Jun 23 2005

U.S. SENATOR LINDSEY GRAHAM: Just recently here in the Senate we've had a lot of time absorbed about what one member said that was, I thought, way out of bounds. That member apologized. That was good. There was a time when no one seemed to want to correct that statement. And some of the things that Senator Clinton said are really not helpful. We talk about losing the war and what it would mean. The only way, gentlemen, I see that we could possibly lose in Iraq is to leave the country in shambles, not prepared, not capable of defending itself and taking care of this new democracy; that if we left too soon, before they had a chance to get a functioning army and a functioning police force and to create honest judges and to have the rule of law, that we would put the whole world at risk. So to anyone, Republican or Democrat, who thinks that a timetable is the answer, I could not disagree more. How hard is it to create a country where everybody buys in? It's pretty hard. In 100 and something years, do the math, less than 100 years, we were in a civil war, started in my state. This is hard. How long does it take to get over a 1,400-year religious dispute? Probably a little longer between now and December. We have bought into a model that is extremely difficult, but the only answer, because you can't kill enough of these people. The model is to leave in Iraq the chance for them to govern themselves where moderation trumps terrorism, where mothers have a say about their children, where you can go to court based on what you did, not who you are. That is a very big challenge, and the only answer. So losing is leaving before the job is done. What would make us leave? The last time an American lost on the battlefield was when the Confederacy was defeated. We will not lose a battle. It is not a military problem in terms of losing. We will lose this war if we leave too soon. And what is likely to make us do that? The public going south. And that is happening. And that worries me greatly. So, Mr. Secretary, you've described the dynamic in 1946 I think very accurately. There was a lot of concern about reconstructing Europe after World War II. I see this engagement in Iraq very similar to a World War II endeavor, not Vietnam. This is not about trying to take sides in a dispute between a country. This is about taking sides between dispute between freedom-loving people and terrorists. Whether we should have been there or not is no longer the question. We're there. And the people who want us to leave are the same people who tried to kill us on September 11th. It is a World War II event, but the public views this every day, Mr. Secretary, more and more like Vietnam. Thirty-nine percent in the last poll support the idea that we should be there. What do you think is going on, and how can we correct that? SECRETARY OF DEFENSE RUMSFELD: Senator, the members of this committee and everyone in this room and listening know the answer to that question as well as I do, and possibly better. Our system says that we place all our faith, all our hope in the people of the country, and that given sufficient information over time they'll find their way to right decisions. And I believe that. I've watched polls go from zero to 55 percent, back down to 15 percent in six weeks. And anyone who starts chasing polls is going to get seasick. GRAHAM : Do you believe this is an acute problem or a chronic problem, with the public support waning? RUMSFELD: An acute or a what? GRAHAM : Chronic problem. Because in the last year, sir, the public support in my state has turned, and I worry about that, because that's the only way we'll ever leave before we should, is if the public loses faith in us. And I'm here to tell you, sir, in the most patriotic state I can imagine, people are beginning to question. And I don't think it's a blip on the radar screen. I think we have a chronic problem on our hands. And if you disagree, I certainly respect that. RUMSFELD: Well, that's the time that leadership has to stand up and tell the truth. And if you're facing a head wind, you got two choices, you can turn around and go downwind or you can stand there and go into the wind, and that's what needs to be done. And we've got leadership in this country that are capable of doing that, let there be no doubt. And I think the American people have a good center of gravity. I think they have -- individually they have inner gyroscopes that may tilt from time to time, but they get recentered, and that they, given appropriate leadership and given continued success on the political and the security side in that country, I am absolutely convinced that we'll have the willpower and the staying power and the courage to do what's right there. The alternative is to turn that region back to darkness, to people who behead people. And that is not a happy prospect. GRAHAM: I could not agree more. One last thought. I have to go. General Abizaid, based on the military situation as you know it, what is the likelihood of the insurgents and the terrorists combined launching a Tet-type offensive where there are coordinated attacks throughout the country that would result in substantial of American or coalition lives? Because if that did happen, I really worry about the response in this country. GRAHAM: How likely is that? And what can we do to prevent it? GENERAL ABIZAID: Senator, I can tell you, and George will undoubtedly talk about this for Iraq in particular, but there is always a likelihood of a surprise militarily. There is always an opportunity for the enemy to figure out a way to inflict casualties, to grab the headlines. The challenge for us is to stay tough enough when that happens to see ourself through it. We can't be defeated by the headlines. We can't be defeated by this enemy. No doubt that they can do us damage. In Afghanistan right now, in particular, we're getting ready to go to an election in September. The enemy is coming as hard as they can. They have issued orders to everybody that they can get their hands on to try to disrupt this election, because they are so afraid of the election. But the violence won't win. JOHN WARNER: Thank you very much, Senator. CASEY: I'm sorry, Senator. If I could add to that... WARNER: Yes, General Casey, you may reply. CASEY: Senator, I'd just respond to that last question about Tet, I believe we have greatly reduced the potential of the capability for that to happen. And as I've listened here this afternoon, there seems to be some perception that the attacks have increased. Well, they have from the low levels they sank to after the elections. But last August, the attacks were over 800. Last November -- I'm sorry, per week -- they were over 900. The elections, over 800. We're talking for the last seven weeks they've been relatively constant at about between 450 and 500. So, I mean, we're less than half, almost half of where we were when it was really hard. So we have brought down that capability, and that's why the absence of a safe haven becomes so important. GRAHAM: Mr. Chairman, I would like to correct the perception that some people may have -- I did not disagree with what Senator Clinton said. I am all for us working together, and there are no bad Americans here. You know, whether you're liberal, moderate, conservative, you're not the enemy; the enemy is the people trying to kill us. #####

Jun 23 2005

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Richland County School District One will receive a $2.5 million Smaller Learning Communities (SLC) Grant. The SLC program is designed to promote academic achievement through small, safe, and successful learning environments in large high schools. The funds will be used at Dreher High School and Lower Richland High School to build on the existing SLC programs. Dreher proposes to enhance opportunities in their existing Fine Arts, Health and Medicine, Finance and Business, Classical Studies, and Engineering programs. Lower Richland will expand their SLC activities across four career areas: Arts and Humanities, Health and Human Services, Engineering and Technology, and Business and Marketing. The grant was awarded by the U.S. Department of Education. ####

Jun 22 2005

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced more than $500,000 in airport grants for Allendale County, Bamberg County, and the City of Sumter. Allendale County: Allendale County will receive $137,004 for the final construction of a parallel taxiway. Bamberg County: Bamberg County will receive $79,500 for the completion of the paving and lighting on the turn-around taxiway. City of Sumter: The City of Sumter will receive $300,000 for the final construction and rehabilitation phase of Runway 5/23. #####

Jun 20 2005

Graham and Inglis Praise SC Efforts in Hydrogen Research

Passing Bush’s Energy Bill is a Must

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) and U.S. Representative Bob Inglis (R-South Carolina) today held a press conference to recognize the leading role South Carolina plays in hydrogen research and to call for passage of President Bush’s energy bill. “South Carolina is a leader in hydrogen research,” said Graham. “Research institutions across the state have recognized the impact hydrogen fuel technology could have on our future. Working together, they will help lead our state and nation into the next generation of fuel technology.” "Smart cars and fuels of the future will come only from successful collaboration with capable partners," Inglis said. "Here in South Carolina we - Clemson, USC and State - the Upstate, Midlands and Lowcountry - must work in common cause." Graham recently hosted a meeting in Washington to bring together South Carolina’s leaders in hydrogen to discuss collaboration. The goal of the meeting was to help ensure everyone is working together to further the state’s image as a leading research location. Members of South Carolina’s Congressional delegation were in attendance along with representatives from:
  • University of South Carolina- The only university designated by the National Science Foundation for fuel cell research.
  • Clemson University- Leader in the development of ICAR, along with BMW.
  • South Carolina State University- Home of the Clyburn Transportation Center.
  • Savannah River National Lab- Home of the Center for Hydrogen Research, SRS has 50+ years of experience in handling hydrogen and is positioned to be a national leader in a hydrogen economy.
“South Carolina has positioned itself well to be a major beneficiary of President Bush’s energy bill,” said Graham. “This bill contains nearly $4 billion for hydrogen research. It is the most aggressive hydrogen fuel development package in our nation’s history.” As Co-Chairman and founder of the Senate Hydrogen and Fuel Cell Caucus, Graham noted the hydrogen section of the energy bill is based largely on legislation he introduced with Senator Byron Dorgan (D-North Dakota). That bill was the result of work done by the bipartisan caucus. The energy bill provides $3.8 billion for hydrogen and fuel cell funding over five years, including $1.1 billion specifically for hydrogen supply research projects. In addition, it establishes demonstration programs for hydrogen technologies and fuel cell vehicles for light-duty and heavy-duty vehicles, calls for enhanced public education and research efforts, and provides for private sector coordination. The bill sets a goal for the private sector of making a decision about the commercialization potential of hydrogen fuel by 2015. “This energy bill has great potential for the future of South Carolina and the nation,” said Graham. “Working with Congressman Inglis and our entire delegation, it is my goal to make South Carolina the Detroit of hydrogen. Passing this bill will go a long way toward achieving that.” ####

Jun 17 2005

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement in response to comments made by U.S. Senator Richard Dubin (D-IL). Durbin compared the treatment of Guantanamo prisoners to actions taken by Nazi Germany, the Soviet Union, and former Cambodian leader Pol Pot. Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Services Committee, said: “Comparing treatment of prisoners at Guantanamo Bay to practices engaged in by some of the worst regimes in human history provides additional fuel to the anti-American propaganda machine. This directly and indirectly puts our troops who serve abroad at additional risk. “Also, characterizing the actions of American service members at the same level of those among the most notorious in history is not only unfair, it’s bad for morale. It should be the last thing coming out of the U.S. Senate at a time of war. “It’s my belief that keeping Guantanamo Bay open, with proper reforms, will help win the War on Terror. Closing the facility will be a setback. “I hope Sen. Durbin will correct the problems he has caused and rise above the political moment to set the record straight. Our men and women in uniform deserve nothing less.” #####

Jun 16 2005

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today supported the nomination of North Carolina Judge Terrence Boyle to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals in Richmond. The vote in the Senate Judiciary Committee was 10-8. Boyle was first nominated in October, 1991 by President George H. W. Bush, but he was not given a hearing in the Judiciary Committee, which was controlled by Democrats. In May 2001, President George W. Bush re-nominated Judge Boyle to the Fourth Circuit. The circuit covers South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia, West Virginia, and Maryland. “I find Judge Boyle to be extraordinarily qualified and deserving of this promotion,” said Graham. “He will be a great addition to the Court of Appeals and I look forward to voting for his nomination in the full Senate.” South Carolina’s William ‘Billy’ Wilkins serves as the Chief Judge for the circuit. #####

Jun 15 2005

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced South Carolina State University will receive $347,200 for the department of Biological and Physical Sciences. Graham secured the funds as a congressional earmark in the Fiscal Year 2005 Omnibus Appropriations Bill. The funds will be used to procure state-of-the-art equipment to support its research and instructional programs. Funds will also be used to improve laboratories, computer facilities, classrooms, a greenhouse, and offices. ####

Jun 14 2005

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) was pleased the Senate today confirmed Thomas S. Griffith to the U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia. The vote was 73-24. Griffith is the sixth Bush nominee to be confirmed to a federal appeals court in less than four weeks. He joins Judges Priscilla Owen, Janice Rogers Brown, William Pryor, David McKeague, and Richard Griffin on the federal bench. The confirmations are lifetime appointments. The D.C. Court of Appeals is widely considered the second most powerful court in the United States behind the Supreme Court. Graham said: “It was another good day for President Bush, the U.S. Senate and the judiciary. Judge Griffith will be an outstanding conservative judge who will follow the laws as written, not engage in law-making. I know he will serve our nation well.” #####

