Dec 29 2006

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on the passing of James Brown. "James Brown’s music was the voice of a generation and his impact on American music is immeasurable. I will always remember him performing at a luncheon announcing Strom Thurmond and Bob Dole's endorsement of my Senate campaign. To have shared the stage with two political giants and the Godfather of Soul is a memory that will last a lifetime." ####

Dec 28 2006

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced Cooley Springs Fire Department in Chesnee will receive a $142,000 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) Program grant. The SAFER Program assists in the hiring of full time firefighters and supports the recruitment and retention of volunteer fire fighters. “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 recruit and retain dedicated professionals.” “South Carolina's firefighters risk their lives to protect our families every day. I'm pleased they have been awarded these competitive grants that will assist in hiring more firefighters,” said Senator DeMint. The grants are made by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ####

Dec 27 2006

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement on the death of former President Gerald R. Ford. “It is gratifying to see an increased appreciation of the presidency of Gerald R. Ford. He inherited a battered institution and within two-and-a-half years was able to pass on to his successor a restored presidency. “America has always been blessed with having the right people come along at the right time in history. In 1974 America desperately needed a decent and honorable leader who could heal a wounded nation. That is exactly what we had in Gerald Ford. “It's now hard to imagine the turmoil that existed in those difficult days. I believe history will continue to elevate the Ford Presidency and more Americans will appreciate the valuable service rendered by one of the most decent, kind men to ever occupy the Office of President of the United States. “Without any doubt, Gerald Ford made decisions as President that put country above self. It should be an inspiration to all serving in public office today.” #####

Dec 20 2006

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on President Bush’s decision to support a larger all-volunteer Army and Marine Corps. Graham has been a long-time advocate of increasing the size of the military. “I enthusiastically support President Bush’s decision to grow the Army and Marine Corps. A larger military would provide us with additional combat capability in Iraq and Afghanistan and allow us to deal with other threats looming on the horizon. We need additional combat capability and in war, there is no substitute for boots on the ground. “The rotation schedule for our soldiers is strenuous and a larger military will take pressure off them. Because of over-utilization we are on the verge of wearing out one of the greatest military machines ever created. As ranking member on the Personnel Subcommittee of Armed Services, I will push hard to dramatically increase the Army and Marine Corps footprint. This is a much-needed change in American military policy.” ####

Dec 19 2006

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Chuck Schumer (D-New York) today made the following statement on the Treasury Department currency report stating China does not manipulate its currency. They said: “The Administration continues to use technical and legalistic dodges to avoid saying what everyone knows to be true -- the Chinese manipulate their currency. It’s as plain as the nose on your face. “After five years of work on this issue, we are not satisfied. If the Administration still won’t call China a manipulator, how can we ever expect them to get China to play fair?" “The Chinese cannot be part of the international community on their terms alone. They need to be pressed to play by the rules and that means putting an end to currency manipulation.” ####

Dec 16 2006

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced more than $230,000 in grants to fire departments in Hardeeville and Santee. “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: Hardeeville Hardeeville Fire and Rescue will receive a $43,406 Operations and Firefighter Safety Grant. Santee Providence Fire Department will receive a $187,340 Firefighting 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. ####

Dec 14 2006

Graham to Serve on Five Committees in the 110th Congress

Set to Add Agriculture to Committee Assignments

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) will join the Senate Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee in the next Congress.

The committee oversees the U.S. Department of Agriculture and represents the interests of America's farmers. It also has jurisdiction over the nation's food and nutrition programs, assists with rural development, and helps regulate our natural resources.

In addition to joining the Ag Committee, Graham will retain his current assignments on the Armed Service, Budget, Judiciary, and Veterans' Affairs committees.

"I am excited about the opportunity to serve on the Senate Agriculture Committee and represent the interests and needs of South Carolina's farmers," said Graham.

Graham noted the Agriculture Committee has a great impact on South Carolina. Beyond farming, the committee also oversees the USDA Rural Development program which provides grants to promote economic development and helps to ensure our state's children receive proper nutrition in schools.

In addition, the Agriculture Committee is scheduled to reauthorize the farm bill in the next Congress as many provisions in the 2002 farm bill will expire in 2007. The committee is expected to craft legislation reauthorizing federal farm support, food assistance, agricultural trade, marketing, and rural development policies.

Senator Saxby Chambliss (R-Georgia), the ranking Republican on the committee made the following statement about Graham.

"I'm very pleased my colleague and good friend Senator Graham will be serving on the Senate Agriculture Committee," said Chambliss. "Lindsey is one of the true leaders in the Senate. He's respected by his Republican and Democratic colleagues for his common-sense approach to solving our nation's problems. South Carolina and America's farmers have a strong advocate and friend on the Ag Committee in Lindsey Graham."

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Dec 11 2006

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) was one of eight Republicans to vote against the final bill to come before the Republican-controlled 109th Congress in the early morning hours Saturday. Graham noted that he supported many of the provisions in the $39.4 billion legislation. However, the bill came to the Senate without opportunity for amendments or changes plus the addition of a last-minute free trade pact with Haiti led him to vote against the bill. The vote was 79-9. “I’ve grown tired of having to choose between a bad process and a few good provisions,” said Graham. “It was these kinds of actions – throwing everything in at the last minute but the kitchen sink – that got Republicans in trouble with the voters.” “There are several pro-growth tax relief extensions in the bill including college tuition deductions, the new market tax credit, the work opportunity tax credit, and the welfare-to-work credit that are sound policy” said Graham. “In addition there was a provision that stopped a reduction in payments for physicians who treat Medicare patients. “I wish I could have supported the bill, but I just don’t feel comfortable with some of the other provisions that were included or the process by which we were voting on the legislation,” said Graham. Graham noted one provision he opposed – a free trade agreement with Haiti – was particularly unsettling. The provision was added to the catch-all even though it had never had a congressional hearing, never passed committee, or been subject to any other congressional action. Instead it was inserted behind closed doors, passed by the House of Representatives, and sent to the Senate without any opportunity for changes. Graham was able to secure an agreement from fellow Senators to have Congress revisit the Haiti trade provision next year and allow the textile community to have their say about the provision before it is certified by the President and implemented. However, the legislation still passed. “We must be weary of new trade deals that could end up costing us more jobs,” said Graham. “I think the Haiti provision opens another door for China to illegally ship textiles into our country and further devastate the manufacturing community.” “I was very disappointed with the way the session ended,” said Graham. “It’s sad to say but the final hours and actions of the Republican-controlled Congress were not a pretty sight.” ####

Dec 07 2006

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced the Rowesville Fire Department will receive a $187,986 Firefighting Vehicle Acquisition Grant. “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 Firefighting Vehicle Acquisition Program provides funds that may be used for the purchase of firefighting vehicles including pumpers, brush trucks, tankers, rescue vehicles, ambulances, quints, aerials, foam units, and fireboats. 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. ####

Dec 06 2006

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced youth programs in Columbia and Spartanburg will receive nearly $1.4 million in federal grants to help young adults complete high school and receive on-the-job training in construction. The Youthbuild program assists students age 16 to 24. Students in the program complete their high school education and build or renovate single-family homes and multi-family apartments. The units are then sold to low-income individuals and families. Columbia Benedict-Allen Community Development Corporation will receive $700,000. Spartanburg The Housing Authority for the City of Spartanburg will receive $700,000. The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ####