Blog
Feb 22 2007
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced more than $485,000 in grants to fire departments in Edisto Beach, Lake City, Landrum, and Union.
“Firefighters and emergency service personnel dedicate themselves to protecting the health and safety of South Carolinians,” said Graham. “These grants will help our local fire departments by providing them the means to obtain the best equipment and training available.”
“South Carolina's firefighters risk their lives to protect our families each day and I'm proud they have been awarded these competitive grants,” said Senator DeMint.
The grants were awarded in one of two program areas:
- Operations and Firefighter Safety Program: The funds may be used for training, wellness, and fitness programs; the purchase of firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment; and modifications to fire stations and facilities.
- Firefighting Vehicle Acquisition Program: The funds may be used for the purchase of firefighting vehicles including pumpers, brush trucks, tankers, rescue vehicles, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam units, and fireboats.
The grants awarded include:
Edisto Beach
Edisto Beach Fire Department will receive a $35,625 Operations and Firefighter Safety Grant.
Lake City
Lake City Fire Department will receive a $96,293 Operations and Firefighter Safety Grant.
Landrum
Glassy Mountain Fire Department will receive a $117,135 Operations and Firefighter Safety Grant.
Union
Philippi Department will receive a $237,500 Vehicle Acquisition Grant.
The Assistance to Firefighters grant program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in the community. The program supports departments by providing them the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their firefighting personnel.
Grantees share in the cost of the funded project at a percentage based on the population of their respective jurisdiction. Grantees that serve jurisdictions of 50,000 or fewer residents are required to provide a non-Federal cost-share of 10 percent while grantees that serve jurisdictions of over 50,000 provide a 30 percent cost-share. The match must be in cash without the use of in-kind contributions. In addition, the maximum amount of federal funds that an applicant can be awarded is $750,000 during any fiscal year.
The grants are made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
####
Feb 20 2007
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made the following statement on the DC Circuit Court of Appeals decision in the al Odah case. The court ruled that it did not have jurisdiction to hear lawsuits filed by enemy combatants held at Guantanamo Bay. Last year, Graham played a leading role in the drafting and eventual passage into law of the Military Commissions Act (MCA). The bill contained a provision allowing federal judges to conduct limited reviews of specific procedural matters involving enemy combatant trials, and prohibited civil remedies such as habeas corpus petitions and other actions. Graham said: "I'm pleased the court understood Congress's intent to deny enemy combatant terror suspects the ability to bring lawsuits under the habeas statutes. "The determination of enemy combatant status belongs with the military. Civilian judges are not trained to determine who presents a threat to our nation. That is why Congress has only provided for a limited procedural review of combatant status determination. "Before the MCA was signed into law, enemy combatants were filing frivolous suits requesting better mail delivery, more exercise, judge-supervised interrogation, Internet access, the right to view DVDs and alleging medical malpractice. We made it clear in the MCA that terror suspects could not sue American troops for doing their job. These petitions undermine the ability of military officials at Guantanamo Bay to conduct effective interrogations. "Never in the history of warfare have enemy prisoners been able to bring lawsuits about their detention. Thousands of Germans and Japanese soldiers were captured and held by the military during World War II. Not one case was allowed in federal court where they were allowed to sue for their release. Our rules for the War on Terror should be no different. "Under the Military Commissions Act and the Detainee Treatment Act, the DC Court of Appeals will review the facts and circumstances surrounding enemy combatants' detention. Allowing enemy combatants to file additional lawsuits in civilian courts puts judges in charge of determining detainee status, not the military. "Today's decision was a step in the right direction. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the MCA, and I feel confident the Supreme Court will do the same" ####Feb 17 2007
Graham Votes to Keep Debate Open on Iraq Resolution
Wants Senate to Also Debate Alternative Resolutions
