Jan 07 2004

Graham Applauds President Bush for Tackling Immigration Reform

Additional Steps Must Be Taken to Curb Illegal Immigration

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today applauded President Bush’s immigration reform plan. He made the following statement: “There’s no doubt we have problems with our immigration policies and they must be addressed. The president’s proposal represents the middle ground in this debate and I applaud President Bush for presenting his ideas. “The president’s proposal allows immigrants who are working to come out of the shadows and benefits businesses seeking to avoid being placed in unnecessary legal jeopardy for hiring labor. It also enhances our homeland security efforts by giving us a record of who is the working in the country and makes a real effort to shrink the underground labor market which suppresses the income of legal workers. All-in all, it’s a very good starting point for Congress to begin our deliberations. “There are other issues we must address in addition to those presented by the president. A high priority of mine is much tougher physical protection of our border and creating tougher barriers to entry. “The San Diego Border Fence, a state of the art nearly impenetrable barrier, has made illegal entry much more difficult. Once a haven for illegal crossings the barrier has stopped the flood of border crossings from Mexico. It has worked and I believe we need to explore the option of expanding it to protect more miles of our border.” ####

Dec 18 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced South Carolina will receive a $2.757 million Emergency Management Performance Grant (EMPG) to improve all-hazards preparedness activities and emergency management. South Carolina will provide $2.757 million in matching funds for grants to local governments. “Our first priority is to protect the safety of all our citizens,” said Graham. “This money will help the state and local governments meet the challenges of responding to threats and emergency situations.” The funds may be used to:
  • Improve disaster response and recovery capabilities by maintaining and improving State and local emergency operations plans.
  • Reduce vulnerability to hazards by improving State mitigation plans.
  • Develop mutual aid agreements.
  • Support catastrophic planning.
  • Coordinate or participate in the development of an inter-jurisdiction exercise program.
  • Sponsor and participate in all-hazards exercises.
  • Participate in the National Emergency Management Baseline Capability Assurance Program.
  • Support and participate in Community Preparedness activities.
  • Develop Disaster Logistics Support and Distribution Plans.
  • Provide Public Assistance Program training for State staff.
  • Develop a State or Local Continuity of Operations Plan.
  • Develop a State plan to test the Emergency Alert System to include citizen participation and feedback.
The grant was awarded by U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Federal Emergency Management Agency. ####

Dec 17 2003

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced four South Carolina organizations will receive over $1.89 million in federal grants to carry out Youthbuild programs in Columbia, Manning and North Charleston. This program trains disadvantaged youth ages 16 to 24 in the construction trades while providing education training so that they can obtain general equivalency high school diplomas. In addition, the youth receive necessary social services, training in leadership skills, opportunities for placement in apprenticeship programs and economic self-sufficiency. The construction training component of the program results in the construction or rehabilitation of housing for the homeless and low-income families. “This program provides an excellent opportunity for young people in South Carolina to learn a trade and receive a solid education,” said Graham. “It will help prepare them for the rigors of the working world, and empower them to become self-sufficient members of the community.” Programs receiving grants include: Columbia Telamon Corporation will receive $394,000. Manning Macedonia Community Development Corp. will receive $400,000. North Charleston Palmetto Community Hope Foundation will receive $700,000. North Charleston Housing Authority will receive $400,000. The grants were awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ####

Dec 17 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced more than $418,000 in grants to fire departments in Drayton, Edgefield, Lando, Marietta, McColl, and Myrtle Beach. “Firefighters risk their lives to protect others, and they deserve the best equipment and training available,” said Graham. “Firefighters are some of the heroes in our midst.” Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Grants The Fire Operations and Firefighter Safety Grants will help the fire departments improve their training, wellness and fitness programs; purchase new firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment; and, make modifications to fire stations and facilities. Drayton Drayton Fire Department will receive $135,186. Edgefield Westside Volunteer Fire Department will receive $71,530. Lando Lando Fire Department will receive $91,017. Marietta Slater-Marietta Fire Department will receive $68,850. Myrtle Beach Myrtle Beach Fire Department will receive $24,300. Fire Prevention Grant The Fire Prevention Grants provide funding for public education and awareness activities, fire code enforcement activities, fire inspector certifications, the purchase and installation of smoke alarms and fire suppression systems, wildland fire mitigation, and arson prevention and detection activities. McColl McColl Fire Department will receive $27,900. 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. ####

Dec 14 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement: "The big winner with Saddam's capture are the Iraqi people. Their oppressor has been accounted for and will soon be brought to justice to meet his fate. The capture is also a tremendous morale booster for our men and women fighting the war on terrorism. It is the direct result of their bravery and perseverance. The capture of Saddam will lead to many breakthroughs in the reconstruction of Iraq. "It would indeed be a tragedy if the governments who lent money to Saddam now insist the Iraqi people pay the debts of their oppressor. I hope the capture of Saddam will help former Secretary of State James Baker in his efforts to seek forgiveness of these debts. Any county who insists on repayment by the Iraqi people for debts occurred by their oppressor has lost their moral way. "Finally, this is a great day for the Bush Administration because it validates their unwavering policy of holding those who are part of the war on terror accountable." #####

