Blog
Oct 24 2005
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
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
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
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.
Oct 20 2005
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
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
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
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.
Oct 19 2005
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
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. ####Oct 18 2005
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made the following statement after President Bush signed the Department of Homeland Security Act of 2006 into law. Graham attended the White House ceremony that took place earlier this afternoon. Graham said: “The Homeland Security bill includes real changes that will help secure our border. As a result of this legislation, we’ll be hiring 1,000 new border agents, expediting the return of illegal immigrants further from our southern border, and increasing the penalties for employers and those involved in smuggling illegal aliens.” “The bill authorizes billions of dollars for improved border security through better technology, a larger border control force, and the building of additional physical barriers all of which should contribute to better border security. It’s the first step in a long process to secure America’s borders.” ####Oct 18 2005
Wes Hickman (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) made the following statement after President Bush signed the Department of Homeland Security Act of 2006 into law. Graham attended the White House ceremony that took place earlier this afternoon. Graham said: “The Homeland Security bill includes real changes that will help secure our border. As a result of this legislation, we’ll be hiring 1,000 new border agents, expediting the return of illegal immigrants further from our southern border, and increasing the penalties for employers and those involved in smuggling illegal aliens.” “The bill authorizes billions of dollars for improved border security through better technology, a larger border control force, and the building of additional physical barriers all of which should contribute to better border security. It’s the first step in a long process to secure America’s borders.” ####Oct 17 2005
Wes Hickman (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Old Exchange Commission in Charleston will receive a $250,000 grant and the Historic Beaufort Foundation will receive $230,000. The Old Exchange Commission will use the funds to support the repair of cracked and delaminated stucco and masonry at the Old Exchange and Provost. The Historic Beaufort Foundation will use the funds to repair damaged exterior stucco at the Beaufort Arsenal. The Save America’s Treasures grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Park Service. #####Oct 17 2005
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Old Exchange Commission in Charleston will receive a $250,000 grant and the Historic Beaufort Foundation will receive $230,000. The Old Exchange Commission will use the funds to support the repair of cracked and delaminated stucco and masonry at the Old Exchange and Provost. The Historic Beaufort Foundation will use the funds to repair damaged exterior stucco at the Beaufort Arsenal. The Save America’s Treasures grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Interior’s National Park Service. ####Oct 17 2005
Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham and Jim DeMint announced the Senate approved $131 million in South Carolina related defense projects. The funding was included in the Fiscal Year 2006 Defense Appropriations Bill. “South Carolina is one of the most patriotic states in the nation,” said Graham. “The men and women of this state give their time and talent to defend our nation and help ensure the armed forces have the most state-of-the-art equipment. I am pleased so many South Carolina related projects have been recognized for the contributions they make to our war-fighting capability. South Carolina is truly a leader in helping win the War on Terror.” “South Carolina has always played a vital role in keeping our nation free,” said DeMint. “I'm proud that our courageous men and women in uniform will be properly equipped to fight the War on Terror and to protect the homeland.” Projects funded in the bill include: Lowcountry- $28 million for the purchase of two C-17 Maintenance Training Systems produced in Summerville.
- $6 million for the purchase of Quadruple Specialty Containers produced in Charleston.
- $6 million for the development of the Joint Threat Warning System, an air communication surveillance system that provides direct warning to aircrafts operating over hostile territory, enhancing situational awareness and increasing aircrew survivability and the probability of mission success. Development is based in Charleston.
- $4.5 million for the South Carolina Research Authority to support the Lean Munitions program in Charleston. Lean Munitions will result in ammunition being produced in a timelier and cost efficient manner.
- $4 million for the development of an automated container and cargo handling system. The Autolog System will be able to transfer containers from ship-to-ship or ship-to-lighter/dock. Development is based in Charleston.
- $3.5 million for the Critical Infrastructure Protection Center in Charleston.
- $3 million for the development of vaccines for multivalent dengue viruses in Charleston.
- $4 million to upgrade Combat Casualty Care Equipment, including personnel kits and on-board kits for tactical vehicles. The main production facility is located in Greenville.
- $3.5 million for the South Carolina Research Authority to research and develop an active coating technology that adapts in real time to the surrounding situation and environment. The program will be based at Clemson University.
- $3.5 million for development of the Advanced Warfighter Sustainment Systems for the 21st Century (AWSS-21). AWSS-21 will provide better packaged and more nutritious food to our soldiers in the field. Research is conducted at Clemson University and in Gray Court.
- $9 million for the purchase of M249 SAW machine guns for the (Army or Marines) and $5 million for the (Army or Marines). The M249 is produced in Columbia.
- $2.5 million for the University of South Carolina to conduct brain imaging and deception detection research.
- $2.5 million for the development of high modulus carbon fibers in Rock Hill.
- $2 million to purchase portable tent lighting produced in Clover.
- $20 million to support the Up-Armored HMMWV and Tactical Truck Crew Trainer Program in the Army National Guard.
- $7 million for the purchase of All Terrain Military Utility Vehicles (M-Gator) for the Army National Guard.
- $5 million for the purchase of All Terrain Military Utility Vehicles (M-Gator) for the Army.
- $5 million for research and development of high temperature superconducting generators. Research is being conducted at the University of South Carolina and in Greenville.
- $4.5 million for further deployment of the South Carolina Army National Guard’s Vibration Management Enhancement Program, a maintenance diagnostic system, on Guard helicopters.
- $4 million for research and development of a hemoglobin-based oxygen carrier for out-of-hospital resuscitation of patients with severe hemorrhagic shock.
- $3.5 million for the development of an advanced electric drive system for military vehicles. Development is done at facilities throughout South Carolina.