Feb 04 2025

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after voting to confirm Pam Bondi as the next Attorney General of the United States. Bondi was confirmed by a vote of 54-46.

“I applaud President Trump for choosing Pam Bondi to be our next Attorney General. As I said when she was first nominated, Pam is an outstanding choice.

“With her confirmation today, Pam is ready to hit the ground running. She will put an end to the weaponization of law that has been a trademark of the Justice Department for the last four years. Pam will also make sure that our laws are fairly enforced, and for terrorists and criminals, Pam will be their worst nightmare.

“I look forward to working with her as she transforms the Department of Justice and marches America toward a new era of prosperity and safety.”

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Jan 31 2025

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) and Katie Britt (R-Alabama) along with U.S. Representatives Jared Moskowitz (D-Florida-23) and Mike Lawler (R-New York-17) this week introduced a bipartisan, bicameral resolution to affirm that the United States, Israel and our allies and partners should keep all options on the table in order to counter and contain the threat from a nuclear-armed Iranian regime.

“If the Iranian Ayatollah and his henchman obtain a nuclear weapon, it would be one of the most destabilizing and dangerous events in world history. They are trying to acquire a nuclear weapon as part of their religious agenda to purify their faith, destroy the Jewish State, and drive Westerners out of the Middle East. A nuclear-armed Iran is an existential threat to Israel and a nightmare for the world,” said Senator Graham. “This resolution clearly demonstrates that the Iranian regime is lying when it says they only want nuclear power and not a nuclear weapon. This is not an authorization for the use of military force, but a resolution establishing the truth regarding Iran’s nuclear intentions and capability.”

Senator Graham continued, “Finally, I’d like to recognize the leadership of my colleagues, Senators Fetterman and Britt and Representatives Moskowitz and Lawler, on the issue of countering a nuclear-armed Iran. They understand the serious implications for the world if Iran were to obtain such a weapon. It speaks volumes that members from across the political spectrum are united on this front. I look forward to having a debate and vote in the United States Senate on our resolution.”

"Iran’s pursuit of nuclear weapons is a threat we cannot ignore. The United States, Israel, and our allies cannot afford to sit back while the Iranian regime continues down this dangerous path,” said Senator Fetterman. “This resolution sends an unmistakable message: all options are on the table to prevent a nuclear-armed Iran.”

“Iran’s continued pursuit of nuclear weapons poses a clear threat to the US, Israel, and our allies. Now more than ever, we must stand up to Iran and use every tool in our toolbox to address these threats,” said Senator Britt. “Peace is achieved through strength, and our resolution sends an important bipartisan message to Iran that the U.S. will not tolerate Tehran’s aggression.”

“Allowing Iran to maintain and build a nuclear program is an existential threat to the United States, Israel, and global stability,” said Representative Moskowitz. “As the Iranian regime continues its dangerous attempts at nuclear expansion, leaders have to call this out for what it is: an unacceptable escalation in the Middle East and a national security threat against the United States and our allies. Iran must dismantle its nuclear program now. This resolution makes clear the United States won’t stand for anything less and will consider all options to protect our national security. We must send a clear, bipartisan message that we stand with our ally Israel and that a continued nuclear program in Iran is an absolute nonstarter.”

“An Iran that has nuclear weapons is unacceptable and a danger not only to our closest ally, Israel, but also to the whole world,” said Representative Lawler. “We must keep all options on the table when it comes to dealing with this unprecedented situation, and I'm glad to be working in a bipartisan fashion with Senators Graham, Fetterman, and Britt, as well as my friend Congressman Moskowitz, to make evident to Iran what the grave consequences of their actions would be.”

This resolution:

  • Affirms that the Islamic Republic of Iran’s continued pursuit of a nuclear weapons capability is:
    • A credible threat to the United States; and
    • An existential threat to Israel and other allies and partners in the Middle East.
  • Asserts all options should be considered to address the nuclear threat the Islamic Republic of Iran poses to the United States, Israel, and our allies and partners.
  • Demands the Islamic Republic of Iran to immediately cease engaging in any and all activities that threaten the national security interests of the United States, Israel, and our allies and partners, including:
    • Enriching uranium;
    • Developing or possessing delivery vehicles capable of carrying nuclear warheads; and
    • Developing or possessing a nuclear warhead

To read the full resolution text, click HERE.

