Blog
Aug 03 2006
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today introduced an amendment that will prevent American servicemen and women from being charged and tried in the Iraqi criminal justice system. The provision, offered as an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2007 Defense Appropriations Bill, passed 97-0. Graham sponsored the amendment along with Senator Barbara Boxer (D-California). Graham noted that while the vast majority of U.S. troops are serving honorably and without incident, some Iraqi officials have called for the right to charge and prosecute Americans for alleged crimes against Iraqis. This provision clearly rejects that line of thought and places disciplinary responsibility solely on the American military. Graham made the following statement. “The last thing our troops in Iraq need to worry about is being prosecuted by an Iraqi court under a system of justice that is foreign to American values. This amendment will ensure that no American military personnel serving in Iraq could be prosecuted by Iraqi courts or charged by Iraqi officials. “We have had troops stationed throughout the globe for decades and it is common practice for the American military to retain jurisdiction over any alleged crime committed by American servicemen overseas. The military takes seriously its obligation to discipline its force and to hold American troops accountable when they engage in criminal misconduct abroad. We have a great track record in vigorously prosecuting crimes against foreign nationals by military personnel and an equally good track record of providing a full and fair trial to our men and women in uniform. “I can assure the Iraqi people that any misconduct engaged in by American military personnel will be seriously pursued and vigorously prosecuted. I can assure the American people that any serviceman or woman charged with a crime will get a full and fair trial. “It is important for the United States Senate, and Congress as a whole, to clearly state that no American serviceman or woman serving in Iraq will ever be subject to the Iraqi criminal justice system. I hope this will relieve the concerns of the family members of those serving in Iraq.” ####Aug 02 2006
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today voted in support of an amendment offered by U.S. Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama) which provides $1.8 billion in funding for the construction of at least 370 miles of triple-layered fencing and 461 miles of vehicle barriers at strategic locations along the southwest border. The amendment was attached to the Senate Defense Appropriation bill which authorizes funding for the Department of Defense. “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. Additional border fencing is a small price to pay when it comes to protecting our national security and relieving the pressure we face from illegal immigration.” Graham noted that border fencing and better physical security of our borders coupled with establishing a guestworker program and a worker verification system are the key components in passing comprehensive immigration reform. Graham has continued to meet with senators and members of the House of Representatives in an effort to find common-ground on immigration reform. He has also expressed interest in immigration reform proposals based on some of the principles outlined in legislation proposed by U.S. Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison (R-Texas) and Representative Mike Pence (R-Indiana). “We need to comprehensively address immigration reform and I think we ought to do it before the November elections,” said Graham. “With Presidential leadership and the ongoing talks between members of the House and Senate, I’m optimistic we can get it done. The American people expect us to get this done and we shouldn’t let them down.” #####Aug 01 2006
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made this statement on legislation to expand oil and gas drilling in the Gulf of Mexico. Graham is a supporter of the legislation. He said: “The legislation strikes a good balanced between needed energy exploration and sound environmental policy. Any drilling that takes place will be over 100 miles off the Gulf Coast of Florida and can be accomplished without disturbing the coastal areas. The amount of energy that could be extracted is significant and would help make our nation less dependent on foreign sources of oil. “There’s no doubt that as a nation we need to become more energy independent. This is another step forward and I hope the House of Representatives will agree to the Senate’s proposal.” #####Jul 31 2006
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced the town of Branchville will receive a $1.1 million grant and a $600,000 loan for water system improvements.The funds will be used to install water distribution lines from Branchville on Highway 21 to the Cattle Creek Road area of Orangeburg County. The project includes approximately 81,500 feet of water line, 54 hydrants, and a 250,000-gallon elevated storage tank. There is currently no public water available in the project area.
The grant and loan were awarded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture.
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