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 President Bush’s decision to address the nation on immigration reform and upcoming Senate debate. Bush is scheduled to address the nation on Monday and Senate debate will begin next week. Graham said: “Like most Americans I anxiously await the President’s speech on immigration. President Bush deserves credit for making this issue part of the national debate. With his leadership, I think we can pass comprehensive immigration reform into law this year. I also strongly believe the President’s recent Oval Office meeting with a bipartisan group of Senators helped create a climate to move immigration reform forward. “Senator Frist also deserves credit for his work on this issue. We have broken borders, unworkable laws, and an estimated 11 million illegal immigrants currently in the country. The fact the Senate is able to bring such a controversial piece of legislation to the floor is a testament to the work done by Senator Frist. The process he helped negotiate should be fair to all with adequate opportunity for amendments and debate. “It’s now time for the Senate to speak on immigration reform.” #####