Dec 15 2005

Senate Praises the Life of Carroll Campbell

DeMint, Graham sponsor resolution honoring SC’s Former Governor

Washington, D.C. – Today, Senators Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) praised passage of S. Res. 332, a resolution “honoring the life of former Governor Carroll A. Campbell, and expressing the deepest condolences of the Senate to his family.” The resolution, authored by Senator DeMint and cosponsored by Senator Graham, was unanimously agreed to on Wednesday night. “South Carolina has lost one of her favorite sons,” said Graham. “Governor Campbell was a dedicated public servant, and I truly appreciate and admire all he has done for our state. His was a life well-lived, and I am pleased the Senate has honored his legacy.” “The nation lost a leader and a patriot, and I’ve lost a dear friend,” said Senator DeMint. “I’m proud that the entire Senate has paid tribute to Governor Campbell’s life of service. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family.” FULL TEXT OF S. RES. 332 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES December 14, 2005 Mr. DEMINT (for himself and Mr. GRAHAM) submitted the following resolution; which was considered and agreed to -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- RESOLUTION Honoring the life of former Governor Carroll A. Campbell, and expressing the deepest condolences of the Senate to his family. Whereas the Senate has learned with sadness of the death of Governor Carroll Campbell; Whereas Carroll Campbell dedicated a lifetime of service to the State of South Carolina and the United States; Whereas Carroll Campbell served most honorably as the Governor of South Carolina from 1987 to 1995; Whereas from 1979, and until he was elected Governor of South Carolina, Carroll Campbell served with high moral character and integrity in the United States House of Representatives; Whereas Carroll Campbell was the first Republican elected to the House of Representatives for the 4th Congressional District since the Reconstruction period; Whereas during his service as Governor, Carroll Campbell provided extraordinary leadership and comfort to the citizens of South Carolina throughout the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Hugo and the rebuilding of the coast; Whereas Carroll Campbell improved the economy of South Carolina and the livelihood of its citizens by attracting world class businesses; Whereas Carroll Campbell worked diligently to restructure the Government of South Carolina, making it more accessible and responsive to its citizens; Whereas Carroll Campbell focused on improving the quality of public education provided by the State of South Carolina to all of its citizens; Whereas Carroll Campbell was as devoted to his principles as he was to his loving family, which included his wife Iris, his sons Carroll and Mike, and his grandchildren `Blakeney' Herlong Campbell, Carroll `Berrett' Campbell, Michael `Rhodes' Campbell, and Marie `Riley' Campbell; and Whereas Carroll Campbell was a visionary who worked to improve the lives of all South Carolinians: Now, therefore, be it Resolved, That the Senate-- (1) extends its prayers and deepest condolences to the entire Campbell family; (2) honors the life of Carroll Campbell and expresses profound gratitude for his years of public service; and (3) acknowledges with appreciation the unfaltering commitment and loyalty of Carroll Campbell to his family and the State of South Carolina. ###

Dec 14 2005

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced more than $230,000 in grants to fire departments across South Carolina. “Firefighters and emergency service personnel dedicate themselves to protecting the health and safety of South Carolinians,” said Graham. “These grants help fire departments save lives by providing the means to obtain the best equipment and training available.” “I’m pleased to announce these grants that are important to the brave firefighters that risk their lives for the families of South Carolina,” said Senator DeMint. The Operations and Firefighter Safety Program grant 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. The grants awarded include: Blacksburg Buffalo Volunteer Fire Department will receive $34,912. Lugoff Pine Grove Volunteer Fire Department will receive $74,865. Pawleys Island Georgetown County Fire District II/Midway Fire Department will receive $127,802. 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. ####