Wes Hickman (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the Senate vote to continue debate on a resolution criticizing President Bush's decision to send more troops to Iraq. Sixty votes are required to end debate in the Senate. Graham was one of thirty-four Senators who voted to keep debate open. He also urged the Senate to allow a vote on an alternative resolution introduced by Senator Judd Gregg (R-New Hampshire) which states that cutting off funding will undermine our troops and the war effort. Graham said: "In a recent address to the troops, General Petraeus said, ' A decisive moment approaches. Shoulder-to-shoulder with our Iraqi comrades, we will conduct a pivotal campaign to improve security for the Iraqi people. The stakes could not be higher.' "It's clear General Petraeus understands and fully appreciates what is on the line in Iraq. The Congress should be reinforcing what he is saying to the troops, not undercutting him. "It was a sad and unusual Saturday session for the U.S. Senate. We were not engaging in real work, but political theater. Many Senators made it clear they feel Iraq is a lost cause and unwinnable situation. If they really believe that then they should vote to cut off funding. "The Iraq resolution is the first step in a policy of retreat which I believe will come back to haunt us for decades in the War on Terror. "The recent debates and actions of the Congress will only embolden our enemy and undermine our efforts to secure victory. General Petraeus and our troops in the field deserve better." #####Feb 16 2007
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced more than $655,000 in grants to fire departments in Abbeville, Easley, Lancaster, Lyman, and Ridge Spring.
“Firefighters and emergency service personnel dedicate themselves to protecting the health and safety of South Carolinians,” said Graham. “These grants will help our local fire departments by providing them the means to obtain the best equipment and training available.”
“South Carolina's firefighters risk their lives to protect our families each day and I'm proud they have been awarded these competitive grants,” said Senator DeMint.
The grants were awarded for Operations and Firefighter Safety Programs. Fire departments may use these funds for training, wellness, and fitness programs; the purchase of firefighting and personal protective equipment; and modifications to fire stations and facilities.
The grants awarded include:
Abbeville
Abbeville County Fire Protection Service District will receive $284,705.
Easley
Dacusville Volunteer Fire Department will receive $47,448.
Lancaster
Gooch’s Crossroad Volunteer Fire Department will receive $55,860.
Lyman
Holly Springs Volunteer Fire District will receive $72,780.
Ridge Spring
Ridge Spring Volunteer Fire Department will receive $194,532.
The Assistance to Firefighters grant program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in the community. The program supports departments by providing them the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their firefighting personnel.
Grantees share in the cost of the funded project at a percentage based on the population of their respective jurisdiction. Grantees that serve jurisdictions of 50,000 or fewer residents are required to provide a non-Federal cost-share of 10 percent while grantees that serve jurisdictions of over 50,000 provide a 30 percent cost-share. The match must be in cash without the use of in-kind contributions. In addition, the maximum amount of federal funds that an applicant can be awarded is $750,000 during any fiscal year.
The grants are made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
####
Feb 16 2007
Wes Hickman (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement on the House passage today of a resolution criticizing President Bush's decision to send more troops to Iraq. The Senate is scheduled to take up the resolution this weekend. Graham said: "Contrary to what Democratic leaders may publicly say, they are laying the groundwork to cut off funding for our troops in Iraq. The Iraq resolution is the first step in a policy of retreat which I believe will come back to haunt us for decades in the War on Terror. "Our enemies have repeatedly said they view Iraq as the central battlefront in the War on Terror. So should we. The House of Representatives' actions will embolden our enemies and put our troops in additional jeopardy. "An overwhelming majority of Democrats in Congress appear to have given up on the idea of winning in Iraq. The resolution is a blunt admission they are willing to accept the status quo -- which is unacceptable -- and undermine chances of future success. "Because of today's vote, the Senate should immediately take up this matter. We need a full debate and recorded votes on differing ideas and resolutions. "Majority Leader Reid has and will continue to stifle debate and limit the Senate to a single option which is a precursor to retreat. Senator Reid knows an overwhelming majority of Senators will vote for the Gregg resolution which states that cutting off funding will undermine our troops and the war effort. It has broad, bipartisan support. "Several weeks ago Senator Reid made the statement that the GOP can run, but not hide from this debate. I'm standing firm in the light of day. I welcome this debate and believe the reason we are not voting on all of the Iraq resolutions is because of a fear of left-wing anti-war activists attacking the 2008 Democratic presidential hopefuls. It is a sad day when special interests take over the debate in the Senate. "The Senate is not the House of Representatives and I believe the Republican Senate will be united around insisting on multiple votes reflecting a wide range of opinions on Iraq." #####Feb 15 2007
Wes Hickman (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement on plans by Majority Leader Harry Reid to schedule a vote on the Democratic Iraq resolution this weekend. Reid today said he plans for the Senate to stay in session through the weekend and maybe into next week to debate the resolution currently under debate in the House of Representatives. The Democratic resolution opposes General Petraeus's new strategy in Iraq. Earlier this month the Senate was scheduled to vote on a Democratic resolution opposing the troop surge but Democrats, unwilling to allow the Republicans to offer an alternative resolution, could not garner 60 votes to bring debate to a close. Graham said: "I will do everything in my power to ensure the House resolution dies an inglorious death in the Senate. "The resolution will be seen by our enemies around the world as a weakening of our resolve. It will embolden our enemy to defeat us in Iraq and drive us from the Middle East. It is also not remotely helpful to the war effort or our troops in the field. "These non-binding resolutions are political theatre at its worst. Our troops deserve and expect us to rise to the occasion. Instead, we have a case of congress acting in a small political fashion during a momentous time in our history. Our actions will play a decisive role in shaping our national security today and for decades to come. "Any effort by Majority Leader Reid to deny the Senate a full and fair debate and a series of votes on Iraq will be met by staunch resistance from many Republicans. There should be no more business in the U.S. Senate until we fully and fairly debate this new effort to secure victory in Iraq. The American people expect and deserve no less." #####Feb 14 2007
Wes Hickman (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417
WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) said he will fight efforts by leading Democrat Senators to give terror suspects expanded access to federal courts. Graham played a leading role last year in the drafting and eventual passage into law of the Military Commissions Act (MCA), which establishes the rules and procedures to try enemy combatant terror suspects before military tribunals at Guantanamo Bay, Cuba. Federal judges are allowed to conduct limited reviews of certain legal issues involving enemy combatants, but they would not be able to take over the military decision of determining who is and who is not an enemy combatant. "It's time we put terror suspects on trial before military tribunals for their crimes against the United States," said Graham. "If we begin tinkering with provisions of the MCA, it will slow efforts to bring terrorists to justice. "Some of the masterminds of the 9/11 attack on America are being held at Guantanamo Bay," said Graham. "I'm ready to see them stand trial and suffer the consequences of their actions against the United States. It's time for justice to be served, not delayed." Under legislation, Restoring the Constitution Act of 2007, introduced by Democrat Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT), Patrick Leahy (D-VT), Russ Feingold (D-WI) and Bob Menendez (D-NJ), enemy combatant terror suspects would have expanded rights to file habeas corpus petitions in federal court challenging their detention. It would also fundamentally weaken the rules governing military tribunals. "Never in the history of warfare have enemy prisoners been able to bring lawsuits about their detention," said Graham. "Thousands of Germans and Japanese soldiers were captured and held by the military during World War II. Not one case was allowed in federal court where they were allowed to sue for their release. Our rules for the War on Terror should be no different. "I will vigorously oppose any effort to allow federal judges to determine enemy combatant status," said Graham. "This decision belongs with the military. Judges are not trained to determine who presents a threat to our nation. That is why Congress has only provided for a limited procedural review of combatant status determination. "Before the MCA was signed into law, enemy combatants were filing frivolous suits requesting better mail delivery, more exercise, judge-supervised interrogation, Internet access, the right to view DVDs and alleging medical malpractice," said Graham. "We also made it clear in the MCA terror suspects could not sue American troops for doing their job. "The MCA protects our troops and national security while living up to our international commitments and obligations," concluded Graham. #####Feb 13 2007
