WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Senate unanimously passed a resolution honoring the late U.S. Senator Strom Thurmond. The resolution was introduced by Graham, Senator Hollings (D-South Carolina), and other Senators.
The resolution reads as follows:
Relative to the death of the Honorable J. Strom Thurmond, former United States Senator and President Pro Tempore Emeritus from the State of South Carolina.
Whereas the Honorable J. Strom Thurmond conducted his life in an exemplary manner, an example to all of his fellow citizens;
Whereas the Honorable J. Strom Thurmond was a devoted husband, father, and most recently, grandfather;
Whereas the Honorable J. Strom Thurmond gave a great measure of his life to public service;
Whereas, having abandoned the safety of high position, the Honorable J. Strom Thurmond served his country during World War II, fighting the greatest threat the world had thus far seen;
Whereas the Honorable J. Strom Thurmond served South Carolina in the United States Senate with devotion and distinction;
Whereas his service on behalf of South Carolina and all Americans earned him the esteem and high regard of his colleagues; and
Whereas his death has deprived his State and Nation of a most outstanding Senator:
Now, therefore, be it
Resolved, That the Senate has heard with profound sorrow and deep regret the announcement of the death of the Honorable J. Strom Thurmond, former Senator and President Pro Tempore Emeritus from the State of South Carolina.
Resolved, That the Secretary of the Senate communicate these resolutions to the House of Representatives and transmit an enrolled copy thereof to the family of the deceased.
Resolved, That when the Senate adjourns today, it stand adjourned as a further mark of respect to the memory of the Honorable J. Strom Thurmond.
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the Senate unanimously passed a bill designating the postal facility located at 1830 South Lake Drive in Lexington the ‘Floyd Spence Post Office Building.’
“Floyd Spence was a tireless advocate for the people of South Carolina, and played a tremendous role in strengthening the nation’s armed forces,” said Graham. “He served the people of Lexington County and the 2nd Congressional District for 40 years in both the South Carolina General Assembly and the United States House of Representatives. This honor is a fitting tribute to his contributions to the safety and security of our nation.”
The U.S. House of Representatives passed the bill, which was introduced by Representative Joe Wilson on behalf of South Carolina’s House delegation, in March of this year.
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement regarding the passing of Senator Strom Thurmond:
“South Carolina has lost its favorite son, Strom Thurmond; a great American patriot, statesman and close friend so many. His life was extraordinary in both length and scope. His enduring legacy for all of us in South Carolina will be that of a public servant who put the common interest ahead of self interest and had a willingness and desire to help everyone to the best of his ability.
South Carolinians from all regions and backgrounds truly believe Strom would do his best to deliver a fair result and that he was on their side. No problem was too big or too small, no person was ever denied that best that Strom and his staff could deliver.
Senator Thurmond served his country in every conceivable way: as a World War II veteran landing on D-Day under heavy fire, Superintendent of Education, judge, Governor, and the longest serving Senator in the history of the United States. The hallmark of Thurmond’s life was his willingness to serve, the ability to change, and to focus on the needs of individuals. There will never be another like him.
From a personal perspective, I was honored to have his support, guidance and friendship. The best tribute I can provide is to continue his legacy of providing user friendly government and providing South Carolinians with passion and commitment.
We mourn his loss, pray for his family, and thank God for his service to our state and nation.”
Medal would honor De Laine’s heroic sacrifices to desegregate nation’s public schools
Wes Hickman or Kevin Bishop
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Last night, the Senate unanimously approved legislation advanced by U.S. Senator Fritz Hollings and U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham to posthumously award Reverend Joseph A. De Laine the Congressional Gold Medal for his sacrifices to desegregate the nation’s public schools. Once approved by the House of Representatives, the legislation, S. 498, will go to the President for his signature.
“Rev. De Laine’s untold sacrifices to bring equality to American education deserve our highest praise and our national gratitude,” Sen. Hollings said following the Senate’s approval. “His courage and his commitment to justice have left a lasting effect on the fabric of our nation, and the Senate has resoundingly agreed that the Congressional Gold Medal is a fitting tribute for his contributions.”