Dec 13 2005

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) will be in Iraq this week. Graham will be part of a group of U.S. Senators observing the Iraqi elections. Other Senators expected to participate in the trip include Joe Biden (D-DE), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), and Saxby Chambliss (R-GA). “I’m honored to represent our nation and witness history in the making,” said Graham. “I hope the Iraqis have a successful election in which there is widespread participation. All Americans want a successful election and to make that happen they need a good turnout and a fair process. “The Iraqi people going to the polls and choosing their elected representatives is a defining moment in the War on Terror,” said Graham. “While a successful election does not equal a functioning democracy, it is a huge step in the right direction.” #####

Dec 07 2005

WASHINGTON -– U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement. “With the passing of Carroll Campbell, South Carolina has lost one of her favorite sons. “Governor Campbell reshaped South Carolina politics and was a trailblazer on many fronts. He was the first Governor to make an aggressive, successful effort to recruit large numbers of international businesses to our state and created a model we still follow today. He also helped reform and improve the way state government works for our citizens. “Republicans of my generation owe a debt of gratitude to Governor Campbell for his role in building the modern Republican Party. His very successful eight years as Governor helped lay the groundwork for the Republican takeover of the state legislature which occurred after he left office. “On the national front, he was a recognized leader and considered as a vice presidential candidate by several presidents. When Carroll Campbell spoke, people throughout the nation listened. “I truly appreciate and admire all he has done for our state. There’s no doubt his lifetime of work will continue to pay dividends to our state for years to come. “His was a life well-lived and my condolences go out to his wife and family. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this time.” #####

Nov 30 2005

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement following President Bush’s address on Iraq. “I’m pleased the President reinforced the message that we cannot leave Iraq before victory is achieved. As a nation we need to understand Iraq is part of the War on Terror and directly affects our national security. “The President made the case that a vibrant democracy in Iraq is the antidote to terrorism. The establishment of freedom in Iraq will not work with artificial timetables. However, I do believe progress reports on Iraqi troop training and security operations will be helpful as we move forward. “It would be a huge mistake to suggest to the terrorists fighting in Iraq that we will leave the Iraqi people before they have the capacity to protect their infant democracy from the wolves of terrorism. “If we fail in Iraq, it will only embolden the terrorists and be a body blow to those who are fighting and dying for democracy in the region.” #####

Nov 30 2005

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint today announced more than $230,000 in grants to fire departments across South Carolina. “Firefighters and emergency service personnel dedicate themselves to protecting the health and safety of South Carolinians,” said Graham. “These grants help fire departments save lives by providing the means to obtain the best equipment and training available.” “I’m pleased to announce these grants that are important to the brave firefighters that risk their lives for the families of South Carolina,” said Senator DeMint. The Operations and Firefighter Safety Program grant 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. The grants awarded include: Barnwell Long Branch Fire Department will receive $96,352. Belton Belton Fire Department will receive $133,760. 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. ####

Nov 28 2005

WASHINGTON -– U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made the following statement on the Treasury Department’s currency report issued this afternoon. “It is obvious Chinese currency practices violate international monetary policy and are creating havoc for American manufacturers. To say congressional patience is running out on the currency issue is a tremendous understatement. “The concern China will not like being pressed to change their currency practices buys into the idea the world lives by one set of rules and China lives by another. “The Chinese cannot be part of the international community on their terms alone. When you do business with democracies where push-back is part of the economic and political process, you had better get used to being pressed to play by the rules. “In a give-and-take world, China only believes in taking. “China’s political sensibilities have been accommodated to the breaking point. It’s unhealthy to allow a country the size of China to be immune to criticism, particularly when they choose to not play by the rules. “Communists dictatorships rightly lost favor throughout the world in the 20th Century. I do not intend to help empower their renaissance in the 21st Century by allowing China’s communist dictatorship to play by a different set of rules. The Reagan model of negotiating through strength and honestly evaluating other nations would serve us well in our dealings with China. “I expect in the near future, unless some dramatic change occurs, the Congress will speak loudly and forcefully on China’s continuing currency manipulation.” #####

