Mar 06 2007

WASHINGTON-  U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced nearly $975,000 in competitive scientific research grants for Clemson University and the University of South Carolina.

Clemson
Clemson University will receive $375,000 for a project entitled “Inverted Colloidal Crystal Membranes.”

USC Research Foundation
USC Research Foundation will receive $400,000 for a project entitled “CAREER: Quantifying the Importance of Friction in the Rheology and Structure of Dense Colloidal Dispersions,” and $199,431 for “Developing an Engineering Environment for Fostering Effective Critical Thinking Through Measurements.”
 
All of the grants were awarded by the National Science Foundation.

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Mar 06 2007

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today attended a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on medical care provided to veterans at Walter Reed Army Medical Hospital. "The hearing shed light on what happened with Building 18 at Walter Reed and the state of DoD and VA health care," said Graham. "Repairs were made to the building in 2005 but the real problems were not fixed. There is no doubt the soldiers who served our nation and went to Walter Reed for treatment deserve better. "We are going to fix the problem at Walter Reed," said Graham. "We are also going to make it easier for people who have been injured in battle or have service-related injuries to get the medical treatment they have earned." Graham said he hopes this current episode will bring into focus the need for the federal government to increase defense spending to combat the rising challenges - both on the battlefield and in support services - necessary to fight and win the War on Terror. "We are in a state of war which could last a generation," said Graham. "The wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have gone on longer than anticipated and the injuries sustained on the battlefield have been higher than expected. Our military health care system is running out of capacity. "Hopefully, this will convince the Congress we cannot successfully prosecute the war and care for our wounded soldiers spending just 3.8 percent of our GDP (Gross Domestic Product) on defense," said Graham. "The historical average is 5 percent. In World War II, we spent one-third of our GDP on the war effort. "We need more money, capacity, and bed space on the medical side," said Graham. "We need more troops, better benefits for our soldiers, and equipment on the war-fighting side. Commanders have to do a better job of being accountable and we in the Congress need to do a better job of ensuring the military has adequate resources to carry out all of its duties." Graham also noted that the recent episode is not an indictment of all health care provided to members of the military and veterans of our nation. "The care we are giving our soldiers on the battlefield is second to none," said Graham. "We are saving the lives of people who in previous wars would have died. Many of our health care professionals are doing a very good job during difficult times. We need to give them the resources they need to do their jobs and continue to reward those who are providing excellent health care to those in the military." #####

Mar 02 2007

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced more than $790,000 in grants to fire departments in Beaufort, Blacksburg, Daufuskie Island, Gaffney, Greenwood, Jenkinsville, 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:

Beaufort
Beaufort Fire Department will receive a $72,637 Operations and Firefighter Safety Grant.

Blacksburg
Blacksburg Fire Department will receive a $105,963 Operations and Firefighter Safety Grant.

Daufuskie Island
Daufuskie Island Fire District will receive a $42,180 Operations and Firefighter Safety Grant.

Gaffney
Gaffney Fire Department will receive an $85,271 Operations and Firefighter Safety Grant.

Grassy Pond Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $66,415 Operations and Firefighter Safety Grant.

Greenwood
Northwest Volunteer Fire and Rescue Department will receive a $62,114 Operations and Firefighter Safety Grant.

Jenkinsville
Jenkinsville Monticello Horeb Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $213,864 Vehicle Acquisition Grant.

Union
Cross Keys Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $37,193 Operations and Firefighter Safety Grant.

Winnsboro
Fairfield Community Volunteer Fire Department will receive a $106,146 Operations and Firefighter Safety 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.

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Feb 27 2007

WASHINGTON-  U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced more than $1.2 million in competitive scientific research grants for Clemson University, Furman University, and the University of South Carolina.

Clemson
Clemson University will receive $199,961 for a project entitled “Multi-Institutional Mechatronics and Material Handling Educational Laboratories- Course Development and Student Collaboration.”

Furman
Furman University will receive $270,000 for a project entitled “REU Site: Research Experience for Undergraduates in the Grand Challenges of Chemistry.

