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

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement on on the execution of Saddam Hussein. "This act of justice being rendered came as the result of great sacrifice by coalition forces and great resolve by the Iraqi people who were victimized for decades by Saddam's tyranny. Dictators like Saddam Hussein thrive when good people with the capacity to act fail to do so. In this case, a brutal dictator met his fate because good people, both inside and outside of Iraq, acted to bring his tyranny to an end. "The task of replacing tyranny with a functioning democracy is exceedingly difficult, but worth the effort. I hope people yearning to be free from tyranny will take this event as a sign of hope. And those who maintain power through tyranny understand the world is changing and they could be next. "After five visits to Iraq and having observed last year's election, I'm convinced the extremists and radicals creating chaos in Iraq can and will be defeated. The vast majority of Iraqis want to reconcile their country and live in freedom. The moderate forces within Iraq continue to need American assistance in greater levels than are currently being provided. Additional American combat capacity will empower moderates in Iraq and be a blow to the radical and extremist forces. Now is the time to reinforce Iraq so moderate political leaders will have the ability to suppress radical and extremist forces representing a minority of the country." #####

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

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. ####

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 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.” ####

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

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. ####