Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on the resignation of John Snow as Treasury Secretary and the nomination of Henry M. Paulson, Jr. to fill the position. “John Snow served his nation well as Treasury Secretary. He has a deep understanding of our nation’s economy and was an able advocate for American interests abroad. Our economy has flourished in recent years due, in large measure, to Secretary Snow’s work. “It has been one of the highlights of my time in the Senate to work closely with him on the China currency issue. John is someone whose word is his bond. “As for Mr. Paulson, President Bush has chosen wisely in selecting him for this position. He enjoys a great reputation throughout the world’s financial markets and investor community. I hope he will continue working in partnership with the Congress to keep pressure on China to accurately value its currency.” #####

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today voted to confirm Brett Kavanaugh to be U.S. Circuit Judge for the District of Columbia Circuit. Kavanaugh was confirmed by a vote of 57-36. After the vote Graham made the following statement: “Brett Kavanaugh is an outstanding selection by President Bush to serve on the D.C. Circuit Court. He served in the Bush administration, was an advocate before the Supreme Court for the Solicitor General’s office, and was chosen to be a Supreme Court clerk. He has excelled academically and professionally. “Mr. Kavanaugh is a solid conservative with a deep understanding of our legal system. He also has real world legal experience that will serve our nation for years to come. I’m pleased the Senate has confirmed him to this important position at such a crucial time in American legal history.” ####

Wes Hickman (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today was pleased the Senate passed comprehensive immigration reform. The vote in the Senate was 62-36. “Our borders are broken,” said Graham. “We don’t have control over who comes into the country and how they get jobs. Today we made progress in addressing the immigration problems facing our nation. “The support shown today in the Senate is consistent with the American people’s desire to find a comprehensive solution to our immigration problems,” said Graham. “They want better border security, tougher employer enforcement provisions, and a process to deal with the estimated 11 million undocumented workers currently in the United States. “I want to thank President Bush for pushing the Senate and nation forward to address this important issue,” said Graham. “President Bush’s advocating the need to have a comprehensive solution has been well-received. We will need for him to continue to be involved to help push us to an agreement with the House of Representatives. Senator Frist also deserves a great deal of credit for designing a process that allowed sincere and honest debate.” Graham noted the Senate bill was strengthened by the adoption of several amendments. These include: * English is declared the national language of the United States. * Construction of at least 370 miles of triple-layer fencing and 500 miles of vehicle barriers at strategic locations along the U.S. – Mexico border. The new fencing will primarily be constructed in urban areas where today immigrants can literally walk into the United States. * The fines for undocumented workers to enter a guest worker program were raised from $2,000 to $3,200. (NOTE: The provisions requiring undocumented workers to register with the government, be proficient in English, show proof of employment, undergo two comprehensive background checks to ensure they do not have a criminal record or pose a danger to society, pay back taxes and attend a class on American civics were unchanged and remain in the Senate bill.) * The use of up to 6,000 of National Guard troops to help secure our nation’s southern border. “There is broad agreement among Americans that we must do more to protect our nation’s border,” said Graham. “There is also broad agreement that we need a system in place to match employers with willing guest workers in those positions where no American worker is readily available. The big question, and the one which generates the most controversy, is how do you deal with the estimated 11 million undocumented workers already in the United States? “Our nation does not have the means or the will to deport 11 million people,” said Graham. “This solution is not practical and is not a reasonable option. The Senate bill comes up with a just punishment and probationary system, while not perfect, that begins to bring some order to the chaos that exists right now.” #####

Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today voted in support of an amendment making English the national language of the United States. The amendment was offered by U.S. Senator James Inhofe (R-OK) and passed the Senate by a vote of 63-34. “At every turn, we ought to reinforce the fact that for successful assimilation to take place, immigrants should become proficient in English,” said Graham. “English is the language of the United States.” Graham noted a major feature of the Senate’s comprehensive immigration reform bill includes a provision requiring undocumented workers to be proficient in English before they can apply for citizenship. An immigration reform bill passed by the House of Representatives does not contain a similar provision. In addition to the English proficiency requirement, undocumented workers must also register with the government, show proof of employment, pay $2,000 in fines, undergo two extensive and comprehensive background checks to ensure they do not have a criminal record or pose a danger to society, pay back taxes, and attend a class on American civics. Failure to meet any of these requirements over an eleven-year period would result in deportation. “Failure to learn English should disqualify any undocumented worker from participating in the reform proposals we are debating in the Senate,” said Graham. “It’s essential that undocumented workers who come out of the shadows become proficient in English. Failure to do so will lead to their deportation from the United States.” #####