USC Research Foundation
USC Research Foundation will receive $600,000 for a project entitled “PFI: Polymer Nanocomposites Manufacturing Partnership,” and $149,788 for “CCLI: Novel Instruction Material Development for Embedded System Education in the Undergraduate Computer Engineering Curriculum.”

All of the grants were awarded by the National Science Foundation.

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Feb 22 2007

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.

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Feb 22 2007

WASHINGTON-  U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced more than $7.7 million in competitive grants for agencies throughout South Carolina to assist homeless individuals and families.

Continuum of Care Homeless Awards

The Continuum of Care Homeless (CoC) awards in South Carolina were awarded in two program areas:

  • The Supportive Housing Program (SHP) helps develop housing and related supportive services for people moving from homelessness to independent living. 
  • The Shelter Plus Care Program (SPC) provides rental assistance that, when combined with social services, provides supportive housing for homeless people with disabilities and their families.  Grantees must match the rental assistance with supportive services that are at least equal in value to the amount of HUD's rental assistance. 

South Carolina is divided into five CoC regions.  Award recipients are listed by region.  Several grantees received multiple awards.

Charleston/Low Country CoC

Crisis Ministries- $149,264 SHP
Housing Authority of the City of Charleston-$84,994 SHP

Columbia Midlands CoC

Family Shelter, Inc.- $606,359 SHP
Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc. (MIRCI)- $247,380 SPC
Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc. (MIRCI)- $246,804 SPC
Sistercare, Inc. $331,142- SHP
The Salvation Army, A Georgia Corporation- $108,943 SHP
Trinity Housing Corporation- $140,170 SHP
Trinity Housing Corporation- $128,419 SHP

Florence City & County/Pee Dee CoC

Lighthouse Ministries- $60,294 SHPR
Pee Dee Community Action Partnership- $179,098 SHP
Pee Dee Community Action Partnership- $49,002 SHP

Greenville/Anderson/Spartanburg Upstate CoC

Greenville Area Interfaith Hospitality Network (GAIHN)- $21,775 SHP
Homes of Hope, Inc.- $55,866 SHP
MEG's House Shelter for Abused Women- $320,178 SHP
MEG's House Shelter for Abused Women- $109,334 SHP
MEG's House Shelter for Abused Women- $109,322 SHP
Mental Health Association of Greenville County Housing Corporation- $121,716 SPC
Project Care- $166,667 SHP
Rosewood House of Recovery, Inc.- $178,488 SHP
Rosewood House of Recovery, Inc.- $57,085 SHP
Spartanburg County- $160,164 SHP
Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources, Inc. (SHARE)- $545,315 SHP
Sunbelt Human Advancement Resources, Inc. (SHARE)- $98,675 SHP
Upstate Homeless Coalition of South Carolina- $99,936 SPC
Upstate Homeless Coalition of SC- $184,305 SHP
Upstate Homeless Coalition of SC- $17,348 SHP
Upstate Homeless Coalition of SC- $642,151 SHP

Myrtle Beach/Sumter City & County CoC

Any Length Recovery, Inc.- $78,746 SHP
Home Alliance, Inc.- $123,900 SHP
Home Alliance, Inc.- $69,998 SHP
Home Alliance, Inc.- $98,648 SHP
Waccamaw Housing, Inc.- $186,816 SPC
Wateree Community Actions, Incorporated- $121,150 SHP
Williamsburg Enterprise Community Commission, Inc.- $127,188 SHP

Emergency Shelter Grants

In addition, three Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) were awarded in South Carolina.  ESG funds are available for the rehabilitation or remodeling of a building used as a new shelter, operations and maintenance of the facility, essential supportive services, and homeless prevention.  Grantees, except for state governments, must match ESG grant funds dollar for dollar with their own locally generated amounts.
 
Grantees include:

Charleston County- $89,708
Greenville County- $105,437
State of South Carolina- $1,491,489

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

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Feb 20 2007

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

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

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.

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Feb 16 2007

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." #####