Blog
Jun 04 2024
WASHINGTON — U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today reacted to President Joe Biden’s executive order that would worsen the crisis at the southern border.
- GRAHAM: “If you want the border secured, and you’re waiting on [the Biden Administration] to do it, you’re going to die waiting.” https://youtu.be/ioyq4bS9DEU?si=UR5rH4G7DbfDiCsZ&t=12
- GRAHAM: “The policy as I understand it, is going to be an economic boom for the cartels… There is going to be a cap when you shut down the border every day. So if you’re a cartel, you’re going to ‘rack and stack’ them. You’re going to find out exactly how many who can get through a day and you’re going to say ‘who would like to pay more to move up in the line?’ The biggest beneficiary of this policy is human trafficking cartels.” https://youtu.be/ioyq4bS9DEU?si=67OmE8ZOJvFqJ-D-&t=19
- GRAHAM: “[President Trump] told me this morning, when he gets to be president, not only is he going to secure the border, he’s going to deport hundreds of thousands of people here illegally. If you want to shut down illegal immigration, those coming need to see an outflow by the tens and hundreds of thousands. That will deter [illegal immigration]. The only policy change that will work is to have mass deportations because people will stop coming when they see people leaving.” https://youtu.be/ioyq4bS9DEU?si=efUxb9gX78_-ejWd&t=70
Jun 01 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement following a meeting with President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi of Egypt.
“I enjoyed a very cordial, frank and intense meeting with the President of Egypt regarding the way forward in the region. I reinforced to the President that the United States of America considers Egypt a valuable ally and partner. I appreciate the close military cooperation between our two countries. It is vitally important to our national security, especially with regard to our interests in the region. In addition to our deep security ties, economic opportunities for American investment loom large and will be a win-win for both countries.
“I informed the President I am grateful for his leadership at a time of great peril and acknowledge the efforts he has made to deal with the humanitarian crisis and border issues associated with the war in Gaza.
“This conflict caused by a barbaric attack against the state of Israel has created tension and raised security concerns unlike any time in the recent past.
“Egypt’s efforts to facilitate negotiations for a ceasefire and release of Israeli and American hostages have been essential. Egypt has also been indispensable in trying to negotiate the complexities of the Rafah operation without the war expanding.
“It is virtually impossible to take steps toward stability for the region now and in the future without President El-Sisi’s leadership. He is an indispensable player in determining how this ends and when this ends.
“Egypt is the linchpin in securing an end to this war and creating a better future for the region.
“He is fully engaged in the ongoing efforts in the region to achieve lasting peace and security for all its peoples through the implementation of the two-state solution and by opening the doors for coexistence and regional cooperation. He indicated this outcome is possible and will be a game changer for the region and that he will do what he can to help this process move forward.
“President El-Sisi told me that it is important to recognize the legitimate rights and concerns of both Palestinians and Israelis, including as relates to security, and was clear that he wants to build on existing peace agreements in the region, but insisted it is long past time for the Palestinian people to have a sovereign state that lives peacefully beside Israel. He has also stressed on every occasion that there can be no regional stability without dignity, hope and prosperity for the Palestinian people.”
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May 30 2024
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement.
“I expect this case to be reversed on appeal.
“The outcome of this case should surprise no one.
- A political hack prosecutor manufactured charges in one of the most liberal legal venues in the country.
- An obnoxious and biased judge who should have been disqualified conducted a trial in a way to ensure Donald Trump's conviction.
- A jury pool that comes from one of the most liberal areas of America.
“This combination of events made it impossible for Donald Trump to get a fair trial.
“This verdict says more about the system than the allegations. It will be seen as politically motivated and unfair, and it will backfire tremendously on the political Left.
“The Manhattan legal system has become a joke in every sense of the word. This is a mockery of justice. I fear we have opened up Pandora’s box on the presidency itself.”
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May 22 2024
WASHINGTON—U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Ranking Member of the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on State and Foreign Operations, yesterday questioned Secretary of State Antony Blinken at a hearing on the State Department’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget request.
- GRAHAM: “I want to take actions, not just [use] words. Will you support a bipartisan effort to sanction the ICC – not only for the outrage against Israel but to protect, in the future, our own interests?”
- BLINKEN: “I welcome working with you on that."
- GRAHAM: “Let it be said that we’re going to work together to send a signal to the ICC. What [the ICC] did was not only outrageous, [they] destroyed the rule of law as we know it… I’ve never been more disappointed. We worked together to help the ICC against Russia. Ungoverned spaces and rogue nations are the point of [the] ICC, not Israel.” https://youtu.be/etpPXeyPbtk?si=BmJI-Yv4H7lC0p3b&t=221
- GRAHAM: “I stand with Israel without apology. I hope one day to be able to end this conflict in a way where the Palestinian people have the hope they don’t have today, and Israel will have the security it deserves. And maybe we can integrate the region with a deal with Saudi Arabia and Israel.” https://youtu.be/kpZBqwMPj-A?si=YRkP2ydOykITC4O_&t=126
May 21 2024
May 15 2024
May 13 2024
May 10 2024
Striking Back at Biden’s Arms Embargo Against Israel
By The Editorial Board
The Wall Street Journal
May 9, 2024
https://www.wsj.com/articles/senate-resolution-israel-arms-embargo-joe-biden-lindsey-graham-0be4de23
Democrats hammered Republicans for months to pass U.S. military aid for America’s friends abroad. Now only weeks after the bill passed with overwhelming bipartisan support, President Biden is holding up the weapons Israel needs to prevail in a war for survival. So credit to the Republicans lining up against Mr. Biden’s weapons embargo.
