Oct 28 2005

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement. “From this indictment there seems to be no indication there was ever any criminal intent – either individually or as part of a conspiracy -- to publicly expose a CIA operatives identity in violation of federal law. “It was proper for Mr. Libby to resign from his position while charges are pending against him. It is equally proper that politics be parked at the courthouse door so he may receive a fair trial. As the substance of the charges work their way through the court, I believe it is appropriate the Mr. Libby be giving the presumption of innocence like every American.” #####

Oct 27 2005

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on the withdrawal of Harriet Miers as a candidate for the Supreme Court. “Harriet Miers was a fine nominee to the Supreme Court. She’s an able lawyer and a role model for many young women. Many of the criticisms leveled against her were off-base and some were not respectful of the life she lived. She broke many glass ceilings and deserves credit for her many accomplishments. “Unfortunately, the confirmation process is very rough. She had legitimate concerns about the upcoming fight over access to White House documents. When the President appoints his lawyer to the Supreme Court, the Senate is going to want to know how she conducted herself as his counsel. Sensing this divide would be a difficult one to overcome, she decided to put the interests of the President above her own personal interests. I applaud her for making this tough decision and her willingness to serve her country. “I hope President Bush will again give serious consideration to selecting a woman to fill this vacancy. There are many well-qualified, strict constructionists who would serve our nation well on the Court.” #####

Oct 26 2005

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and Jim DeMint (R-South Carolina) today announced more than $1.4 million 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: Belvedere Belvedere Volunteer Fire Department will receive $93,413. Blacksburg Blacksburg Fire Department will receive $42,418. Cope Edisto Volunteer Fire Department will receive $38,067. Denmark Denmark Volunteer Fire Department will receive $69,037. Honea Path Honea Path Fire Department will receive $94,847. Lexington Lexington County Fire Service will receive $700,000. Moncks Corner Pimlico Rural Volunteer Fire Department will receive $45,867. Piedmont Piedmont Volunteer Fire Department will receive $147,748. Seneca Corinth-Shiloh Volunteer Fire Department will receive $190,028. Union City of Union Department of Public Safety will receive $73,530. 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. ####

Oct 25 2005

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on the passing of Rosa Parks. “All Americans owe a great debt to Mrs. Parks for her courage and willingness to make our country face injustice. She is part of a long line of American heroes who through individual acts of courage have made our country a better place.” ####

Oct 25 2005

WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senators Jim DeMint (R-S.C.) and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) announced proposed spending reductions to help pay for damages caused by Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. Graham and DeMint were joined in the effort by five of their colleagues including Senators Sam Brownback (R-Kan.), Tom Coburn (R-Okla) John Ensign (R-Nev.), John McCain (R-Ariz.), and John Sununu (R-N.H.). “It’s unfair to stick future generations of Americans with the bill for solving problems that occur on our watch,” said Graham. “I’m proud to be a part of this long overdue effort to set better priorities in spending.” “We had a Category 4 hurricane hit our shores, but if we don’t address our runaway spending, we’re going to have a Category 5 fiscal storm hit our children and grandchildren,” said Senator DeMint. “The American people don’t want any more excuses, and they don’t want to hear congressmen and senators arguing about who is to blame. We have real problems that require tough decisions.” The proposed federal spending reductions include the following actions:
  • 5 percent reduction in all federal spending programs except those which impact national security, with 1 percent set aside for funding of essential programs.
  • A freeze on cost-of-living adjustments for federal employees, including Members of Congress, with the exception of law enforcement and military personnel.
  • An elimination of earmarked projects included as part of the Highway Bill.
  • A two-year delay in implementation of the Medicare prescription drug benefit.
  • A requirement that those with higher incomes pay higher Medicare Part B premiums in 2006, rather than in 2007 as currently scheduled.
  • The package of offsets proposed today could save the American taxpayers between $70 – 125 billion.
“We need bold leadership to set priorities and get our fiscal house in order,” said Senator DeMint. “Americans expect us to anticipate problems and fix them while we still can. That’s why we must offset this relief as a downpayment toward fiscal responsibility.” “Reducing federal spending will prevent additional borrowing and require Congress to do what all families and businesses have to do in their lives and that's set priorities,” said Graham. “The proposed spending reductions are a fair and necessary culture change for Congress.” ###