Jun 14 2005

Senators Graham and Clinton Launch Senate Manufacturing Caucus

Bipartisan Caucus will lead Senate Efforts to Address Manufacturing Crisis

WASHINGTON -- Senators Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Hillary Rodham Clinton (D-NY) today launched the bipartisan Senate Manufacturing Caucus to spearhead Congressional efforts to address problems facing our country’s manufacturing industry. The United States has seen a significant erosion of its manufacturing base with over three million manufacturing jobs lost over the past seven years. Today, 14.3 million Americans are employed in the manufacturing sector, the lowest level of manufacturing employment since the end of World War II. Manufacturing job losses have hit virtually every state in the country. “For generations, our manufacturing sector has been the backbone of the American economy. Manufacturing jobs built our great Middle Class and allowed millions of families to live the American Dream and create a better life for their children. That bedrock strength is being eroded and we cannot afford as a country to sit back while our manufacturing capability slips away,” said Senator Clinton. “We need a strong manufacturing base for our economy to grow and we need to invest in creating the manufacturing jobs of the future. This caucus will lead efforts on Capitol Hill to help address these challenges.” “South Carolina’s economy is heavily based on manufacturing and over the last decade this sector has taken one hit after another,” said Senator Graham. “We can no longer watch good jobs disappear. It’s now time for Republicans and Democrats to join together to protect American manufacturing jobs and take steps to create a better business environment. The caucus will explore all aspects of the manufacturing sector with the ultimate goal of restoring this vital part of our economy. To improve the manufacturing climate in our state and nation, we’ll have to work together. The creation of the Manufacturing Caucus is another step in the right direction.” The caucus will identify strategies to address the root causes of the problems facing American manufacturing and opportunities for Congressional action to create and keep manufacturing jobs. They also noted the need to address the costs of health care and pensions that threaten American companies and their workers. Manufacturing leads every other sector of our economy in productivity growth, leading to higher wages, higher profits and lower prices. The average manufacturing job pays about $5 per hour more than jobs in the service sector and manufacturing jobs have a multiplier effect -- for every manufacturing job created in the United States, there are four jobs created that depend on that manufacturing job. In particular, Senators Graham and Clinton noted the urgency to continue to invest in research and development to foster innovation needed to keep our manufacturers competitive. Manufacturers currently lead the way in R&D, spearheading almost two-thirds of all private-sector R&D. The innovations resulting from this R&D benefit not only the manufacturing sector, but also non-manufacturing sectors of the economy. Senators Graham and Clinton emphasized we cannot remain confident in our economic or national security if we become a country dependent on our other nations to provide our goods. In order to sustain a healthy and competitive manufacturing base, we need to maintain innovation and productivity. The caucus will bring together business and labor leaders, economists, and other stakeholders; commission academic studies and other inquiries and champion legislation to address challenges facing our country’s manufacturing sector. Clinton and Graham will serve as Co-Chairs of the caucus. Charter members of the caucus include Senators Evan Bayh (D-IN), Saxby Chambliss (R-GA), Tom Coburn (R-OK), Thad Cochran (R-MS), Norm Coleman (R-MN), Kent Conrad (D-ND), Mark Dayton (D-MN), Mike DeWine (R-OH), Richard Durbin (D-IL), Dianne Feinstein (D-CA), Tom Harkin (D-IA), Edward Kennedy (D-MA), Ben Nelson (D-NE), Barack Obama (D-IL), Charles Schumer (D-NY), Arlen Specter (R-PA), and Debbie Stabenow (D-MI). FACTS ON AMERICAN AND SOUTH CAROLINA MANUFACTURING 14.3 million Americans are employed in the manufacturing sector, the lowest level since the end of World War II. The United States has lost 2,997,000 manufacturing jobs in the last 5 years. This represents a loss of 17.4 percent of all manufacturing jobs. South Carolina has lost 72,800 manufacturing jobs in the last 5 years. This represents a loss of 21.6 percent of all manufacturing jobs in South Carolina. The current unemployment rate in South Carolina is 6.5 percent. This is the 5th highest unemployment rate in the country. The national unemployment rate is 5.1 percent. Nationwide, from 2001-2003 the manufacturing sector has lost: 387,900 computer and electronic producing jobs 292,200 metal fabrication jobs 219,500 telecommunications jobs 214,800 machinery jobs 213,300 textile mill jobs 162,500 transportation equipment production jobs 97,000 electrical equipment and appliance jobs #####

Jun 13 2005

WASHINGTON -- The United States Senate today passed a resolution apologizing to the victims of lynching and their descendants for the Senate’s failure to enact anti-lynching legislation. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) was a co-sponsor of the bipartisan resolution. “It’s appropriate for the Senate to acknowledge its failure as a body and end a sad chapter in our nation’s history,” said Graham. “When people needed us, the Senate was not there.” Between 1882 and 1968 at least 4,742 people, predominantly African-Americans, were reported lynched in the United States. During the first half of the 20th century, nearly 200 anti-lynching bills were introduced in Congress. The House of Representatives passed three strong anti-lynching measures between 1920 and 1940. The Senate failed to act. “Acknowledging the shortcomings of this body and formally offering an apology to the victims and their families helps heal wounds,” said Graham. “I am hopeful that this action will move us further down the road of reconciliation.” ####