Blog
Nov 19 2003
Congress Passes Energy and Water Appropriations Bill
Includes Millions for South Carolina Projects and Fully Funds SRS
Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Senate unanimously passed the 2004 Energy and Water Appropriations legislation which contained millions of dollars in projects for South Carolina and the Savannah River Site (SRS). “These projects funded in this bill will make the state more attractive for future economic development, business investment, and tourism,” said Graham. “The bill does a lot to help ensure our state’s waterways are navigable and safe for recreational boaters and business. In South Carolina, we are fortunate to have such a wonderful natural environment and this bill takes great steps toward protecting our state’s legacy for today and future generations. “I am proud of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for passing this bill in a bipartisan manner,” said Graham. “This demonstrates the ability of the Republican leadership to reach out to our Democratic friends and accomplish business that is good for the American people. “At Savannah River Site we’re working to keep the peace,” said Graham. “SRS is playing a leading role in the effort to turn surplus weapons grade plutonium into fuel. They’re also accelerating cleanup of the Site’s Cold War legacy.” Graham noted the bill also amends the Water Resources Development Act of 1992 by adding an additional $20 million for wastewater treatment and water supply projects associated with Lakes Marion and Moultrie and adding $5 million dollars for wastewater infrastructure in Charleston. The bill will now go to President Bush for his signature. South Carolina Related Projects- $23.5 million for a nationwide university reactor fuel program. The bill encourages the U.S. Department of Energy to support the new program at the University of South Carolina, and congratulates the state for creating one of the first new graduate programs in nuclear engineering in the last 20 years.
- $16.42 million for the Russell Dam and Lake for construction, operations and maintenance (SC & GA);
- $13.96 million for Lake Hartwell operations and maintenance (SC & GA);
- $11.747 million for J. Strom Thurmond Lake for operation and maintenance (SC & GA);
- $10 million for Charleston Harbor operations and maintenance;
- $5.5 million for the Thurmond Lake Powerhouse for major rehabilitation (SC & GA);
- $5 million for the deepening and widening of Charleston Harbor;
- $4.35 million for Lake Russell wildlife mitigation payments to South Carolina and Georgia;
- $3.38 million to the Cooper River for operations and maintenance;
- $2.719 million to Georgetown Harbor for the dredging of Sampit River and Upper Winyah Bay, and for operations and maintenance;
- $2.2 million to the University of South Carolina for expanding clean energy research and education programs;
- $1.432 million to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway for operations and maintenance;
- $1 million for the Coastal Research Center at MUSC;
- $500,000 for the Claflin University Science Center;
- $500,000 for planning the expansion of Savannah Harbor (SC & GA);
- $400,000 to Folly River for operations and maintenance in 7 miles of channel;
- $430,000 to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway for general investigations of river dredging;
- $419,000 to Town Creek for operations and maintenance;
- $350,000 to Lakes Marion and Moultrie for general stewardship;
- $300,000 for the Aquatic Plant Control Program, a statewide management of nuisance aquatic plant problems in public waters;
- $250,000 for the University of South Carolina to study groundwater contamination;
- $229,000 for the Corps of Engineers to conduct project condition surveys throughout the state;
- $200,000 to the Savannah River Basin for general investigation;
- $200,000 to Folly Beach for general construction;
- $200,000 for Corps of Engineer planning activities in Georgetown and Williamsburg counties;
- $170,000 to the Reedy River for general investigation;
- $100,000 to Pawleys Island for pre-construction engineering and design;
- $100,000 to the Broad River Basin for general investigation;
- $100,000 to Edisto Island for an erosion study;
- $100,000 for Savannah Harbor sediment control (SC & GA);
- $75,000 for the Santee Delta Environmental Restoration;
- $50,000 to the Waccamaw River for general investigation;
- $45,000 to Murrells Inlet for operations and maintenance;
- $26,000 for the Corp of Engineers to inspect completed projects.
- $402 million for the MOX fuel fabrication facility;
- $75 million for the construction of the tritium extraction facility;
- $20.259 million for a second glass storage building;
- $13.6 million for the construction of the pit disassembly and conversion facility;
- $2.75 million for cleaning and loading modifications. This procurement is for long lead procurement of engineered equipment for the Tritium Facilities at SRS;
- $1.134 million for container surveillance.
Nov 19 2003
Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Senate unanimously passed the 2004 Veterans’ Affairs, Housing and Urban Development Appropriations Bill. The bill contains $5.7 million dollars for South Carolina projects. “The funding provided for South Carolina projects in this bill is extremely important because it supports actual bricks and mortar construction projects,” said Graham. “These are tangible improvements in a variety of areas including water infrastructure, education, economic development, housing and others. These projects truly improve the lives of South Carolinians and promote future economic development.” South Carolina Projects Included in the Bill- $2 million increase in funding for the School of Science and Mathematics at the College of Charleston to enhance and expand science and technology programs;
- $1.2 million to the Town of Ravenel for the construction of a main sewer transmission line along US HWY 17;
- $1 million to the Five Rivers Community Development Corporation in Georgetown for economic development and affordable housing;
- $1 million to the Commission of Public Works of the City of Charleston for wastewater tunnel replacement;
- $1 million Rock Hill for the revitalization and development of the Arcade-Westside area of Rock Hill;
- $500,000 to the Winchester Conservation Museum for building expansion.
Nov 18 2003
Textile Industry Receives Protection from Chinese Imports
Safeguard Relief Provisions Activated by Bush Administration
Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today said he was pleased the Bush Administration had decided to implement the China safeguard relief provisions to protect the textile industry. The safeguards re-establish a quota on unrestricted textile and apparel categories – such as knit fabric, dressing gowns and robes, and bras – for a period of one year and could be expanded for two additional one-year periods. “I’m very pleased the Bush Administration has decided to implement the safeguard protections,” said Graham. “There’s no question the Chinese have been cheating and profiting from unfair trade practices. The safeguards are one way to show the Chinese that their conduct is out of bounds and we aren’t going to put up with it. I applaud Commerce Secretary Don Evans and President Bush for taking meaningful steps to combat China’s cheating.” Graham blamed the Chinese for intentionally manipulating the value of their currency creating a competitive disadvantage for American producers. He noted the Chinese yuan has been tightly pegged to the US dollar in a range of 8.3 yuan per dollar since 1994. Given China's enormous growth over the past decade, this fixed level most likely does not reflect its true value. If the yuan were allowed to float freely, like other major currencies, many economists believe it would appreciate substantially against the U.S. dollar. Economists at Goldman Sachs have estimated that the yuan may be undervalued by 15 percent and other experts say that number could be as high as 40 percent, meaning that the Chinese intentionally lower their currency's value to make their goods and services cheap internationally. The practical effect of this currency manipulation means Chinese manufacturers receive a 15 percent to 40 percent discount on their exports, providing them with a nearly insurmountable advantage over American producers. “There has been a perfect storm brewing in China which is trying to destroy what remains of the textile industry,” said Graham. “China’s access to the U.S. textile and apparel market more than doubled in 2002, growing by an astounding 117 percent and is up an additional 114 percent so far in 2003. “We have lost thousands of textile jobs in South Carolina, not because the Chinese work harder or smarter, but simply because they are cheating,” said Graham. “The American textile worker can compete with anyone given a fair opportunity. Unfortunately, that opportunity does not exist in today’s’ economy.” Graham noted he will also continue to push legislation he introduced with Senators Charles Schumer (D-New York) and Jim Bunning (R-Kentucky) which imposes a 27.5 percent tariff on all Chinese imports if they do not put an end to currency manipulation. The legislation, S. 1586, allows the President to remove sanctions once he certifies that China has moved to a market-based currency. The tariffs would kick in after a 180 day grace period to ensure that Treasury officials have adequate time to work with the Chinese to institute reforms. The U.S. Senate is on record in support of changing the Chinese currency practices. Last month, the body passed Senate Resolution 219 calling on China to abide by its international agreements and adopt a market-based system of currency valuation. The resolution passed Senate late last month without a single dissenting vote. “The textile industry provides jobs and benefits to hundreds of thousands of Americans,” said Graham. “The Bush Administration was right to protect these jobs from a communist dictatorship that manipulates and cheats rather than follow the rule of law. But there’s still more that needs to be done.” ####Nov 18 2003
Statement from Senator Lindsey Graham
Introduction of the Social Security Solvency and Modernization Act
Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
Social Security is the most popular government program in American history. It has provided a safety net for millions of retirees, survivors and persons with disabilities. I know. My family is one of them. I was 22 and my sister was 13 when we lost both my parents. The illnesses were expensive and times were tough. My sister received Social Security survivors’ benefits so I know how important Social Security is to families. That’s why my commitment to the program is strong and unwavering. Unfortunately, Social Security as it’s currently structured is not sustainable. The program must be reformed. The problems facing Social Security are mainly due to demographic changes in the United States. The problems are serious and they include:- Fewer workers supporting retirees. When Social Security was created, there were over 40 workers for every retiree. In 1950, there were 16 workers supporting 1 retiree. Today, the ratio is 3 to 1. Within a generation, the ratio will drop to 2 to 1.
- Cash Deficits and Reduced Benefits. The Trustees of Social Security have warned us of serious, structural problems facing the system. In 2018, for the first time in history, the program will begin to pay out more in benefits than it takes in as taxes. In 2042, the “trust fund” will be broke and unable to pay full benefits to retirees.
- Baby Boomers Retirement. The oldest baby boomers will be eligible to retire in just 5 short years. Between 2011 and 2030, the number of beneficiaries will increase 65 percent while the working, taxpaying population will increase only 8 percent.
Nov 12 2003
Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced Congress has approved the 2004 Defense Authorization Act which provides spending authority for more than $100 million for South Carolina projects and includes several important policy changes to help to modernize military benefits. Graham noted the bill will enhance the ability of the Department of Defense to fulfill its responsibilities and continue the commitment to improve the quality of life for the men and women of the Armed Forces. Graham is a member of the Armed Services Committee which oversees the authorization process in the Senate. “The authorization bill is an essential step in providing the money to keep our national defense infrastructure up and running,” said Graham. “This is also the vehicle through which we make substantive policy changes to improve the lives of the men and women in uniform who sacrifice to protect and defend our way of life,” said Graham. Policy provisions in the bill include: Improved Health Care Benefits for Guard and Reserve Members Graham secured funding for expanded TRICARE coverage in the Iraq Supplemental Appropriations Bill already signed into law. The Authorization bill gives the Department of Defense the authority to spend money on this endeavor. Under the old law, members of the Guard and Reserve and their families could only enroll in TRICARE when called to active duty. The Graham provision allows unemployed reservists and guardsmen and those that are not eligible for health insurance from their employers to enroll fulltime in TRICARE; provides TRICARE coverage to all guardsmen and reservists once they receive orders to deploy, currently they don’t receive their benefits until they actually deploy; allows all reservists and guardsmen to stay on TRICARE six months after deployment to ease the transition back to their private insurance. “I am pleased that my colleagues have come together in a bipartisan fashion to improve healthcare for the brave men and women who valiantly serve our country in the Guard and Reserves and their families” said Graham. “The sacrifices they make to defend our freedom deserve to be rewarded. This is an extremely significant step toward repaying their efforts; however, there is more to be done and more to come.” Concurrent Receipt The bill authorizes a 10-year phase-in of full concurrent receipt of military retired pay and veterans’ disability compensation for active duty and reserve retirees with disability ratings of 50 percent or greater. Passage of this benefit has been a priority for the Disabled American Veterans, Veterans of Foreign Wars, and other veterans organizations. Pay Raise The bill authorizes an average 4.15 percent across the board pay raise for all uniformed service personnel, with targeted pay raises ranging from 5.25 percent to 6.25 percent for mid-career service members. Special Duty Pay The bill authorizes the continuation of special pay for duty subject to hostile fire or imminent danger in the amount of $225 per month through December 31, 2004. Family Separation Allowances The bill authorizes the continuation of family separation allowances in the amount of $250 per month through December 31, 2004. Commissary Privilege for Guard and Reserve Members The bill removes the limit on the number of visits Guard and Reserve members can make per year to commissaries. Graham introduced this provision in the Armed Services Committee and led the fight for its inclusion in the bill. Additionally, the bill grants use of the commissary to reserve retirees under the age of 60. Equal access to commissary stores is a benefit that recognizes the increased responsibility of the reserve forces for homeland defense and worldwide deployment and helps to ensure continued patronage of commissaries experiencing reduced income. This also provides a proven incentive for recruiting and retaining military members. The bill also authorizes spending for South Carolina related projects that were included in the 2004 Defense Appropriations Bill. Highlights of the projects include: South Carolina Upstate<.u>- $26 million for P-3 aircraft Anti-Surface Warfare kits in Greenville. The Anti-Surface Warfare Improvement program greatly expands the P-3C’s capabilities and includes additional advanced technology sensors, expanded communication systems, upgraded weapon delivery capabilities, and survivability upgrades.
- $9.2 million for Heavy Expanded Mobility Tactical Trucks (HEMTT) to fund prototype development in Greenville.
- $1.2 million for Formidable Aligned Carbon ThermoSets (FACTS), a new composite product for naval aircraft construction. FACTS will allow the design and fabrication of much more efficient designs significantly lowering airframe weight.
- $8.5 million for construction of Shaw Deployment Center, Shaw Air Force Base, Sumter. These funds were appropriated today in the 2004 Military Construction Appropriations Bill.
- $5 million for M-249 Squad Automatic Weapons (Army) and $4 million for M-249 Squad Automatic Weapons (Marines) produced in Columbia. The M-249 is a portable, high-fire volume, highly reliable light machine gun which serves as one of the Army infantry and Marines most valuable weapon systems. In addition, the bill authorizes an additional $18.8 million for the Army and $6 million for the Marines to purchase additional weapons.
- $1.2 million for the development of an Advanced Electric Drive for military use.
- $8.863 million for construction of Charleston Air Force Base housing. These funds were appropriated today in the 2004 Military Construction Appropriations Bill.
- $2 million for the development of an Autolog System, a concept that uses multi-point stabilization to overcome the pendulations problems on existing shipboard cranes. Research will be conducted in Charleston.
- $2.25 million for continued development of multi-spectral Barium GaloGermanite (BGG) glass window technology, an essential component for airborne reconnaissance systems. Research and development of BGG glass is conducted in Hilton Head.
- $2.8 million for the procurement of Quadrangle Containers, produced in Charleston. These shipping containers divide into four separate sections to aid in transport by facilitating the loading and unloading process.
- $2.1 million for further development of Lean Munitions, designed to reduce the time necessary to design, manufacture and test munitions to keep pace with the Army’s increased operational tempo.
- $2.35 million for the Charleston Naval Weapons Station South Annex Gate 4. These funds were appropriated today in the 2004 Military Construction Appropriations Bill.
- $1.5 million in additional funds for the Consolidated Infrastructure Protection Center (CIPC) at the Space and Naval Warfare Systems Command (SPAWAR) in Charleston.
- $5 million for Eagle Vision which provides the National Guard, including the South Carolina National Guard, with in-theater, real-time acquisition and processing of commercial satellite imagery of our adversary’s territory.
Nov 11 2003
Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today said the treatment of President Bush’s nominees to the federal bench has been one of the low points of his first year in the Senate. Graham said he looks forward to the 30-hour, round the clock ‘Justice for Judges’ debate scheduled to begin late Wednesday and conclude Friday morning. As one of the new members to the Senate and one of the leaders of the push to bring additional pressure on the Senators holding the nominations hostage, Graham is scheduled to be on the floor during the late evening Wednesday starting about midnight and finishing up early Thursday morning. He’ll be joined in the early morning hours by Senator Jeff Sessions (R-Alabama) fellow freshmen Senators Saxby Chambliss (R-Georgia) and Norm Coleman (R-Minnesota). “Democrats, abusing the rules of the Senate, have changed the requirement for getting a judicial nominee confirmed from a simple majority of 51 votes to a 60 vote supermajority,” said Graham, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “It’s without precedent and marks the first time in American history a judicial nominee has been defeated by partisan filibuster. We need to break these filibusters, and we must do it soon. The presidents’ nominees deserve a straight up or down vote. If they get this, they will be confirmed.” Among the Bush nominees currently being blocked are:- Texas Supreme Court Justice Priscilla Owen to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans,
- U.S. District Court Judge Charles Pickering to the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals in New Orleans,
- California Superior Court Judge Carolyn Kuhl to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco, and
- Alabama Attorney General William ‘Bill’ Pryor to the 11th Circuit Court of Appeals in Atlanta.
Nov 06 2003
Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today introduced ‘Loser Pays’ legislation in the United States Senate. The bill is designed to encourage settlements and reduce frivolous lawsuits which clog our court system. Graham’s legislation establishes a set of guidelines under which the loser of a lawsuit in federal court could be required to pay the winner’s attorneys’ fees. The bill applies only to cases in which the parties are from different states. In order to receive compensation for attorneys’ fees the winning side must have made a settlement offer that was rejected, and then file a petition with the judge requesting compensation. The judge will make the final determination. “This is responsible and effective legal reform,” said Graham, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee. “Under this bill people will think twice before filing frivolous lawsuits. It will also encourage litigants to settle their differences before they go to trial. People will play around with other people’s money, but when they have a personal financial stake in the lawsuit it will force them and their attorney to more fully consider the merits of their case.” Graham noted gun control groups have filed suits in some states to impose large legal costs on gun manufacturers in pre-trial discovery. In some western states, environmental groups have filed lawsuits to unnecessarily delay development projects, hoping to bankrupt development companies from months of delay. U.S. Senators Charles Grassley (R-Iowa) and John Cornyn (R-Texas) have already agreed to add their names as co-sponsors of the legislation. Graham also noted he would like to offer the provision as a Senate amendment in the coming months for a floor vote on the measure. “I believe very strongly that citizens of this country have a right to seek damages if they are truly injured or harmed by another,” said Graham. “This bill does not discourage legitimate lawsuits, but it does make those who abuse the system think twice about their actions and the possibility they could face very expensive consequences.” ####Nov 06 2003
Senate Passes Agriculture Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2004
Legislation Contains Over $5 Million for South Carolina Projects
Wes Hickman/Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Senate passed the Agriculture Appropriations Bill for Fiscal Year 2004. The bill contains over $5 million for South Carolina related projects. Graham voted for the bill, which passed the Senate by a vote of 93-1. The bill provided funding for the following projects: Upstate- $303,000 to Clemson University to continue research to develop innovative pest control techniques.
- $260,000 to Clemson University research for peach tree short life research in southeastern orchards.
- $300,000 increase to FY03 funding for the United States Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Research Service (ARS) study of improved animal waste management in Florence. The ARS research station is investigating alternative treatments and techniques to respond to this major problem in swine production.
- The Senate bill instructs the USDA to continue funding the Cotton Genetics Research program in Florence with FY03 funding levels.
- The Senate bill instructs the USDA to continue FY03 funding for Swine Lagoon Alternatives Research in Florence to treat the waste on small swine farms at a reasonable cost while meeting stringent environmental regulations.
- $3.5 million to the U.S. Vegetable Laboratory in Charleston for the completion of greenhouse and headhouse construction.
- $300,000 increase to FY03 funding for research staff at the U.S. Vegetable Laboratory Charleston. Additional scientists are necessary to conduct priority research and to maximize use of the facility.
- $4,187,000 to study shrimp aquaculture in South Carolina and six other states.
- $800,000 for the continued development of a geographic information system database in South Carolina to integrate commodity and conservation program data at the field level for watershed analysis purposes.