Nov 22 2005

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on South Carolina’s October unemployment numbers. “Governor Sanford’s decision to create jobs in South Carolina by lowering taxes and controlling the size of government will pay great dividends. South Carolina has a heavy manufacturing-based economy, and the manufacturing sector has been hit hard throughout the country. “The addition of 29,000 people to our labor force in the past two months is encouraging and the Governor’s policies of energizing the private sector will continue to pay dividends if we stay the course. South Carolina’s economy will only grow if the private sector has the tools and resources necessary to create jobs. That is the heart of Governor Sanford’s economic reform proposals. “I am convinced that Governor Sanford’s policies will be successful in allowing the private sector to create more jobs.” South Carolina was reported to have a 6.9 percent unemployment rate in October. The rate is due in large part to rapid growth in the state’s labor force. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, South Carolina’s labor force has increased by more than 29,000 people in the past two months- nearly the same growth as the previous 14 months combined. ####

Nov 18 2005

Washington, D.C. – Today, the United States Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2006 Transportation-Treasury-HUD Appropriations Bill containing several million dollars for South Carolina projects. Senators Jim DeMint and Lindsey Graham voted in favor of the bill, which passed by unanimous consent. The bill has passed the House of Representatives. “This bill provides funds to maintain our roads, highways and infrastructure,” said Senator DeMint. “These projects are important to South Carolina in order to maintain our quality of life and encourage economic development.” “I am proud that South Carolina’s delegation was able to work together to provide funding for these important projects,” said Senator Graham. “The programs funded by this bill address a wide range of needs in our state. This money will help improve our transportation infrastructure, a vital part of future economic development, as well as provide much needed funding for housing and community organizations that help maintain a healthy workforce.” Highlights of the bill include: Lowcountry
  • Highway 278, Beaufort County, SC - $2,250,000
  • Charleston International Airport Parking Garage - $1,000,000
  • City of Charleston, SC for completed construction of the Spirit of South Carolina - $400,000
  • City of Walterboro, SC for construction of the great Swamp Sanctuary Discovery Center and associated streetscape - $300,000
  • Crisis Ministries Homeless Shelter in Charleston, SC for facilities renovation - $220,000
  • North Rhett Blvd Extension in Charleston, SC - $200,000
  • Town of St. Stephens, SC for renovation of the Berkeley Senior Center - $100,000
  • Progressive Club in John’s Island, SC for renovation of a multi-purpose building - $50,000
Grand Strand
  • I-73 - $2,050,000
  • Choppee Regional Resource Center, Georgetown County, SC - $100,000
Pee Dee
  • 1-95/327 improvements - $1,000,000
  • Security Improvements at Dillon County Airport - $500,000
  • Lee County I-20 Frontage Road US 15 to SC 341 - $400,000
  • Lee County, South Carolina for construction of a county recreation center - $250,000
  • National Council of Negro Women, Inc in Bishopville, South Carolina for construction of the Dr. Mary McLeod Bethune Memorial Park - $200,000
  • Marion County, South Carolina for constructing an outdoor wellness facility - $150,000
  • Boys and Girls Club of the Pee Dee in Florence, South Carolina for renovation and expansion of Florence and Sumter facilities - $100,000
  • Williamsburg County Boys and Girls Club in Hemingway, SC for expansion and upgrading of facilities - $75,000
Piedmont
  • Trolley Study in Rock Hill - $400,000
  • City of Lancaster, SC for renovation of the “Hope on the Hill” adult education and afterschool center - $300,000
Upstate
  • City of Greenville, South Carolina for the development of Clemson University International Center for Automotive Research - $500,000
  • Replace Milford Road Bridge in Anderson, SC - $500,000
  • Town of Greenwood, SC for renovation of the Old Federal Courthouse - $400,000
  • South Carolina School for the Deaf and Blind in Spartanburg, SC for dormitory renovation - $380,000
  • Roadway to improve Old Laurens Road, Laurens, SC $250,000
  • Upgrade Wells Highway/Sheep Farm Road Oconee SC - $250,000
  • Laurens County, South Carolina for the Hunter Industrial Park improvements - $60,000
Midlands
  • Briggs Delaine Pearson Bridge Connector - $2,000,000
  • Pedestrian Walkway at SCSU and Claflin University - $1,700,000
  • SCDOT Vehicle Acquisition - $1,600,000
  • Assembly Street Railroad Relocation, Columbia, SC - $1,300,000
  • Bobby Jones/Palmetto Parkway, N. Augusta, SC - $1,000,000
  • Engenuity South Carolina in the City of Columbia for the National Institute of Hydrogen Commercialization - $1,000,000
  • Lexington Connector, SC - $893,000 I-26/US1 Airport Intermodal Connector,
  • Lexington, SC - $750,000
  • Bible Way Community Development Corporation, Columbia, SC for construction of a multipurpose facility - $125,000
  • Aiken ILS Study at Aiken Municipal Airport - $100,000
  • Harden Street, Columbia, SC - $100,000
###