Dec 12 2003

Washington, D.C. - U.S. Senators John McCain (R-AZ), Lindsey Graham (R-SC), and Maria Cantwell (D-WA), today sent the following letter to Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld asking the Secretary to provide specific information about the disposition of detainees being held at U.S. Naval Base Guantanamo Bay. The Honorable Donald H. Rumsfeld Secretary Department of Defense 1000 Defense Pentagon Washington, D.C. 20301-1000 Dear Mr. Secretary: As you know, we recently visited Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, to get a first-hand look at the situation regarding the confinement of detainees from the conflict in Afghanistan. We commend you on the outstanding efforts taken thus far to treat all individuals detained at Guantanamo humanely and, as appropriate and in accordance with military necessity, in a manner consistent with the principles of the Third World Geneva Convention of 1949. We are particularly impressed by the professionalism of our military personnel. The treatment of the detainees is not an issue. However, a serious concern arises over the disposition of the detainees – a considerable number of whom have been held for two years. Given this concern, we respectfully ask that you provide explicit information on two critical issues. First, we ask that you advise us as to when you will make a determination on the final disposition of the detainees’ status. Second, we request that you state specifically when you will begin the process pursuant to the Order of the Military Commissions that the President signed in November 2001, and how it will work in practice. Mr. Secretary, our recent visit to see the detainee situation for ourselves provided an enormously useful opportunity to understand the essential work that has been done there, which we have supported. Yet, we firmly believe it is now time to make a decision on how the United States will move forward regarding the detainees, and to take that important next step. A serious process must be established in the very near term either to formally treat and process the detainees as war criminals or to return them to their countries for appropriate judicial action. We look forward to your reply, and thank you in advance for your prompt attention to this important issue. Sincerely, John McCain, United States Senator Lindsey Graham, United States Senator Maria Cantwell, United States Senator ####

Dec 10 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced more than $645,000 in grants to fire departments in Beaufort, Cheraw, North Augusta, Seneca, and West Columbia. “Firefighters risk their lives to protect others, and they deserve the best equipment and training available,” said Graham. “Firefighters are some of the heroes in our midst.” The Assistance to Firefighters Grants will help the fire departments improve their training, wellness and fitness programs; purchase new firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment; and, make modifications to fire stations and facilities. Beaufort Burton Fire District will receive $275,674. Cheraw Cheraw Fire Department will receive $126,014. North Augusta County Line Volunteer Fire Department will receive $95,891. Seneca Crossroads Volunteer Fire Department will receive $101,267. West Columbia West Columbia Fire Department will receive $46,883. 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. ####

Dec 10 2003

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement regarding the Supreme Court ruling upholding campaign finance reform. “I am very pleased with the Supreme Court ruling upholding the campaign finance reform bill signed into law by President Bush. No longer will unlimited soft money be allowed to buy political access and pollute the political system. The days of the ten million dollar soft money checks are over. The big winners are Americans whose voice has been shut out because of the role big money has played in American politics over the past thirty years.” “The ruling reaffirms my belief that money is property, not speech. The practice of attacking political candidates from the shadows without any accountability is over. It will no longer be possible for unlimited money to be spent by unnamed groups shortly before an election for the purpose of destroying someone’s life.” ####

Dec 10 2003

WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced South Carolina will receive $5.2 million in federal grants to enhance port security in the state. “Port security is one of our top concerns in South Carolina,” said Graham. “We have a responsibility to protect the employees, visitors and residents who may be at risk should an emergency situation occur at the port. Additionally, South Carolina’s ports play a key role in the economy of the Southeast and the nation. We must do all that we can to help ensure our ports remain safe, and open for business.” The following grants will be awarded in South Carolina: Charleston
  • $1.787 million to Rhodia Inc. for chemical site security enhancements including physical enhancement and surveillance.
  • $455,250 to South Carolina State Ports Authority (SCSPA) for Columbus Street closed circuit television (CCTV) enhancements.
  • $179,425 to Allied Terminals Inc. for surveillance at the Charleston Marine Facility.
Mount Pleasant
  • $700,000 to SCSPA for Wando Welch Terminal CCTV.
  • $271,264 to SCSPA for Wando Terminal access control.
North Charleston
  • $650,000 to SCSPA for North Charleston Terminal CCTV.
  • $500,000 to SCSPA for North Charleston Terminal lighting.
  • $500,000 to the Shell Lubricants for security enhancements at the Charleston plant.
Port Royal
  • $182,080 to SCSPA for Port Royal lighting.
The grants are awarded by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. ####

Dec 04 2003

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced more than $340,000 in grants to fire departments in Chesnee, Honea Path, and Lancaster. “Firefighters risk their lives to protect others, and they deserve the best equipment and training available,” said Graham. “Firefighters are some of the heroes in our midst.” The Assistance to Firefighters Grants will help the fire departments improve their training, wellness and fitness programs; purchase new firefighting equipment and personal protective equipment; and, make modifications to fire stations and facilities. Chesnee Cherokee Springs Fire District will receive $115,650 Honea Path Keowee Volunteer Fire Department will receive $93,929 for the purchase of a firefighting vehicle. Friendship Fire Department will receive $13,230. Lancaster Bell Town Volunteer Fire Department will receive $121,500 for the purchase of a new firefighting vehicle. 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. ####