Senator Lindsey Graham, US Senator for South Carolina | Official U.S. Senate headshot
Senator Lindsey Graham, US Senator for South Carolina | Official U.S. Senate headshot
WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) has shown his support for the House of Representatives-authored national security supplemental, which has passed through both the House and the U.S. Senate with overwhelming bipartisan support.
Speaking on the Senate floor, Senator Graham expressed his satisfaction with the approved aid to Israel, Ukraine, and Taiwan. He highlighted the significance of President Trump's role in converting portions of the aid into a loan, stating, "There is no doubt that President Trump’s support for turning portions of this aid into a loan was a game-changer for getting this across the finish line."
Acknowledging the challenges faced by Israel, Senator Graham emphasized the timely nature of the aid package coinciding with the Passover celebrations, stating, "Our friends in Israel are facing unprecedented threats and tonight we rose to the occasion. As Jewish people around the world celebrate Passover – I believe this aid package could not have been better-timed."
Regarding Ukraine's struggle against Russian aggression, Senator Graham expressed the need for support, saying, "Across the globe, Ukraine is fighting bravely against the Russian invaders and needs weapons to finish the job."
In a broader geopolitical context, Senator Graham remarked, "It’s a bad night for Putin, the Iranian Ayatollah and the Chinese Communist Party." He also highlighted the benefits of the aid package for America, mentioning, "This package allows sovereign Russian assets to be seized and turns a portion of the aid into a loan, easing the burden on taxpayers and giving us leverage in the future."
Despite the legislation lacking border security provisions, Senator Graham encouraged those advocating for border security not to lose hope, stating, "To those who want border security, you’re right. Don’t give up."
In reflection on his previous vote against the Senate bill due to inadequate border security provisions, Senator Graham expressed his disappointment in the outcome, stating, "My hope was…we could negotiate a stronger border security package [with the House]. That did not happen."
Senator Graham's unwavering support for the national security supplemental underscores the importance of bipartisan cooperation in addressing crucial international issues.