States, Israel and our allies and partners should keep all options on the table in order to counter and contain the threat from a nuclear-armed Iranian regime.
“If the Iranian Ayatollah and his henchman obtain a nuclear weapon, it would be one of the most destabilizing and dangerous events in world history. They are trying to acquire a nuclear weapon as part of their religious agenda to purify their faith, destroy the Jewish State, and drive Westerners out of the Middle East. A nuclear-armed Iran is an existential threat to Israel and a nightmare for the world,” said Senator Graham. “This resolution clearly demonstrates that the Iranian regime is lying when it says they only want nuclear power and not a nuclear weapon. This is not an authorization for the use of military force, but a resolution establishing the truth regarding Iran’s nuclear intentions and capability.”
Senator Graham continued, “Finally, I’d like to recognize the leadership of my colleagues, Senators Fetterman and Britt and Representatives Moskowitz and Lawler, on the issue of countering a nuclear-armed Iran. They understand the serious implications for the world if Iran were to obtain such a weapon. It speaks volumes that members from across the political spectrum are united on this front. I look forward to having a debate and vote in the United States Senate on our resolution.”
"Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons is a threat we cannot ignore. The United States, Israel, and our allies cannot afford to sit back while the Iranian regime continues down this dangerous path,” said Senator Fetterman. “This resolution sends an unmistakable message: all options are on the table to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.”
“Iran’s continued pursuit of nuclear weapons poses a clear threat to the US, Israel, and our allies. Now more than ever, we must stand up to Iran and use every tool in our toolbox to address these threats,” said Senator Britt. “Peace is achieved through strength, and our resolution sends an important bipartisan message to Iran that the U.S. will not tolerate Tehran’s aggression.”
“Allowing Iran to maintain and build a nuclear program is an existential threat to the United States, Israel, and global stability,” said Representative Moskowitz. “As the Iranian regime continues its dangerous attempts at nuclear expansion, leaders have to call this out for what it is: an unacceptable escalation in the Middle East and a national security threat against the United States and our allies. Iran must dismantle its nuclear program now. This resolution makes clear the United States won’t stand for anything less and will consider all options to protect our national security. We must send a clear, bipartisan message that we stand with our ally Israel and that a continued nuclear program in Iran is an absolute nonstarter.”
“An Iran that has nuclear weapons is unacceptable and a danger not only to our closest ally, Israel, but also to the whole world,” said Representative Lawler. “We must keep all options on the table when it comes to dealing with this unprecedented situation, and I'm glad to be working in a bipartisan fashion with Senators Graham, Fetterman, and Britt, as well as my friend Congressman Moskowitz, to make evident to Iran what the grave consequences of their actions would be.”
This resolution:
- Affirms that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s continued pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability is:
- A credible threat to the United States; and
- An existential threat to Israel and other allies and partners in the Middle East.
- Asserts all options should be considered to address the nuclear threat the Islamic Republic of Iran poses to the United States, Israel, and our allies and partners.
- Demands the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately cease engaging in any and all activities that threaten the national security interests of the United States, Israel, and our allies and partners, including:
- Enriching uranium;
- Developing or possessing delivery vehicles capable of carrying nuclear warheads; and
- Developing or possessing a nuclear warhead
To read the full resolution text, click HERE.
#####
Jan 30 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today questioned Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), at his Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing.
On the politicization of the FBI:
- GRAHAM: “The reason you’re here is because most of the public, almost every Republican, believes that the FBI has been used continuously in a political fashion, ignoring evidence, making up evidence, lying to get Donald Trump. And when it came to the Hunter Biden laptop, [the FBI] told every social media company, ‘oh that’s Russian disinformation.’ That was BS too… do you promise all of us those days are over at the FBI?”
- GRAHAM: “[Former FBI agent Lisa Page] responds [to former FBI agent Peter Strzok] a couple months later, ‘[Trump] is not ever going to be president, right?’ …Strzok [responded]: ‘No. No he won’t. We’ll stop him.’ Is it fair to say that the people in charge of investigating Crossfire Hurricane hated Trump’s guts?”
- GRAHAM: “Do you believe that Crossfire Hurricane was one of the most disgusting episodes in FBI history of a corrupt investigation led by corrupt people who wanted to take Donald Trump down?”
On Democrats’ attacks on Patel’s character:
- GRAHAM: “Have you ever been subject to racism as an individual?”
Click here to watch Graham question Kash Patel
#####
Click play to view the video or follow this link
https://youtu.be/KoHclcynkNI
Jan 30 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today made this statement after the committee voted to advance Russ Vought’s nomination to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget to the floor.
“I was very pleased that Russ Vought was reported out of the Budget Committee unanimously by those in attendance — all Republicans.
“My Democratic colleagues decided to boycott, which is their right. The markup was short and pleasant. They were missed… Sort of.”
###
Jan 30 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released the following statement on the passing of Robbi Force. Robbi was the mother of Taylor Force, a West Point graduate and United States Army veteran who was visiting Israel as a part of a Vanderbilt University program. He was brutally stabbed and murdered by a Palestinian terrorist. The Palestinian Authority praised Force’s killer as a ‘heroic martyr’ and paid the killer’s family a monthly cash stipend. At the time, Taylor’s parents, Robbi and Stuart, lived in Kiawah Island, South Carolina.
“I am very sad to hear of the passing of Robbi Force, who was the mother of Taylor Force, the young man murdered by a Palestinian terrorist. Afterward, the terrorist was hailed as a hero by the Palestinian Authority, and the killer’s family received martyr payments.
“As a result of this outrage, I authored and was able to pass the Taylor Force Act, which cuts off U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority for the martyr payment practice.
“Robbi was instrumental in getting this law passed. She and her husband, Stuart, were tireless advocates for this cause.
“Robbi was a kind and sincere woman. There is some comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her dear son, Taylor. My prayers are with Stuart and the entire Force family. May she rest in peace.”
Background:
After Taylor Force’s murder, Graham introduced and successfully passed the Taylor Force Act into law to prohibit American taxpayer dollars from going to the Palestinian Authority in response to the practice of martyr payments. Graham is also a cosponsor of legislation to sanction members of Palestinian leadership and organizations who reward terrorism.
####