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON, D.C. - As a new record annual trade deficit was announced Tuesday, three U.S. Senators said they are introducing legislation to rescind Permanent Normal Trade Relations (PNTR) status granted to China in 2000. The three federal lawmakers are U.S. Senators Byron Dorgan (D-ND), Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Sherrod Brown (D-OH). In 2001, Congress granted China Permanent Normal Trade Relations status. Prior to enacting this law, China was subject to an annual review of their Most Favored Nation trade status. This allowed for the U.S. to ensure that China complied with its international commitments. The legislation introduced today would revoke China's Permanent Normal Trade Relations status and return to a system where the U.S. government would annually review whether or not to grant China Most Favored Nation status. The change would give the U.S. leverage in convincing China to trade fairly. "Since 2001, the first year China operated with PNTR status, our trade deficit with China ballooned from $83 billion a year to well over $232.5 billion in 2006," Senator Byron Dorgan said. "It's not difficult to see why. China has engaged in systematic labor abuses, intellectual property theft and piracy, currency manipulation and unfair barriers against U.S. exports. If PNTR status means a country is playing by the rules in international trade, it is absurd to continue to apply that status to China. Congress can - and must - send a clear message that China needs to stop cheating and start trading fairly. Rescinding its PNTR status sends that message." "The Chinese continue to manipulate their currency to give themselves an unfair advantage over American manufacturers," said Senator Lindsey Graham. "Revoking China's PNTR status is a necessary step given their reluctance to embrace the principles of free and fair trade. It's time to replace our current open-ended commitment to China with a system that provides an annual review and allows for decisions to be based on actual Chinese performance. Without the ability to annually review Chinese trade practices, it will continue to be difficult to persuade China to make the necessary changes to provide a level playing field for American manufacturers." "U.S. trade policy has failed workers and small businesses across our country," Senator Sherrod Brown said. "As far as I am concerned, there is nothing normal about allowing our trading partners to use slave labor to compete with our workers. There is nothing normal about manipulating currency to make exports cheaper. There is nothing normal about mouthing concern for intellectual property in the midst of rampant piracy. And if this is indeed normal, then I certainly don't want it to be permanent." ####Feb 13 2007
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 passing of Congressman Charlie Norwood. "Now is the time to celebrate a life well-lived and to keep his family in our prayers. "The State of Georgia today lost one of her favorite sons. "Charlie was a dear friend and I have never met anyone in politics with more passion about what they believe. He was a great representative for the people of the 10th District of Georgia. In his years of service, he made a difference in the Congress. His leadership, wisdom, and wit will be sorely missed." ####Feb 07 2007
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
“Firefighters and emergency service personnel dedicate themselves to protecting the health and safety of
“
The grants were awarded for Operations and Firefighter Safety Programs. Fire departments may use these funds for training, wellness, and fitness programs; the purchase of firefighting and personal protective equipment; and modifications to fire stations and facilities.
The grants awarded include:
Flatrock Bowen Fire Department will receive $18,620.
Bennettsville
Marlboro County Rescue Squad will receive $40,320.
Newberry
Newberry Fire Department will receive $70,348.
Orangeburg
Jamison Fire Department will receive $97,587.
The Assistance to Firefighters grant program awards one-year grants directly to local fire departments, enhancing their ability to respond to fire and fire-related hazards in the community. The program supports departments by providing them the tools and resources necessary to protect the health and safety of the public and their firefighting personnel.
Grantees share in the cost of the funded project at a percentage based on the population of their respective jurisdiction. Grantees that serve jurisdictions of 50,000 or fewer residents are required to provide a non-Federal cost-share of 10 percent while grantees that serve jurisdictions of over 50,000 provide a 30 percent cost-share. The match must be in cash without the use of in-kind contributions. In addition, the maximum amount of federal funds that an applicant can be awarded is $750,000 during any fiscal year.
The grants are made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
####