Oct 24 2005

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement on the nomination of Ben Bernanke to serve as Chairman of the Federal Reserve. “I have a great deal of confidence in President Bush for selecting Ben Bernanke to this important position. I hope he will continue the pro-growth policies Alan Greenspan championed as Fed Chairman. If he is confirmed by the Senate, I hope he’ll focus on the need for us to control spending and reform entitlements. These are critical areas that must be addressed as we seek to secure our nation’s economic future and the Fed Chairman will play an important role in helping push Congress to action. “From a South Carolina point of view, I’m proud of his connections to our state.” #####

Oct 20 2005

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today said he was pleased Roche Pharmaceuticals has agreed to work toward increasing production of Tamiflu. Tamiflu is the only known effective treatment for avian flu and Roche holds the exclusive rights to manufacture the drug. Graham was one of three negotiators trying to reach an agreement. The group included Roche CEO George Abercrombie and Senator Chuck Schumer (D-New York). Roche has a production facility in Florence, South Carolina. “As a result of this agreement, lives may be saved in the coming months,” said Graham. “Many experts believe it’s only a matter of time before a pandemic flu occurs. Tamiflu, produced by Roche, is the best remedy we have available at this time. We must ensure we are prepared.” “Roche’s willingness to sub-license the vaccine to generic drug companies will increase world-wide stockpiles,” said Graham. “It’s was the ultimate act of good corporate citizenship on Roche’s part.” The agreement states:
  • Four companies – Teva Pharmaceuticals, Barr Labratories, Mylan Labratories and Ranbaxy Labratories – will meet with representatives from Roche. The companies believe they can produce Tamiflu if given the chance and want to step up to serve the global public health need by working in cooperation with Roche.
  • Roche will also meet with additional pharmaceutical companies in cooperation with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to discuss producing more Tamiflu.
  • Roche agreed to sub-license production of Tamiflu to any of these companies that can produce it in quantities large enough to help meet the anticipated demand in case of a flu outbreak. The determination as to who gets licensed will be made in cooperation with the U.S. government and other governments around the world.
  • Roche will make reasonable efforts to work with companies who demonstrate appropriate capabilities to manufacture Tamiflu in order to accelerate product supply.
  • For companies eligible for a sub-license, Roche agrees to negotiate equitable terms.
“The agreement is an example of the private sector and government working together to serve the people,” said Graham. “Roche thought of every reason to make it happen and not reasons why it couldn’t. As negotiated, this agreement is mutually beneficial for both the public health sector and the company. I’ve been very pleased to be part of something like this.” #####

Oct 20 2005

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Midlands Technical College will receive a $1,964,563 grant to support the school’s health sciences programs. The Community Based Job Training Initiative grant will help match students with service organizations that will provide clinical experiences and career development opportunities. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Labor. ####

Oct 20 2005

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Richland County will receive more than $2.2 million in housing grants. Richland County will receive a $1,562,996 Community Development Block Grant, $619,548 for the HOME Investment Partnership Program, and $28,529 for the American Dream Down Payment Initiative.
  • The Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) develops communities and provides housing by expanding economic opportunities for low and moderate income households.
  • The HOME Investment Partnership Program creates affordable housing by allowing communities to design and implement strategies tailored to their own needs and priorities.
  • The American Dream Down Payment Initiative promotes homeownership opportunities by providing necessary resources for down payment and closing cost assistance to lower-income and minority households.
The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ####

Oct 19 2005

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Winchester Conservation Museum in Edgefield will receive $497,050 in federal funds to expand the museum. Graham secured the funds in the fiscal year 2004 appropriations process and was recently notified of the forthcoming delivery of funds. The funds will be awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ####