Meghan Hughes (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today voted against legislation to fund the federal government through the end of the fiscal year in September. 

Graham said: 

“I appreciate the effort to try to reduce overall spending for Fiscal Year 2011.  However, when this bill was closely examined it did not live up to the billing of making significant reductions in spending.  In addition, the legislation also failed to provide the authority needed for the Port of Charleston to move forward with plans to deepen the harbor.  I could not say, in good conscience, this was a good budget when it came to spending reductions or job creation.  However, it is now time to move on to the 2012 budget where I hope we’ll make serious efforts to get our nation out of debt and create 21st Century jobs. 

“I’m glad to have joined with Senators Rand Paul and Mike Lee to introduce a Social Security bill that reduces our long-term funding debt by $5.4 trillion.  In the 2012 budget, we must address the big issues of entitlement reform and ensure job creators, like the Port of Charleston, are not prevented from making the progress necessary for South Carolina’s future prosperity.” 

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