Blog
Jan 29 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released the following statement after the Laken Riley Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump.
The bill was introduced by U.S. Senator Katie Boyd Britt (R-Alabama), and Graham is an original cosponsor.
“This is a bittersweet day for America. I appreciate President Trump signing the Laken Riley Act into law, which will require illegal immigrants charged with theft and other crimes to be detained. If this law had been in place, it would have prevented Laken Riley’s murder.
“The man who killed Laken Riley was released from custody because of lack of detention space and had previous arrests for theft that were ignored by the Biden Administration.
“Congratulations to Senator Britt who spearheaded this in the Senate. It is my hope and prayer that this legislation will be a deterrent and save lives.”
####
Jan 28 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the U.S. Attorney for South Carolina announced that a Nigerian man has been extradited to the United States after he was charged in a sextortion scheme that resulted in the suicide of 17-year-old Gavin Guffey from Rock Hill.
“I am very pleased that the Nigerian man charged with ‘sextorting’ Gavin Guffey has been extradited back to the United States to stand trial. Gavin tragically committed suicide as a result of this sextortion scheme, and I’m grateful to the federal and state law enforcement agencies who tracked down the perpetrator of this terrible crime.
“I met with Gavin’s dad, South Carolina State Representative Brandon Guffey, last year when the Senate Judiciary Committee questioned Big Tech CEOs on what they are doing to protect children online. I know Brandon and his entire family are equally pleased that the alleged perpetrator will face justice.
“Cases like this where young people are lured into taking explicit photos, only to be extorted later, have to be dealt with. That is why I am adamant that social media companies that allow this behavior to exist be subject to liability. Right now, they aren’t.
“The number of suicides related to this issue is heartbreaking.
“It is long past time for Congress to stand up to these social media companies and insist they do better. I will not relent.”
Background:
- Graham met with Gavin’s dad, South Carolina State Representative Brandon Guffey, in January 2024. Graham questioned the CEOs of four social media companies at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that day about Gavin’s case.
- The Nigerian man, Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal, was indicted by a federal grand jury in South Carolina on the following charges:
- Child exploitation resulting in death
- Production and distribution of child sexual abuse material
- Coercion and enticement of a minor
- Cyberstalking resulting in death
- Interstate threats with intent to extort
- Press release from the U.S. Attorney for South Carolina’s office
####
Jan 27 2025
Graham Statement on New Army Corps Funding for South Carolina Water Infrastructure Projects
North Myrtle Beach, City of Charleston, Orangeburg County to Receive Millions in Funding
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it will provide $28 million in funding for a North Myrtle Beach project to help prevent flooding and improve water quality, $7.9 million for the Lakes Marion and Moultrie water infrastructure project, and $7.6 million for stormwater and drainage systems in Charleston. These funds were allocated from the recent disaster supplemental, American Relief Act of 2025, which Senator Graham advocated for and supported.
Graham said, “I appreciate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers listening to South Carolina’s needs. Each of these projects will be necessary and beneficial when it comes to defending our state against natural disasters and improving water quality and infrastructure.”
Graham recently led a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works encouraging them to prioritize funding for the North Myrtle Beach project. Graham is also a long-standing supporter of the other projects that will receive funding. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, over the years he has made several congressionally directed spending requests to fund the projects in the City of Charleston and Orangeburg County.
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it will fund the following projects:
- $28 million for North Myrtle Beach and vicinity to initiate and complete design and construction of the Ocean Outfalls and Stormwater Mitigation Project (Phase I).
- $7.9 million for Orangeburg County to initiate and complete design and construction of the Lodge Hall Reach Water Transmission Pipeline for the Lakes Marion and Moultrie water infrastructure project.
- $7.6 million for the City of Charleston to initiate and complete design and construction to rehabilitate the Brick Arches Stormwater System and Dupont Wapoo Drainage Outlet.
####
Jan 27 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released the following statement after the Senate confirmed South Carolina native Scott Bessent as the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Treasury.
Bessent grew up in Little River. He is the founder and CEO of Key Square Group and has been in the financial services business for over 35 years. Graham praised President Trump for nominating Bessent for the post and introduced him at his nomination hearing before the Senate Finance Committee.
“It’s a very big day for South Carolina and our nation,” said Senator Graham. “Scott Bessent received strong bipartisan support to be the next Treasury Secretary. He will hit the ground running in support of President Trump’s America First Agenda. Scott is a great combination of academic excellence and real-world experience. It’s a long way to go from Little River to Secretary of the Treasury, and he has more than earned this prestigious position. Congratulations to Scott and his family as he begins this new, important journey.”
####
Jan 24 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the Senate confirmed Pete Hegseth as the next Secretary of the Department of Defense.
“I am very pleased that Pete Hegseth was confirmed by the Senate to be President Trump’s Secretary of Defense.
“Pete has served in the Army National Guard as a front line officer, and he has a keen intellect and a passion for the warfighter. He did an excellent job during a very contentious hearing and withstood all the attacks that came his way. He is bullish on creating a larger, more lethal military and is clear-eyed about America’s enemies, including Iran. Israel will have no better friend than Pete Hegseth.
“I look forward to working with Pete to make America strong and secure once again.”
####
Jan 23 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) released the following statement after the Laken Riley Act passed the U.S. House of Representatives yesterday by a vote of 263-156.
On Monday, 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. It is now headed to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law.
“I am so pleased the Laken Riley Act is on its way to President Trump’s desk to be signed into law. I appreciate my House colleagues for swiftly passing this legislation.
“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 bill and once again commend Senator Britt for her leadership on this issue.”
####
Jan 23 2025
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) released the following statement after Senate Democrats voted to block the Born-Alive Abortion Survivors Protection Act yesterday. Graham is an original cosponsor of the legislation to protect newborns who survive abortions by requiring health care practitioners to provide care.
“Most Americans find it inexcusable that the Senate cannot pass a law protecting a child who survives an abortion from further harm. If this is not common sense and compassion, what would be?
“I am so bitterly disappointed that Senate Democrats blocked this legislation.
“Surviving late-term abortions does occur. The law should be clear as to what happens next.
“Save the baby.”
####
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.”
####
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.”
####
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.”
####