South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham on Thursday rolled out a measure condemning the Administration’s decision to halt weapons deliveries to Israel. All Senate Republicans joined the measure except for Rand Paul of Kentucky.
“I want the Republican Party in the Senate—and I think the House will follow—to firmly state that we believe Israel is a rule of law nation,” Sen. Graham told us. “That they have an ethical, well-regulated military,” that “the weapons that we’re providing to them are necessary for their continued survival, that you have Hezbollah, Hamas and Iran, all dedicated to the destruction of Israel, not the uplifting of the Palestinian people.”
The resolution rehearses the Biden Administration’s many promises of ironclad support to Israel. Yet among other weapons, the measure notes that “since January 2024 the Biden Administration has effectively paused the sale of up to 6,500 Joint Direct Attack Munitions.” These kits offer GPS directions to bombs so they are accurate within approximately 10 feet. They are exactly the precision weapons that reduce civilian casualties in urban warfare. Mr. Biden’s supposed moral stance will make the Israeli operation in Rafah more bloody and costly.
Majority Leader Chuck Schumer will probably try to deny the measure a floor vote. But the House could force Mr. Biden to at least pay some political price for his policy choices. Sen. Graham says he and Sen. Susan Collins of Maine are also looking at ways to push back through the appropriations process.
Mr. Biden’s threat to pull the plug on the main U.S. ally in the Middle East is a watershed moment that will radiate across the world. Other allies will wonder what they’re risking if they cast their lot with the U.S.
“Nations on the fence,” as Minority Leader Mitch McConnell said on the floor Thursday, “will look elsewhere for their own security. And our enemies will be emboldened.” An apt summary of Mr. Biden’s foreign policy.
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May 09 2024
Graham, Colleagues Introduce Resolution Condemning Any Action By The Biden Administration To Withhold Ammunition Or Weapons For Israel
Resolution Is Cosponsored By 48 Republican Senators
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senators Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina), Katie Britt (R-Alabama), Ted Budd (R-North Carolina), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Tom Cotton (R-Arkansas), Ted Cruz (R-Texas), Joni Ernst (R-Iowa), Roger Marshall (R-Kansas), Markwayne Mullin (R-Oklahoma), Jim Risch (R-Idaho), Marco Rubio (R-Florida), and John Thune (R-South Dakota) today introduced a Senate resolution that condemns any action by the Biden Administration to withhold or restrict ammunition or weapons for Israel. Graham led a group of Senators in holding a press conference earlier today on the resolution.
The resolution is cosponsored by a total of 48 Republican senators.
“If President Biden continues with his decision to withhold or restrict ammunition and weapons to Israel, he and his administration will have destroyed the last, best chance to build on the Abraham Accords and bring peace to the Middle East for generations. Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran are dedicated to wiping the Jewish people and the State of Israel off the face of the Earth. What is the proper response for Israel, as they defend themselves from these lethal threats? They have to fight, and fight hard. The United States must never turn its back on Israel. I urge President Biden to change course immediately. The last thing we want to do is to reward terrorists – who violate international norms by weaponizing hospitals, mosques and schools – by blaming the victim of the terrorist attack, not the terrorists. If this policy holds, terrorists will get the message loud and clear that if they exploit civilians in this manner, terrorists will get a pass and their victims will be punished,” said Senator Graham.
“After World War II, we as Americans said, ‘Never Again.’ Today, President Biden’s dithering doctrine of appeasement and legacy of weakness threaten to break that promise,” said Senator Katie Britt. “This Administration is turning its back on Israel — and at the worst possible time. As Israel works to secure the release of the hostages — including American citizens — still held by Hamas in Gaza, President Biden has undermined Israel and empowered Hamas. We must stand unequivocally with Israel as she fights to end Hamas’ reign of terror and ensure there is never another October 7,” said Senator Britt.
“President Biden’s decision to withhold critical ammunition to Israel is a total betrayal of our friend and ally. Israel is in a fight for survival against genocidal Hamas terrorists. These same Hamas terrorists currently hold 8 American citizens hostage, including North Carolina native, Keith Siegel. The best way we can bring them home is by increasing military pressure on Hamas. But by withholding lethal aid, President Biden is telling Hamas to stall, hold out, and continue their campaign of terror. Bottom line: President Biden is making it harder to secure the hostages’ freedom,” said Senator Budd.
“It’s now plain what we suspected all along: Joe Biden’s de facto position is for a Hamas victory over Israel. Israel’s goal is simple: rescue the hostages—including American hostages and destroy Hamas to get justice for the worst atrocity against Jews since World War II and to prevent the next atrocity,” said Senator Cotton.
“The Biden White House has been the most anti-Israel administration we have ever seen, and its foreign policy is precisely backwards. They have intentionally enabled the flow of hundreds of millions of dollars to Gaza with the knowledge that those taxpayer dollars would directly fund Hamas terrorists at the same time they have systematically undermined our Israeli allies since day one. The United States position should be to fully support Israel’s campaign to utterly eradicate Hamas," said Senator Cruz.
“I just returned from Israel, and it’s clear America’s leadership at this moment is imperative. Our servicemembers are under attack by Iran-backed proxies and our citizens are held captive by Hamas. The last thing we need is a president who waffles in his support for our ally, but we have one who has broken his “ironclad” promise by withholding weapons from Israel. These are the precision tools needed to target Hamas and protect civilians. We already have the mouthpieces of Hamas here at home, violently ‘protesting’ on college campuses – we don’t need it in the White House. It’s clear we need new leadership,” said Senator Ernst.
“We are standing with Israel in their fight to decimate Hamas terrorists and will not turn our backs on them. President Biden's decision to delay aid shipments to Israel at this critical time demonstrates how much the Democrats have surrendered to the pro-Hamas, pro-terrorist faction of their party. Biden has shown that he would rather posture for votes in the upcoming election than honor America's longstanding commitment to our greatest ally in the Middle East. In the absence of this Administrations leadership, I’m proud to join my colleagues in demanding this president carry out his duty to deliver the aid to Israel,” said Senator Marshall.
“No one told America how to respond to terrorists after 9/11. Biden’s decision to withhold arms to our ally, Israel, is political and extremely dangerous. I’m glad to join my colleagues in condemning this decision and reminding the president that protecting Israel is in our U.S. national security interest,” said Senator Mullin.
“President Biden’s clear threat to Israel, made on network television, made it obvious that he and his administration are more concerned with pacifying anti-Israel, and often anti-Semitic, sentiment among potential voters than with supporting our close partner during a critical time of need. President Biden has given Hamas the greatest victory it could hope for; he has driven a wedge between the United States and Israel, and American allies and partners are watching our government’s behavior closely,” said Senator Risch.
“I’m sure Hamas is very happy with the Biden Administration’s decision to restrict U.S. ammunition and weapons shipments to Israel. This is not the way we treat an ally who is fighting an existential threat. This is not some dispute over a border. This is not two countries fighting over an oil field. This is a terrorist group that just six months ago, murdered, raped, and kidnapped civilians. Their reason for existence is the destruction of the Jewish State of Israel. So, when we don’t help Israel publicly, we’re encouraging their enemies,” said Senator Rubio.
“The Biden administration’s decision to freeze weapons delivery to Israel jeopardizes not only Israel’s security, but our reputation as a reliable ally. The United States must stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Israel, our strongest ally in the Middle East, and stop the administration from forcing them to fight with one hand tied behind their back,” said Senator Thune.
The resolution:
- Condemns any decision by the Biden Administration to halt the shipment of United States made ammunition and weapons to the State of Israel
- Demands that the Biden Administration continue to fulfill the military aid requests from the State of Israel in order to provide the weapons needed to defeat Hamas and defend against attacks from the Islamic Republic of Iran and its proxies
- Reaffirms the importance of the long history of the United States providing military aid to the State of Israel and willingness to expedite delivery of such aid in times of crisis
- Upholds the commitment of the United States to the State of Israel’s security and long-term prosperity
The resolution is also cosponsored by U.S. Senators John Barrasso (R-Wyoming), Marsha Blackburn (R-Tennessee), John Boozman (R-Arkansas), Mike Braun (R-Indiana), Shelley Moore Capito (R-West Virginia), Bill Cassidy (Louisiana), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Kevin Cramer (R-North Dakota), Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Montana), Deb Fischer (R-Nebraska), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), Bill Hagerty (R-Tennessee), Josh Hawley (R-Missouri), John Hoeven (R-North Dakota), Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Mississippi), Ron Johnson (R-Wisconsin), John Kennedy (R-Louisiana), James Lankford (R-Oklahoma), Mike Lee (R-Utah), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyoming), Mitch McConnell (R-Kentucky), Jerry Moran (R-Kansas), Lisa Murkowski (R-Alaska), Pete Ricketts (R-Nebraska), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Mike Rounds (R-South Dakota), Eric Schmitt (R-Missouri), Rick Scott (R-Florida), Tim Scott (R-South Carolina), Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska), Thom Tillis (R-North Carolina), Tommy Tuberville (R-Alabama), J.D. Vance (R-Ohio), Roger Wicker (R-Mississippi), and Todd Young (R-Indiana).
Full text of the resolution can be found HERE.
To watch the full press conference, click HERE.
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May 08 2024
Click play to view the video or follow this link
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VzwOMv-WFCI&t=173s