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Jan 30 2025

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today questioned Kash Patel, President Donald Trump’s nominee to be Director of the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI), at his Senate Judiciary Committee nomination hearing.

On the politicization of the FBI:

  • GRAHAM: “The reason you’re here is because most of the public, almost every Republican, believes that the FBI has been used continuously in a political fashion, ignoring evidence, making up evidence, lying to get Donald Trump. And when it came to the Hunter Biden laptop, [the FBI] told every social media company, ‘oh that’s Russian disinformation.’ That was BS too… do you promise all of us those days are over at the FBI?”
PATEL: “Yes Senator, they are.”
GRAHAM: “…Do you think that’s why you’re here today, to make sure that never happens again?”
PATEL: “The American people deserve just that.”  https://youtu.be/KoHclcynkNI?si=r_ApugOzK0pYwJe8&t=388
  • GRAHAM: “[Former FBI agent Lisa Page] responds [to former FBI agent Peter Strzok] a couple months later, ‘[Trump] is not ever going to be president, right?’ …Strzok [responded]: ‘No. No he won’t. We’ll stop him.’ Is it fair to say that the people in charge of investigating Crossfire Hurricane hated Trump’s guts?”
PATEL: “Well you don’t have to take my word for it…”
GRAHAM: “Are those days over in the FBI, you hope?”
PATEL: “Well if they’re not, they will be.” https://youtu.be/KoHclcynkNI?si=PP-2Ok7o7yitp9jw&t=174
  • GRAHAM: “Do you believe that Crossfire Hurricane was one of the most disgusting episodes in FBI history of a corrupt investigation led by corrupt people who wanted to take Donald Trump down?”
PATEL: “Yes, sir.”
GRAHAM: “Do you think that's why you’re here in this chair today? To fix that?”
PATEL: “I think that’s a big reason.”
GRAHAM: “Without Crossfire Hurricane, this guy wouldn’t be here.” https://youtu.be/KoHclcynkNI?si=SwQfd9Tq_KsraTh8&t=298

On Democrats’ attacks on Patel’s character:

  • GRAHAM: “Have you ever been subject to racism as an individual?”
PATEL: “Unfortunately, Senator, yes. I don’t want to get into those details with my family here.”
GRAHAM: “Let’s get into a few of them. Tell me about it.”
PATEL: “Well, if you look at the record from January 6th, where I testified before that committee, because of my personal information being released by Congress, I was subjected to a direct and significant threat on my life. And I put that information in the record. I had to move. In that threat, I was called a detestable, and I apologize if I don’t get it all right, but it’s in the record, a detestable [expletive] who had no right being in this country. ‘You should go back to where you came from. You belong with your terrorist home friends.’ That’s what was sent to me. That’s just the piece of it, but that’s nothing compared to what the men and women in law enforcement face every day, and that’s why they have my support.” https://youtu.be/KoHclcynkNI?si=RkOg1tDKXzfFDO8_&t=7

Click here to watch Graham question Kash Patel

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Jan 30 2025

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released the following statement on the passing of Robbi Force. Robbi was the mother of Taylor Force, a West Point graduate and United States Army veteran who was visiting Israel as a part of a Vanderbilt University program. He was brutally stabbed and murdered by a Palestinian terrorist. The Palestinian Authority praised Force’s killer as a ‘heroic martyr’ and paid the killer’s family a monthly cash stipend. At the time, Taylor’s parents, Robbi and Stuart, lived in Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

“I am very sad to hear of the passing of Robbi Force, who was the mother of Taylor Force, the young man murdered by a Palestinian terrorist. Afterward, the terrorist was hailed as a hero by the Palestinian Authority, and the killer’s family received martyr payments.

“As a result of this outrage, I authored and was able to pass the Taylor Force Act, which cuts off U.S. aid to the Palestinian Authority for the martyr payment practice.

“Robbi was instrumental in getting this law passed. She and her husband, Stuart, were tireless advocates for this cause.

