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

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made this statement about votes on Iraq. The Senate voted on three separate resolutions. Reid Resolution: "I'm pleased the Senate rejected the ill-conceived resolution from Majority Leader Reid. If the resolution had passed, it would have been a colossal mistake. A majority of the Senate understood setting deadlines for withdrawal will embolden our enemy, weaken moderates in Iraq fighting for democracy, and undercut General Petraeus. Gregg and Murray Resolutions: "I was pleased the Senate overwhelmingly voted not to cut off funding for our troops in Iraq. This is a strong signal to our troops that we stand behind them and will ensure they have the support they need to fight and win this war." Conclusion: "I hope Congress will resist the temptation to micromanage the war. We should let our generals lead the fight and offer support to moderates in the region who are standing up to the extremists. "I'm very pleased we did not undercut our commander in the field at a time when there are early signs of progress in the new effort to stabilize Iraq." ####