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

WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senators Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) announced proposed spending reductions to help pay for damages caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Graham and DeMint were joined in the effort by five of their colleagues including Senators Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla) John Ensign (R-Nev.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), and John Sununu (R-N.H.). “It’s unfair to stick future generations of Americans with the bill for solving problems that occur on our watch,” said Graham. “I’m proud to be a part of this long overdue effort to set better priorities in spending.” “We had a Category 4 hurricane hit our shores, but if we don’t address our runaway spending, we’re going to have a Category 5 fiscal storm hit our children and grandchildren,” said Senator DeMint. “The American people don’t want any more excuses, and they don’t want to hear congressmen and senators arguing about who is to blame. We have real problems that require tough decisions.” The proposed federal spending reductions include the following actions:

• 5 percent reduction in all federal spending programs except those which impact national security, with 1 percent set aside for funding of essential programs.
• A freeze on cost-of-living adjustments for federal employees, including Members of Congress, with the exception of law enforcement and military personnel.
• An elimination of earmarked projects included as part of the Highway Bill.
• A two-year delay in implementation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit.
• A requirement that those with higher incomes pay higher Medicare Part B premiums in 2006, rather than in 2007 as currently scheduled.
• The package of offsets proposed today could save the American taxpayers between $70 – 125 billion.

“We need bold leadership to set priorities and get our fiscal house in order,” said Senator DeMint. “Americans expect us to anticipate problems and fix them while we still can. That’s why we must offset this relief as a downpayment toward fiscal responsibility.” “Reducing federal spending will prevent additional borrowing and require Congress to do what all families and businesses have to do in their lives and that's set priorities,” said Graham. “The proposed spending reductions are a fair and necessary culture change for Congress.” ###

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

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today said he was pleased Roche Pharmaceuticals has agreed to work toward increasing production of Tamiflu. Tamiflu is the only known effective treatment for avian flu and Roche holds the exclusive rights to manufacture the drug. Graham was one of three negotiators trying to reach an agreement. The group included Roche CEO George Abercrombie and Senator Chuck Schumer (D-New York). Roche has a production facility in Florence, South Carolina. “As a result of this agreement, lives may be saved in the coming months,” said Graham. “Many experts believe it’s only a matter of time before a pandemic flu occurs. Tamiflu, produced by Roche, is the best remedy we have available at this time. We must ensure we are prepared.” “Roche’s willingness to sub-license the vaccine to generic drug companies will increase world-wide stockpiles,” said Graham. “It’s was the ultimate act of good corporate citizenship on Roche’s part.” The agreement states:

• Four companies – Teva Pharmaceuticals, Barr Labratories, Mylan Labratories and Ranbaxy Labratories – will meet with representatives from Roche. The companies believe they can produce Tamiflu if given the chance and want to step up to serve the global public health need by working in cooperation with Roche.
• Roche will also meet with additional pharmaceutical companies in cooperation with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to discuss producing more Tamiflu.
• Roche agreed to sub-license production of Tamiflu to any of these companies that can produce it in quantities large enough to help meet the anticipated demand in case of a flu outbreak. The determination as to who gets licensed will be made in cooperation with the U.S. government and other governments around the world.
• Roche will make reasonable efforts to work with companies who demonstrate appropriate capabilities to manufacture Tamiflu in order to accelerate product supply.
• For companies eligible for a sub-license, Roche agrees to negotiate equitable terms.

“The agreement is an example of the private sector and government working together to serve the people,” said Graham. “Roche thought of every reason to make it happen and not reasons why it couldn’t. As negotiated, this agreement is mutually beneficial for both the public health sector and the company. I’ve been very pleased to be part of something like this.” #####

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

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Richland County will receive more than $2.2 million in housing grants. Richland County will receive a $1,562,996 Community Development Block Grant, $619,548 for the HOME Investment Partnership Program, and $28,529 for the American Dream Down Payment Initiative.

• The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) develops communities and provides housing by expanding economic opportunities for low and moderate income households.
• The HOME Investment Partnership Program creates affordable housing by allowing communities to design and implement strategies tailored to their own needs and priorities.
• The American Dream Down Payment Initiative promotes homeownership opportunities by providing necessary resources for down payment and closing cost assistance to lower-income and minority households.

The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ####

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

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made the following statement after President Bush signed the Department of Homeland Security Act of 2006 into law. Graham attended the White House ceremony that took place earlier this afternoon. Graham said: “The Homeland Security bill includes real changes that will help secure our border. As a result of this legislation, we’ll be hiring 1,000 new border agents, expediting the return of illegal immigrants further from our southern border, and increasing the penalties for employers and those involved in smuggling illegal aliens.” “The bill authorizes billions of dollars for improved border security through better technology, a larger border control force, and the building of additional physical barriers all of which should contribute to better border security. It’s the first step in a long process to secure America’s borders.” ####