Blog
Nov 26 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today issued the following statement regarding the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah.
“I am very pleased to hear that a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah has been reached regarding the conflict in Lebanon.
“Well done to all those involved in reaching this agreement.
“I appreciate the hard work of the Biden Administration, supported by President Trump, to make this ceasefire a reality.
“This ceasefire will protect Israel from another October 7th and will give the people of Lebanon a break from the fighting.
“My hope is that we can soon achieve a ceasefire in Gaza and allow peaceful solutions to replace endless conflict.”
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Nov 22 2024
Nov 20 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today released a statement on Jose Ibarra being found guilty of murdering Laken Riley.
“The court has spoken. Jose Ibarra has been found guilty of brutally murdering Laken Riley. The evidence is overwhelming. This case should be a reminder to all Americans how irresponsible the Biden Administration has been when it comes to illegal immigration. Ibarra was in U.S. custody for being an illegal immigrant. However, he was paroled into the U.S. and set free – not for an urgent humanitarian reason or because he provided a significant public benefit to our country, but simply because there was no space to keep him detained.
“His release violated the parole statute and set in motion the death of Laken Riley. The system created by President Biden and his team has been a lethal disaster for the American people, from the emergence of criminal gangs and the rise in suspected terrorists coming across our border to the rape and murder of our citizens.
“I will do everything in my power as Budget Committee Chairman to give President Trump the money and tools he needs to secure our border and immediately deport those in our country illegally. We have to secure our border and reform our immigration system. Our national security is very much at risk.”
Background:
Laken Riley’s murderer, Jose Ibarra, entered the country illegally. Ibarra was detained, but the Biden Administration confirmed to Graham that they released Ibarra into the United States through an illegal use of immigration parole. Ibarra was arrested for committing another crime, but subsequently released before ultimately murdering Laken Riley.
In March, Graham and U.S. Senator Katie Britt (R-Alabama) introduced the Laken Riley Act, which would require ICE to arrest and detain illegal aliens who commit theft, burglary, larceny, or shoplifting offenses, and mandate that these aliens are detained until they are removed from the United States so they cannot re-offend and commit further crimes.
In May, Graham made a unanimous consent request to call for the Senate to immediately pass the Laken Riley Act. It was blocked by Senate Democrats.
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Nov 20 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today issued this statement after a meeting with President Donald Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, former U.S. Representative Matt Gaetz, and Vice President-elect JD Vance.
“I had a very good meeting with President Trump’s nominee for Attorney General, Matt Gaetz, and Vice President-elect JD Vance. I am committed to allowing the process to go forward in a manner consistent with past practices and fundamental fairness. This process will not be a rubber stamp nor will it be driven by a lynch mob.
“My record is clear. I tend to defer to presidential cabinet choices unless the evidence suggests disqualification.
“I fear the process surrounding the Gaetz nomination is turning into an angry mob, and unverified allegations are being treated as if they are true. I have seen this movie before.
“I would urge all of my Senate colleagues, particularly Republicans, not to join the lynch mob and give the process a chance to move forward. After years of being investigated by the Department of Justice, no charges were brought against Matt Gaetz. This is something we should all remember.
“I would also urge my colleagues to go back to a time-tested process, receive relevant information, and give the nominee a chance to make their case as to why they should be confirmed. This standard – which I have long adhered to – has served the Senate and country well.”
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Nov 14 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the right of the duly elected President of the United States to nominate cabinet officials and Article III judges, and make executive appointments.
“With respect to Presidents’ prerogative to nominate their cabinet and federal judges, the best indication of what I will do in the future is what I have done in the past. I have strived to be consistent over the arc of time and respected the fact that elections have consequences.
“My role as a United States Senator is different than that of the President. Winning an election allows the President to pick their cabinet, make executive appointments and nominate federal judges for lifetime seats. When you look at my history regarding these matters, you will find that I honor this concept.
“Every nominee will have to acquit themselves well during the confirmation process by answering difficult questions and having their actions scrutinized. This process should be the same for every nominee. In the past, Democrats have, on occasion, abused the confirmation process. If I believe this is happening again, I will speak out loudly.
“Generally speaking, I vote for confirmation regardless of party or personal feelings because that is my Constitutional role as a Senator. I will do the same for President Trump’s nominees.
