Mar 24 2008

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham today made this statement.

 

"Yesterday, I misspoke when I said we will be, ‘somewhere around 100,000 troops’ in Iraq by the end of 2008.  I think we will be at pre-surge levels, about 130,000 troops, at years end.  I have consistently said any changes or further reductions in troops should be based upon conditions on the ground and the advice of our commanders.”

 

 

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Mar 18 2008

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) signed on to an amicus curiae brief to the United States Supreme Court in the case of the District of Columbia v. Heller.  Oral arguments in the case were heard in the Supreme Court earlier today.

The brief was signed by Vice President Dick Cheney, 55 U.S. Senators, and 250 members of the U.S. House of Representatives.  Graham made these comments on District of Columbia v. Heller.

“This case involves nothing more than the right of law abiding persons to keep common handguns and usable firearms for lawful self-defense in the home. 

“Congress has historically viewed the Second Amendment as protecting from infringement the right of the people at large to keep and bear arms.  It has further regarded ordinary, commonly-possessed rifles, handguns, and shotguns to be constitutionally protected firearms.  It has also passed regulations for engaging in firearms businesses and to require background checks on firearms transferees, and has restricted certain dangerous categories of persons from possession of firearms.  None of these laws is called into question by the lower court’s limited holding.

“The Court should affirm the decision of the Court of Appeals.”

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BACKGROUND

The Supreme Court’s consideration of the case marks the first time since 1939 that the Court will rule on a Second Amendment challenge to a firearm law.  The Court’s decision is expected to have broad and long-lasting ramifications on gun ownership and Second Amendment rights.

The District of Columbia has some of the most restrictive gun laws of any city in the United States.  In 1976, the City Council banned handguns and required rifles and shotguns to be registered, stored unloaded and either locked or unassembled. 

Six District of Columbia residents sued the city over this firearms prohibition. 

The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled in March 2007 that the District of Columbia’s gun control laws violate individual Second Amendment rights.  The majority opinion stated, “Section 7-2507.02, like the bar of carrying a pistol within a home, amounts to a complete prohibition on the lawful use of handguns for self-defense.  As such we hold it is unconstitutional.”

 

Mar 13 2008

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham’s (R-South Carolina) amendment to the Budget Resolution to extend the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts was defeated today in the Senate.  The vote was 47-52.

 

“One of our top priorities should be for Congress to extend the Bush tax cuts,” said Graham.  “Tax relief has proven to be very beneficial to our nation's economic health.  Needless to say, I’m very disappointed a majority of the Senate did not vote for my amendment.

 

“Do we really want to raise taxes on Americans who are already struggling to make ends meet?” questioned Graham.  “Millions of taxpayers and businesses will see their tax bills literally increase overnight if we don’t make the Bush tax cuts permanent.  We will drive companies offshore and create fewer jobs here at home.”

 

Graham noted that if the tax cuts are not made permanent 116 million taxpayers will see their tax bill increase an average of $1,800. 

 

The Graham amendment makes room in the budget to make permanent:

  • The current marginal tax rates of 35, 33, 28, and 25 percent.  If they are allowed to expire on December 31, 2010 the new rates will be 39.6, 36, 31 and 28 percent.
  • Lower rates on capital gains and dividends.
  • College tuition deduction.
  • Includes the Kyl language on estate tax relief – a $5 million exemption with a 35 percent top rate.

“Our refusal to extend the Bush tax cuts means there may be a major tax increase on millions of hard-working Americans,” said Graham.  “At a time when people need more money for their families and businesses at home, we should have made the Bush tax cuts permanent.”

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Mar 12 2008

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has introduced an amendment to the Senate Budget Resolution to extend the 2001 and 2003 Bush tax cuts.  A Senate vote on the Graham Amendment is expected on Thursday.

“Do we really want to raise taxes on Americans who are already struggling to make ends meet?” questioned Graham.  “Millions of taxpayers and businesses will see their tax bills literally increase overnight if we don’t make the Bush tax cuts permanent.  We will drive companies offshore and create fewer jobs here at home.”

Graham noted that if the tax cuts are not made permanent 116 million taxpayers will see their tax bill increase an average of $1,800. 

The Graham amendment makes room in the budget to make permanent:

  • The current marginal tax rates of 35, 33, 28, and 25 percent.  If they are allowed to expire
  • December 31, 2010 the new rates will be 39.6, 36, 31 and 28 percent.
  • Lower rates on capital gains and dividends.
  • College tuition deduction
  • Includes the Kyl language on estate tax relief – a $5 million exemption with a 35 percent top rate.

“If we don’t pass my amendment there is going to be a major tax increase coming to millions of hard-working Americans,” said Graham.  “At a time when people need more money for their families and businesses at home, it’s time to make the Bush tax cuts permanent.” 

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Mar 07 2008

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has been named a ‘Friend of the Coast’ by the American Shore & Beach Preservation Association (ASBPA). 

 

“The Senator has proven himself as a champion of coastal issues by attaining funding and authorization for beach nourishment projects at Folly Beach , Edisto Island , Pawley’s Island, and the Grand Strand,” said Dr. Tim Kana, ASBPA Board member from South Carolina .  “The Senator is a strong voice for the coast.” 

 

ASBPA also acknowledged Graham for his work in authorizing language in the Water Resources Development Act of 2007 to construct storm water outfalls in Surfside Beach , Myrtle Beach, and North Myrtle Beach to improve water quality.  The group noted the projects will have a positive effect on the region’s economy.

 

The award was presented to Graham at the group’s 2008 Coastal Summit held last week in Washington . 

 

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Mar 05 2008

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on comments by Senators Hillary Clinton (D-New York) and Barack Obama (D-Illinois).

