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

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) yesterday voted against the 9/11 Commission bill because of Senate Democrats insistence on adding a provision allowing workers for the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) to unionize. The unionization proposal was not included in the 9/11 Commission Report. The vote in the Senate was 60-38. The legislation will now go to conference with the House of Representatives. "This provision is the Democrats political payback for union support during the last election," said Graham. "It is an irresponsible position to take when it comes to our national security." Graham noted that after the United Kingdom air bombing plot was stopped, TSA changed the nature of employees' work and even the location of their work to respond to these emergencies. They also implemented new operating procedures within hours to deal with the new threat. "President Bush has threatened a presidential veto, a position which I strongly support," said Graham. "Flexibility is a key component in helping protect and secure Americans when they travel. The unionization proposal will not help make America safer." ######