“Robbi was a kind and sincere woman. There is some comfort in knowing she is now reunited with her dear son, Taylor. My prayers are with Stuart and the entire Force family. May she rest in peace.”

Background:

After Taylor Force’s murder, Graham introduced and successfully passed the Taylor Force Act into law to prohibit American taxpayer dollars from going to the Palestinian Authority in response to the practice of martyr payments. Graham is also a cosponsor of legislation to sanction members of Palestinian leadership and organizations who reward terrorism.

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Jan 30 2025

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, today made this statement after the committee voted to advance Russ Vought’s nomination to be Director of the Office of Management and Budget to the floor.  

“I was very pleased that Russ Vought was reported out of the Budget Committee unanimously by those in attendance — all Republicans. 

“My Democratic colleagues decided to boycott, which is their right. The markup was short and pleasant. They were missed… Sort of.” 

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Jan 29 2025

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Ted Cruz (R-Texas) and Katie Britt (R-Alabama) today introduced a bill that would restrict one of the biggest magnets for illegal immigration into the United States. The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025 stops the practice of granting citizenship to both the children of illegal immigrants and the children of non-immigrants in the U.S. on temporary visas, also known as birthright citizenship. Graham first introduced the legislation in September 2024.

The exploitation of birthright citizenship is a major pull factor for illegal immigration and a weakness for our national security. The United States is one of only 33 countries in the world with no restrictions on birthright citizenship.

“It is long overdue for the United States to change its policy on birthright citizenship because it is being abused in so many ways,” said Senator Graham. “One example is birth tourism, where wealthy individuals from China and other nations come to the United States simply to have a child who will be an American citizen. When you look at the magnets that draw people to America, birthright citizenship is one of the largest. I also appreciate President Trump’s executive order to address birthright citizenship. It is time for the United States to align itself with the rest of the world and restrict this practice once and for all.”

“The promise of American citizenship should not incentivize illegal migration, but that’s exactly what has happened for far too long,” said Senator Britt. “It’s time to fix this. Senator Lindsey Graham’s and my Birthright Citizenship Act would codify President Trump’s commonsense stance and end the abuse of birthright citizenship that I do not believe is consistent with the original meaning of the 14thAmendment’s Citizenship Clause. This will protect our nation’s sovereignty, disincentivize illegal migration, and ensure America’s citizenship practices are stronger and better aligned with peer countries around the globe.”

The Biden-Harris Administration’s catch-and-release policies let migrants come into the U.S. illegally and stay for years, while enjoying many of the benefits of living in America.

  • Illegal immigration skyrocketed during the Biden-Harris Administration.
  • The Center for Immigration Studies estimates that in 2023, there were 225,000 to 250,000 births to illegal immigrants, amounting to close to seven percent of births in the U.S.

Our adversaries are taking advantage of our laws.

  • In September 2024, two individuals from California were found guilty in a “birth tourism” scheme. Predominantly Chinese clients paid the operators of a “maternity hotel” tens of thousands of dollars to come to the U.S. to give birth. Clients were coached on how to lie during the admissions process.
  • A 2022 Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee report found a birthing company catering to the wives of Russian oligarchs, celebrities, athletes, and public figures.

The Birthright Citizenship Act of 2025:

  • Specifies who can receive citizenship by virtue of their birth in the United States, including children born to at least one parent who is either:
    • A citizen or national of the U.S.,
    • A lawful permanent resident of the U.S., or
    • An alien performing active service in the armed forces.
  • This bill only applies to children born after the date of enactment.

To read the full bill text, click HERE.

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Jan 29 2025

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released the following statement after the Laken Riley Act was signed into law by President Donald Trump.

The bill was introduced by U.S. Senator Katie Boyd Britt (R-Alabama), and Graham is an original cosponsor. 

“This is a bittersweet day for America. I appreciate President Trump signing the Laken Riley Act into law, which will require illegal immigrants charged with theft and other crimes to be detained. If this law had been in place, it would have prevented Laken Riley’s murder.

“The man who killed Laken Riley was released from custody because of lack of detention space and had previous arrests for theft that were ignored by the Biden Administration.

“Congratulations to Senator Britt who spearheaded this in the Senate. It is my hope and prayer that this legislation will be a deterrent and save lives.”