“The American people have spoken loudly, and President Trump won decisively. I consider this matter closed.”
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Nov 13 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on U.S. Senator Tim Scott (R-South Carolina) being elected to serve as Chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC).
“My colleague and dear friend Tim Scott was elected unanimously to be the NRSC Chairman for the 2026 election cycle.
“Steve Daines did an outstanding job giving us the majority in the Senate. My colleagues and I have every confidence in Tim’s ability to build on what Senator Daines accomplished.
“The 2026 cycle will be challenging for Republicans, but we are in good hands with Tim.
“He knows how to inspire people, and he is a dedicated, loyal conservative. Tim makes South Carolina proud.”
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Nov 13 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on U.S. Senator John Thune (R-South Dakota) being elected to serve as Senate Majority Leader for the 119th Congress.
“The Senate Republican Conference has a deep and talented bench. Days like this remind me how blessed we are as Republicans to have so many gifted senators. Every nomination speech and candidate speech was outstanding. I’ve never been more proud of my colleagues than I am today.
“I supported Senator Thune as Leader, but I have great respect for Senator Cornyn and Senator Scott. They both acquitted themselves well.
“Senator Thune and I have been close friends since our days in the House of Representatives. John is smart, focused, reliable, and cares about others. I’ve found him to be one of the most decent men I’ve ever met and he has a terrific family.
“John’s leadership skills are sharp and his dedication to our great country is steadfast. He will be an important ally to Speaker Johnson. Finally, when it comes to enacting the Make America Great Again Agenda, President Trump will have no better ally than Majority Leader John Thune.”
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Nov 08 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement after Israel’s Ambassador to the United States, Michael Herzog, announced he would step down from the position.
“Throughout my time in Congress, I have tried to be a good friend and ally to Israel because I believe our fates are intertwined. I make frequent trips to Israel to understand the situation on the ground, their needs, and what the United States can do to promote a strong and secure Israel. Michael Herzog, Israel’s ambassador to the United States, has been one of the most effective voices for the state of Israel I’ve ever known. Michael enjoyed the trust and support of both sides of the aisle, and his word was his bond. He has been instrumental in meeting Israel’s needs during this traumatic time in the history of the Jewish State.
“As a retired military officer, he understands duty, honor and sacrifice. He has established himself as one of the most trusted representatives from the region and is admired across the board. He has worked very hard to advance normalization efforts between Saudi Arabia and Israel, building on the successes of the Abraham Accords.
“Ambassador Herzog and his wife, Shirin, have a deep understanding and appreciation for the United States. They have worked tirelessly to promote and strengthen the U.S.-Israel relationship, and over the past three years, both have become my dear friends. They should be proud of what they accomplished representing Israel in Washington.
“Michael and Shirin will be missed, but I am certain they will both continue to contribute to fostering the ties between the United States and Israel.”
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Nov 04 2024
In Case You Missed It
Editorial: Investigate the ICC Before It Escalates
A bipartisan group of Senators put The Hague on notice for its lawless campaign against Israel.
Investigate the ICC Before It Escalates
By The Editorial Board
The Wall Street Journal
November 1, 2024
The International Criminal Court has been warned. In a letter on Friday, six U.S. Senators—three Republicans and three Democrats—implored the ICC’s overseer “to investigate the highly irregular and potentially illegal actions by the Prosecutor” in targeting Israel’s leaders.
Sens. Lindsey Graham (R., S.C.), Ben Cardin (D., Md.), John Thune (R., S.D.), Richard Blumenthal (D., Conn.), Joni Ernst (R., Iowa) and John Fetterman (D., Pa.) wrote to the Assembly of States Parties with “two grave concerns.”
First, prosecutor Karim Ahmad Khan didn’t comply with the law in applying for arrest warrants. The Senators relate how Mr. Khan misled them that he would “meaningfully engage with the State of Israel,” as required by the court’s Rome Statute, “before any action was taken.” Instead he stiffed the Israelis and announced his application for arrest warrants on CNN.
Second, “there is a cloud hanging over the Prosecutor and his office” from sexual-harassment allegations, suppressed shortly before Mr. Khan requested the arrest warrants and thereafter. We’ve reported on those allegations, which have since gained steam from an Associated Press investigation.
