Legislation would amend Senate rules to limit fundraising
by incumbent U.S. Senators to 18 months prior to a general election
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON, DC – U.S. Senators Ron Wyden (D-Ore.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) today unveiled bipartisan legislation to limit campaign fundraising for incumbent Senators. Specifically, the Senate Campaign Reform Act of 2006 would change Senate rules to prohibit Senators and their staffs from fundraising for re-election before the eighteen months prior to the date of the next general election for that office. Amidst a culture of lobbying reform and scandals involving money in politics, the Wyden-Graham legislation seeks to reform Senate rules to allow Senators to spend more time and energy on their official government work.
“Our proposal aims to not just treat the symptoms of scandal and corruption; it aims to cure the overall disease wrought by money in politics and lets senators return to spending the majority of the people’s time on the people's business,” said Wyden. “Today in the Senate, after an election is held the first Tuesday in November, people sleep in on Wednesday, and then the fundraising chase starts all over again on Thursday. Under this proposal Senators will go from raising campaign money all six years of their six year term down to eighteen months. Shorter campaigns will result in less partisanship, less scandal, and more good government.”
“Unfortunately, Senators find that too much of our time is diverted to fundraising,” said Graham. “Our legislation allows every Senator to focus on their job for the first four of their six year terms and puts off the money chase till the end. Senators would spend more time legislating and conducting oversight on how tax dollars are spent, and less time acting as perpetual candidates. Everyone would be in the same boat and the rule would apply to all Senators equally. It would make the Senate a much different place.”
Under the bipartisan Wyden-Graham proposal, the Senate rules would be changed to prohibit sitting Senators from making any efforts, personally or through senate or campaign staff, to amass funds or pledges of funds, for a Senate re-election campaign or leadership PAC until the eighteen months immediately before a general election. During this time period, it would also make it impossible for unsolicited funds to be contributed to a re-election campaign fund. The prohibition under the Senate rules would be lifted once any other candidate for the same office raises or spends $100,000. The Wyden-Graham legislation has received statements of support from a number of public interest groups, including U.S.PIRG, Common Cause, and Democracy 21.
Wyden and Graham are two of the Senate’s leading advocates of substantive campaign finance reform. In 2004, the two Senators introduced legislation to make candidates for Federal office take more explicit personal responsibility for ads on the Internet, in print or in prerecorded phone calls referring directly to the candidate's opponent. The Political Candidate Personal Responsibility Act of 2004 followed Wyden's original “Stand by Your Ad” provision on which current accountability rules for TV and radio ads are based.
###
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Charles E. Schumer (D-New York) today announced they will visit China next week along Senator Tom Coburn (R-Oklahoma).
“The trade deficit between China and the United States is unhealthy,” said Graham. “We’re going to let the Chinese government know their business practices are causing problems in our relationship. Whether its currency manipulation, theft of intellectual property, or other issues, there’s no doubt that Chinese trade practices are taking a toll. For China to be a respected member of the international community, they must reform their business practices.”
Schumer said, “We are going to China next week because this is a critical time for global trade and our relationship with the world’s most populous and fastest growing country. Today, we have the largest trade deficit in history with China. If China is to be a player in the world economy, they must play by the rules every other country has to play by. I want to be clear about one thing: Lindsey Graham and I are not protectionists. We are pursuing the currency issue so strongly because it’s our view that if you believe in free trade, then the biggest economies in the world have to play fair and abide by the rules of the game. We hope we are given some reason to be hopeful that China will revalue its currency and play by the rules while we are there.”
“With well over one billion citizens, China can be a large market for American manufacturers to sell their products,” said Graham. “However, if we are to realize the potential of this emerging market, we must have a comprehensive strategy to deal with China. This includes mechanisms to ensure that the Chinese play by the rules.”
Graham and Schumer have been promised a vote on their bipartisan bill to encourage China to revalue its currency by the end of March.
####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced the U.S. Senate has unanimously confirmed Edwin ‘Ed’ Foulke of Greenville for the position of Assistant Secretary of Labor for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA.)
A Greenville resident, Foulke is an accomplished labor law attorney, who boasts a wealth of knowledge and experience in occupational safety and health related legal issues. He has served with distinction for over fifteen years as a member of the Occupational Safety and Health Review Commission (OSHRC) and is a natural fit for this important post.
“All South Carolinians should be proud that President Bush selected Ed and he was unanimously confirmed by the U.S. Senate,” said Graham. “This is a very important job for the American workforce and business community. We need someone with his talents at OSHA to oversee worker safety and ensure the government regulations placed on businesses meet the common-sense test. I strongly supported his nomination and know he will serve our nation well in this position.”