“I was very honored to assist Senator Hollings with legislation to award the Congressional Gold Medal to Reverend De Laine,” said Graham. “Senator Hollings has been a tireless advocate for this legislation which is most deserved. The civil rights struggle to bring about school desegregation and other needed changes required bravery and self-sacrifice from many. Reverend De Laine is a deserving recipient of this award because he literally risked his life and property to advance the cause of equal justice under the law and quality education for all children of South Carolina. His courage and sacrifice during a dark chapter of our state’s and nation’s history has forever improved the quality of life for all future generations.”
Rev. De Laine’s crusade to break down barriers in education led to the case of Briggs v. Elliott, South Carolina’s suit that, along with four others, became the landmark Brown v. Board of Education case in 1954.
Upon the bill’s enactment, the Congressional Gold Medal would be presented to Joseph A. De Laine, Jr., the son of Reverend Joseph A. De Laine, at a future ceremony. Joseph A. De Laine, Jr., was chosen by Congress as one of South Carolina’s two representatives on the Brown v. Board of Education 50th Anniversary Commission – a group that will plan the 50th Anniversary commemoration of the 1954 landmark decision. De Laine, Jr. currently resides in Charlotte, N.C.
On March 3, Sen. Hollings introduced the legislation co-sponsored by Sen. Graham. Jointly, Hollings and Graham assembled 80 Senate co-sponsors for the legislation, which won unanimous approval from the Senate Banking Committee on June 18. Rep. Jim Clyburn is leading the effort to move the legislation in the House.
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration has awarded a $200,000 grant to Ware Shoals for sewer and transportation improvements.
The funds will be used to upgrade the sewer and transportation infrastructure along a five mile corridor of Highway 25. The improvements will serve existing businesses and sites intended for future development.
“This is a great investment in the future of Ware Shoals and Greenwood County,” said Graham. “These improvements will help encourage existing businesses to remain in the area and make the corridor more attractive to new development.”
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Health and Human services has awarded the Medical University of South Carolina a $259,880 grant for colon cancer research, a $324,850 grant for breast cancer research, and a $72,969 grant for Alzheimer’s research.
“Cancer and Alzheimer’s are killers, and destroy the lives of thousands.” said Graham. “I am proud of the cutting edge research being done at MUSC and South Carolina’s other universities. The work they do helps save lives.”
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a $65,700 grant to Telemon Corporation for a housing rehabilitation project in Williamsburg County.
The funds will be used to repair and rehabilitate very low-income family homes. This project will be a partnership with Telemon’s Youthbuild Program in the Williamsburg/Lake City Enterprise Community. This partnership will provide job training to youth in the area and reduce the substandard housing needs in the Enterprise Community.
“This money will help improve the quality of life for families in Williamsburg County,” said Graham. “The project is a great investment in the future of the community.”
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Homeland Security has awarded an $89,771 grant to the Fair Play Volunteer Fire Department and a $45,000 grant to the Craytonville Volunteer Fire Department in Honea Path.
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.
“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 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.
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded $65,000 grant to Erskine College to support the operation of the Lakeland Center for Entrepreneurs.
The Center will provide technical assistance to start-up businesses in Abbeville, Anderson, Greenwood, Laurens and McCormick counties. The funds will be used for development, marketing, specialized furnishings, and equipment for the Center. Erskine College will provide a building to house the Center, and space will be leased to tenants in the early stages of business start-up. Tenants will have access to office furniture, equipment, and necessary communications.
“This is a great investment in the future of Abbeville and the surrounding counties,” said Graham. “The jobs created by this project and the success of these new business ventures will increase the attractiveness of this area to other companies and encourage future economic development.”
WASHINGTON- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today announced the U.S. Department of Agriculture has awarded a $643,500 grant and approved a $813,000 loan to Wallace Water Company in Marlboro County.
The funds will be used to provide an extension of waterlines and to purchase water from Richmond, NC. The project will connect the existing water system in Marlboro County with the system in Richmond, and will serve northern Marlboro County.
“This project will help Wallace more effectively serve the people of Marlboro County,” said Graham. “It will increase their ability to provide a reliable source of water to residents. This money improves lives, and makes the area more attractive for economic development.”