Nov 17 2005

WASHINGTON – Yesterday, the United States Senate passed the Fiscal Year 2006 Commerce and Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill that contains more than $44 million for South Carolina projects. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint voted in favor of the bill, which passed 94-5. This bill was passed by the House of Representatives last week and is expected to be signed into law by President Bush. “I am proud that South Carolina’s delegation was able to work together to provide funding for these important projects,” said Graham. “The programs funded by this bill will help our universities remain at the forefront of research, assist local law enforcement agencies, update infrastructure, and improve the quality of life for all South Carolinians.” "These funds will go toward increasing our local law enforcement officers’ ability to communicate with each other during emergencies," said Senator DeMint. Highlights of the bill include: Low Country
  • $8 million for the Hollings Cancer Center at the Medical University of South Carolina
  • $2.3 million for the Southern Shrimp Alliance
  • $1.5 million for the South Carolina Coastal Initiative for land acquisition in Beaufort County
  • $250,000 for the South Carolina Department of Natural Resources (SCDNR) for RecFIN
  • $200,000 for Florence Crittenton in Charleston
  • $150,000 for the Southeastern Law Enforcement Center for law enforcement technologies
  • $100,000 for the Southeastern Law Enforcement Center’s Lowcountry Information Technology Improvement Project
  • $50,000 for the Walterboro Sheriff’s Office
  • $50,000 for Darkness to Light juvenile sexual abuse educational programs in Charleston
Pee Dee
  • $250,000 for Kingstree Law Enforcement Training
  • $200,000 for the Myrtle Beach International Trade Center
  • $50,000 for the Williamsburg Sheriff’s Department
      Midlands
      • $4.5 million for prosecutorial training by the National Advocacy Center
      • $2.05 million for Caro-Coops at the University of South Carolina
      • $600,000 for the Richland County Learning Center
      • $300,000 to develop a DNA forensics lab at Claflin University
      • $50,000 for the Gang Intervention/Methamphetamine Initiative in Columbia
      • $50,000 for the Town of Santee Police Department
      • $50,000 for Sumter County
      Piedmont
      • $300,000 for the Rock Hill Communications Center
      Upstate
      • $13 million for the National Textile Center
      • $150,000 for the Anderson County 800 MHz Communication Project
      • $100,000 for the Clemson ICAR Innovation Center
      Statewide
      • $8.2 million to Experimental Programs to Stimulate Competitive Research educational programs EPSCoR) at the University of South Carolina, Medical University of South Carolina and Clemson University
      • $850,000 for SCDNR’s MARMAP- Marine Resources Monitoring Assessment and Prediction Program
      • $467,000 for the Height Modernization Regional Expansion project for SC Budget and Control Board
      • $300,000 for Southeastern Sea Turtles research for SCDNR
      ####