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Jan 28 2025

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the U.S. Attorney for South Carolina announced that a Nigerian man has been extradited to the United States after he was charged in a sextortion scheme that resulted in the suicide of 17-year-old Gavin Guffey from Rock Hill.

“I am very pleased that the Nigerian man charged with ‘sextorting’ Gavin Guffey has been extradited back to the United States to stand trial. Gavin tragically committed suicide as a result of this sextortion scheme, and I’m grateful to the federal and state law enforcement agencies who tracked down the perpetrator of this terrible crime.

“I met with Gavin’s dad, South Carolina State Representative Brandon Guffey, last year when the Senate Judiciary Committee questioned Big Tech CEOs on what they are doing to protect children online. I know Brandon and his entire family are equally pleased that the alleged perpetrator will face justice.

“Cases like this where young people are lured into taking explicit photos, only to be extorted later, have to be dealt with. That is why I am adamant that social media companies that allow this behavior to exist be subject to liability. Right now, they aren’t.

“The number of suicides related to this issue is heartbreaking.

“It is long past time for Congress to stand up to these social media companies and insist they do better. I will not relent.”

Background:

  • Graham met with Gavin’s dad, South Carolina State Representative Brandon Guffey, in January 2024. Graham questioned the CEOs of four social media companies at a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing that day about Gavin’s case.
  • The Nigerian man, Hassanbunhussein Abolore Lawal, was indicted by a federal grand jury in South Carolina on the following charges:
    • Child exploitation resulting in death
    • Production and distribution of child sexual abuse material
    • Coercion and enticement of a minor
    • Cyberstalking resulting in death
    • Interstate threats with intent to extort
  • Press release from the U.S. Attorney for South Carolina’s office

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Jan 27 2025

Graham Statement on New Army Corps Funding for South Carolina Water Infrastructure Projects

North Myrtle Beach, City of Charleston, Orangeburg County to Receive Millions in Funding

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it will provide $28 million in funding for a North Myrtle Beach project to help prevent flooding and improve water quality, $7.9 million for the Lakes Marion and Moultrie water infrastructure project, and $7.6 million for stormwater and drainage systems in Charleston. These funds were allocated from the recent disaster supplemental, American Relief Act of 2025, which Senator Graham advocated for and supported.

Graham said, “I appreciate the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers listening to South Carolina’s needs. Each of these projects will be necessary and beneficial when it comes to defending our state against natural disasters and improving water quality and infrastructure.”

Graham recently led a letter to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Civil Works encouraging them to prioritize funding for the North Myrtle Beach project. Graham is also a long-standing supporter of the other projects that will receive funding. As a member of the Senate Appropriations Committee, over the years he has made several congressionally directed spending requests to fund the projects in the City of Charleston and Orangeburg County.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers announced it will fund the following projects:

  • $28 million for North Myrtle Beach and vicinity to initiate and complete design and construction of the Ocean Outfalls and Stormwater Mitigation Project (Phase I).
  • $7.9 million for Orangeburg County to initiate and complete design and construction of the Lodge Hall Reach Water Transmission Pipeline for the Lakes Marion and Moultrie water infrastructure project.
  • $7.6 million for the City of Charleston to initiate and complete design and construction to rehabilitate the Brick Arches Stormwater System and Dupont Wapoo Drainage Outlet.

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Jan 27 2025

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released the following statement after the Senate confirmed South Carolina native Scott Bessent as the next Secretary of the U.S. Department of Treasury.

Bessent grew up in Little River. He is the founder and CEO of Key Square Group and has been in the financial services business for over 35 years. Graham praised President Trump for nominating Bessent for the post and introduced him at his nomination hearing before the Senate Finance Committee.

“It’s a very big day for South Carolina and our nation,” said Senator Graham. “Scott Bessent received strong bipartisan support to be the next Treasury Secretary. He will hit the ground running in support of President Trump’s America First Agenda. Scott is a great combination of academic excellence and real-world experience. It’s a long way to go from Little River to Secretary of the Treasury, and he has more than earned this prestigious position. Congratulations to Scott and his family as he begins this new, important journey.”

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