Mr. Khan has implied in response that this is all an Israeli conspiracy, which doesn’t put to rest questions of bias. The ICC staff union doesn’t trust the court’s internal watchdog to investigate and has called for “a prompt, independent and thorough investigation led by an external panel.”
The Senators write, “Any action by the Court regarding arrest warrants for Israeli officials without the benefit of a completed investigation into the serious allegations hanging over Prosecutor Khan would cast doubt on the Court’s actions, and jeopardize the credibility of the ICC more broadly.” That’s sensible, but the ICC faces pressure from anti-Israel groups and states to tar Israel with the arrest warrants, probably soon after the U.S. election.
All of this is a danger to America. Today the court is after Israel, which doesn’t belong to the ICC, for actions in Gaza, which isn’t a state, in a defensive war against terrorists. Tomorrow the ICC could do the same to the U.S., another nonmember. The ICC still hasn’t closed its investigation of the Afghanistan war, and Hamas isn’t the only group to violate all laws of war and seek to win via international pressure.
The question is why President Biden rescinded President Trump’s sanctions on the ICC in 2021, and why he and Sen. Chuck Schumer are currently blocking new, bipartisan sanctions from getting a vote on the Senate floor. Mr. Schumer, who loves telling Jewish audiences he’s their shomer, or guardian, is protecting enemies who would put Israel and America in the dock.
Appeared in the November 2, 2024, print edition as 'Investigate the ICC Before It Escalates'.
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Nov 01 2024
WASHINGTON – Today U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Ben Cardin (D-Maryland), John Thune (R-South Dakota), Richard Blumenthal (D-Connecticut), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa) and John Fetterman (D-Pennsylvania) sent a letter to the Assembly of States Parties (ASP), the governing body of the International Criminal Court (ICC), calling for an investigation into misconduct allegations against Prosecutor Karim A.A. Khan that seem to implicate his decision to apply for arrest warrants for Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant.
First, in a potential violation of international law, Prosecutor Khan failed to properly engage with the State of Israel during his investigation and abruptly canceled a meeting between the Prosecutor’s office and Israeli representatives and then announced the application for arrest warrants. Second, several media reports, including an October 25, 2024 Associated Press story, found the warrant applications were announced around the same time that Prosecutor Khan was accused of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct. This raises the possibility that the Prosecutor was influenced by extraneous factors. If the allegations against Prosecutor Khan are true, the Senators have asked the ASP to hold a vote to remove him from his position.
The Senators wrote, “First, Prosecutor Khan did not comply with the law when he applied for arrest warrants against Israeli government officials… we received notification that members of Prosecutor Khan’s team were scheduled to meet with legal representatives for the State of Israel on May 20 in Israel. To our astonishment, however, members of the Prosecutor’s office never boarded the plane to Israel and the meeting was abruptly canceled just a few hours before it was to take place... Prosecutor Khan’s abrupt cancelation and his announcement of an application for arrest warrants on that same day have always been perplexing, and stand in stark contrast to the assurances we received from his office that there would be meaningful consultations with Israel, as required by the letter and spirit of the Rome Statute.”
They continued, “Second, in addition to these legal concerns regarding Prosecutor Khan’s application for warrants against Israeli officials, there is a cloud hanging over the Prosecutor and his office. It has come to light recently through numerous media reports—particularly an Associated Press (AP) story dated October 25, 2024—that allegations of sexual harassment and misconduct against Prosecutor Khan emerged earlier this year, around the time he decided not to send his team to meet with Israeli legal representatives and announced a warrant application instead… If the allegations are substantiated, we urge the Assembly to take all necessary steps available under its authority—up to and including holding a vote for his removal—and to consider the implications on the investigations led by Prosecutor Khan. Transparency is of utmost importance regarding the allegations against Prosecutor Khan. We urge the body to take this seriously.”
They concluded, “Any action by the Court regarding arrest warrants for Israeli officials without the benefit of a completed investigation into the serious allegations hanging over Prosecutor Khan would cast doubt on the Court’s actions, and jeopardize the credibility of the ICC more broadly. We urge you to consider seriously the concerns we have raised.”
To read the full letter, click here.
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