Wes Hickman (202-224-5972) or Kevin Bishop (864-250-1417)

WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made the following statement on the President’s efforts to strengthen Social Security. "President Bush is serious about saving Social Security. "I have every confidence he will make the tough choices necessary to save Social Security for future generations of Americans. We should all be very proud of him for his leadership on this most difficult issue. "I will continue to work with the President and others in developing a personal account component to Social Security that is structurally sound, affordable, doesn't rely on budgetary gimmicks, and bipartisan in nature. Personal accounts, combined with other reforms, will ensure Social Security is permanently solvent and sustainable. "Personal accounts are a major element in Social Security reform and the establishment of these accounts will help millions of Americans build a nest egg for their retirement. "The President's leadership in advocating the need for reform is indispensable. I look forward to working with him and others to turn Social Security reform into reality." #####