Palmetto State News

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) announced today his decision to vote no on the National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2024. In a statement, Senator Graham expressed his concerns about the bill and the need for a comprehensive solution to the border crisis.

Senator Graham criticized the process leading up to the vote, stating, "This whole process has been a complete debacle. While I support the House-passed border security bill, they were unable to get any Democratic votes in the House, making it impossible to pick up 11 Democrats in the Senate to get the necessary 60 votes."

He also highlighted the lack of a robust debate on the bill, comparing it to the extensive discussions that took place during the 'Gang of Eight' bill. Senator Graham emphasized the importance of addressing the border crisis before moving on to other areas of concern, stating, "The border is a national security nightmare. Drugs are flowing at record levels across our border, there have been over 7 million crossings and there is an all-time high of people on the terrorist watch list coming into our country."

Senator Graham proposed an alternative solution to the issue, suggesting that the supplemental aid package should be a loan rather than a grant. He referenced President Trump's suggestion, saying, "A loan on friendly terms allows America, who is deeply in debt, a chance to get our money back and changes the paradigm of how we help others."

In conclusion, Senator Graham expressed his hope that the House would reconsider their approach to border security and turn the supplemental aid package into a loan. Until then, he stated, "I will be voting no."

The National Security Supplemental Appropriations Act has faced opposition from both Republicans and Democrats, with concerns over border security and the allocation of funds being major points of contention. The bill's fate now rests in the hands of the House, where further discussions and potential revisions will take place.