“South Carolinians can all take pride in Ed Foulke's successful confirmation," said Senator DeMint. "I'm confident he has the common sense and experience to take the lead at OSHA. Throughout this process, Ed has proved he will serve our nation well. He's a man of principle and integrity that will be an important ally of American workers and businesses."
A graduate of Loyola University (New Orleans) School of Law, Foulke was a partner with Jackson, Lewis, Schnitzler & Krupman practicing out of the firm’s Greenville and Washington offices. He is admitted to practice in South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, the District of Columbia, the Fourth, Eleventh, and District of Columbia Federal Circuit Courts of Appeal as well as the United States Supreme Court.
In addition to publishing extensively on a number of topics related to employment and labor law, Foulke has guest lectured for several Universities and business organizations. He also holds a LLM Masters in Law from Georgetown University Law Center in Washington.
#####
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 a resolution offered by Senator Russ Feingold (D-Wisconsin) to censure President Bush for the NSA wiretapping program.
“The censure resolution smacks of a political stunt at a time when we need serious and thoughtful discussions about how to succeed in the War on Terror. While I disagree with some of the legal arguments put forth by the Administration, the law in this area is evolving and less-than-settled.
“A censure resolution would do tremendous damage to the President’s standing during a time of war. Based on the facts and law, it is not justified.”
#####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced community health centers in Spartanburg and Timmonsville will receive Community Health Center grants totaling more than $1.19 million. Community Health Center grants are designed to promote the development and operation of community-based primary health care service systems in medically underserved areas.
Spartanburg
ReGenesis, Inc. will receive a $508,543 grant to support health services.
Timmonsville
Black River Healthcare, Inc. will receive a $684,750 grant to open a new satellite facility in Timmonsville. Black River is headquartered in Manning and has satellite facilities in Greelyville, Kingstree, and Olanta.
The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
####
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 recent statistics showing the South Carolina unemployment rate has dropped a full percentage point down to 6.2 percent.
“The dramatic drop in our unemployment rate is a sign of things to come as state government continues to provide incentives for businesses to locate and grow here.
“There’s no doubt Governor Sanford’s effort to bring about government reform and restructuring is beginning to pay dividends. With the prospects of further tax cuts and spending controls, the outlook for greater employment opportunities in South Carolina in the coming months is very bright.”
#####
Wes Hickman (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today said the Senate Judiciary Committee’s ongoing work on comprehensive immigration reform will hopefully pay dividends in helping to eliminate illegal crossings on our nation’s southern border.
“The first issue to address in immigration reform is border security,” said Graham. “Without strong physical border security no immigration reform will be successful in stopping the flood of illegal crossings. The porous nature of our border doesn’t just pose immigration problems, but national security ones as well.”
The Judiciary Committee has discussed whether to create a real or virtual fence along the United States-Mexico border.
A virtual fence would rely on cameras, motion detectors and other technological devices to monitor illegal crossings into the United States. A real fence would be similar to the San Diego Border Fence, a state-of-the-art nearly impenetrable barrier which made illegal entry into our nation much more difficult. The San Diego area was once a haven for illegal crossings but the Border Fence nearly stopped the flood of border crossings from Mexico into the area.
“The Border Fence has worked in California and I’m ready to expand it to protect additional miles of our border,” said Graham. “It would cost an estimated $5 billion to construct, but that is a small price to pay when it comes to protecting our national security and relieving the pressure we face from a tidal wave of illegal immigration. Unfortunately, I have serious doubts about whether there is enough support in the Senate today for construction of a Border Fence.
“The committee has already agreed to increase the use of technology and passed an amendment I authored that would that would allow more Border Patrol agents with military backgrounds to enforce our nation’s borders,” said Graham. “Due to modernization, in the coming years we’re expected to have a reduced number of people serving in some areas of the military. These veterans, with years of military experience and training, are excellent candidates to serve in an expanded Border Patrol.”
“While many issues surrounding immigration reform are contentious, there is broad agreement among many Republicans and Democrats that maintaining the status quo along the border is simply unacceptable,” concluded Graham.
Next week the committee will continue to work on the best way to increase security along our nation’s southern border.
#####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint, along with Congressman Henry Brown, today announced Myrtle Beach International Airport will receive two grants totaling $7.7 million.
The first $4 million grant is the first installment of a $43 million grant announced in January. The funds will be used for design and construction of approximately 172,000 square yards of terminal apron and taxiway. The apron is designed to accommodate 14 aircraft parking positions for all types of passenger aircraft expected at the airport through 2020.