“Senator Clinton made an interesting statement last night.  She said, “We're ready to end the war in Iraq and win the war in Afghanistan .”  No one doubts we must win in Afghanistan , the country that gave rise to the Taliban and Al Qaeda.  But Senator Clinton’s Iraq statement about “ending” the Iraq war was quite troubling. 

“I realize the political left in our country does not want to hear the word ‘win’ mentioned in a conversation about Iraq, but our own national security interests require us to ‘win,’ not simply ‘end.’  It really is a bit unnerving to me that Senator Clinton would not understand consequences of losing in Iraq .

Iraq is clearly a central battlefront in the War on Terror.  Winning is not only now possible, but necessary. 

“Last night, Senator Obama eloquently described how a grandfather living in Uganda was following the American presidential election.  He was right.  The world is watching and that audience includes some of the most vicious killers known to mankind.  Al Qaeda is taking measure of each and every word uttered. 

“While Al Qaeda has suffered from the surge of troops into Iraq , they are inspired when they hear American leaders discussing how they plan to leave the central battlefront in the War on Terror.  Here’s to hoping that neither Senator Clinton nor Obama give them inspiring moments in the weeks and months ahead.” 

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Mar 03 2008

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today said he was pleased the U.S. Trade Representative Susan C. Schwab has requested settlement dispute consultations with China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over China’s treatment of U.S. suppliers of financial information services.

“American financial services firms should have the same access to China’s financial markets as Chinese firms have in the United States ,” said Graham.  “The Chinese government has erected significant barriers aimed at restricting the ability of American financial service firms to compete in an open and fair manner in China .”

Graham, a long-time critic of Chinese trading practices and one of the leaders in the U.S. Senate to end Chinese currency manipulation, noted that the Chinese have tilted the playing field against American providers.  In 2006, China implemented regulations that prohibited foreign financial information suppliers from establishing local operations and required American companies to work through official-Chinese government designated firms.

“Market access and national treatment for U.S. financial services in accessing China’s markets is not merely a matter of fairness, it will create new opportunities for American firms and increase global economic growth,” said Graham. “Given the competitive advantage we enjoy in research, product development, and regulatory structure, a freer market in China will bolster the U.S. economy.

“When it comes to trade, China makes promises to the U.S. and world community and then goes about finding creative ways not to keep them,” said Graham.  “I appreciate the work of the USTR in this matter and her efforts to hold China accountable for their unfair trade practices.”

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Feb 27 2008

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement on the life and death of William F. Buckley, Jr.

“I had the great fortune of meeting Mr. Buckley on several occasions.  One could immediately recognize his keen intellect and sense of purpose.  I appreciate and admire his decades of work in pursuit of conservative government.

“With Mr. Buckley’s passing, our nation has lost one of its truly great political thinkers.  I send my deepest condolences to the Buckley family, friends, and colleagues at this difficult time.”

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Feb 15 2008

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has been recognized as a True Blue member of the Senate by FRC Action and Focus on the Family Action for his unwavering commitment to the family. 

The award honors member of the House and Senate who have exhibited extraordinary leadership and commitment to the defense of family, faith, and freedom, according to FRC Action’s new scorecard.  The scorecard covers Senate votes during the 1st session of the 110th Congress. Recipients of the award voted consistently for pro-life and pro-family issues.

The votes included efforts to defend grassroots organizations efforts to influence public policy, health care for unborn children, confirming Judge Leslie Southwick to the U.S. Court of Appeals and federal hate crimes legislation.

“The Members of the 110th Congress who received this award have been consistent, stalwart allies of American families,” said FRC Action President Tony Perkins.  “These Members are to be commended for supporting public policy that values human life, protects our religious liberties, and upholds the institutions of marriage and the family.”

“I applaud Senator Graham for defending pro-family and pro-life policies that have been under attack this past year,” said Perkins.  “Values voters should be encouraged by these Members who have shown a commitment to protecting and strengthening the family.”

To order a copy of the Vote Scorecard, visit FRC Action’s website at www.frcaction.org

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Jan 28 2008

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made these comments on President Bush’s State of the Union Address.

Economy and Earmarks:

"Two major items Congress should focus on if we want to ensure a strong economy in future years are making the Bush tax cuts permanent and getting a grip on how we spend the taxpayer’s hard-earned dollar.

"I hope Congress will join with the President to make the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent. If the tax cuts are not made permanent, 116 million Americans will see their taxes rise by an average of $1,800. Making the tax cuts permanent will help business and individuals plan for the future and know what their long-term tax liability will be. It’s time to get this done.

"President Bush is also right to call for a reduction in both the number and dollar amount of congressional earmarks. While I don’t have a problem with Congress having a say in how the federal government spends money, I also believe the earmarking process has gotten way out of hand.

"When Congress is spending $250 million on a bridge to serve 50 people, it’s pretty obvious the process is broken. Hopefully, the President’s proposal will help get us back on the right track when it comes to spending the taxpayer’s dollar."

Iraq and the Global War on Terror:

"The situation in Iraq looks quite different than it did one year ago.

"At that time, many in the Congress were fighting against the surge. Some were preparing to say the war in Iraq was lost while others were preparing for an American defeat. Thanks to a new strategy, new commander, and the hard work of our brave men and women in uniform, we have seen a phenomenal turnaround in Iraq.

"While there remains more work to be done, now is the time for Republicans and Democrats to embrace the positive effects of the surge and build upon the successes that have been achieved. We should also offer our thanks and appreciation to our American troops and commanders. They have truly made us proud."

Graham on First Lieutenant Andrew Kinard (USMC) in Attendance as a Guest of the First Lady

"The First Lady could not have found a more deserving young Marine to honor than Andrew Kinard. Andrew represents the bravery of all of our men and women serving in Iraq. He is a wonderful young man who makes us all proud."

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