The second grant of $3.703 million will continue the design and construction of the new terminal building and access road as well as the newly relocated terminal area development.
“I’m pleased we were able to help Myrtle Beach Airport receive these federal funds,” said Graham. “We must continue to build the necessary infrastructure to allow the airport to grow. Air travel is very important to Myrtle Beach and the tourism economy. People love visiting Myrtle Beach and the more convenient we can make it to get there the better.”
“These grants will help provide one of the vital pieces of the puzzle making Myrtle Beach international a world class airport,” said DeMint. “The economic growth that will result is well worth these investments.”
“This is great news for Myrtle Beach and the entire Grand Strand,” said Brown. “Expansion of the Myrtle Beach International Airport will offer greater opportunities for flight-related business ventures and improved avenues of access for air travelers.”
The grant will be administered by the U.S. Department of Transportation.
#####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced Greenville Technical College will receive two grants totaling $2 million for the construction of a new technology facility.
The funds will help construct a new facility that will house medical and computer labs, and a culinary arts training kitchen. The grants will be paired with more than $11 million in local funds. According to figures from the U.S. Department of Commerce, the project is expected to create 1,500 jobs and generate $242 million in private investment.
“South Carolina’s technical college system is a model for the nation,” said Graham. “Technical colleges play a vital role in developing our state’s economy by training the workforce of tomorrow. I appreciate what Greenville Tech is doing in the community and know the work they do today will help create a stronger, more diverse workforce for the future.”
“Technical colleges are important in training our workforce with the skills needed for 21st century jobs and Greenville Tech is leading the way,” said DeMint. “I applaud their efforts to build this new facility and look forward to it benefiting future students.”
Greenville Tech will receive a $1.5 million from the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration and a $500,000 grant from the Appalachian Regional Commission.
####
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the South Carolina Department of Transportation will receive more than $652,000 for five projects across the state.
Bohicket Scenic Highway- $34,760
Bohicket Scenic Highway (S-20) is located on Johns Island from S.C. 700 Southerly to the end of the road located near Kiawah Island. This project will provide funding to develop the Bohicket Road Corridor Management Plan. The plan will detail a number of ways to promote, develop, and protect the Bohicket Road Scenic Highway. The plan will inventory the historic, recreational, cultural, archeological and natural resources along the road in addition to addressing the ways in which nearby communities may wish to promote tourism and/or economic development.
Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway- $493,672
The Greenville County project (intersection of U.S. 25 and S.C. 11) will fund the restoration of the Blythe-Goodwin-Hagood House for use as a welcome center and museum. The 220-year old home was an important way station for travelers. An adjacent building was also used as a provisioning stop and among the earliest post offices in the region. This National Register property has been unoccupied since 1985 and is threatened by neglect and approaching commercial development.
The Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Byway Association, in partnership with Greenville County, has obtained a $200,000 grant from the state of South Carolina to acquire the property. Scenic Byway funds will be used to restore and adapt the property for the benefit of the traveling public.
Cherokee Foothills National Scenic Highway-$25,000
This Pickens County project is located between the intersections of S.C. 8 and S.C. 178. The project will establish a second scenic pullout or small parking area for visitors wishing to stop and admire Table Rock. The funds will be used obtain the necessary right-of-way encroachment permits, construction costs, and description signage.
Edisto Scenic Highway 174- $57,472
This project begins at the McKinley Washington Bridge in Charleston County, continues through Edisto Island into Colleton County, and ends at the Atlantic Ocean. This project will develop a Corridor Management Plan (CMP) for the State designated Edisto Scenic Highway 174. CMPs are the central tool used by byway leaders to organize activities, investments, and planning goals for the communities and partners supporting the byway. The roadway is within the ACE Basin USFWS Wildlife Refuge target area and adjacent to the ACE Basin National Estuarine Research Reserve. It is the major road access to the ACE Basin Interpretive Center and to Edisto Beach. The Edisto Island Open Land Trust (project manager) will partner with nearby Clemson University in the development of the CMP and will organize and work with all stakeholders in the community to achieve the goal of maintaining the intrinsic qualities of Edisto Scenic Highway 174.
Beaufort County Scenic Highways Project- $41,200
This project is located in Beaufort County along S.C. 170 south of Edward Burton Rodgers to U.S. 278. The project will develop a CMP to unite 8 separate scenic highway segments into one system, to be conserved, enhanced and marketed to benefit both residents and visitors. They are located almost contiguously near environmental and historic resources in areas that have experienced major growth and change during the past decade.
####
