Tate Zeigler (202) 224-5972 or Kevin Bishop (864) 250-1417

WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-South Carolina) today made these statements on reports the Super Committee had failed to reach agreement on a deficit reduction plan.

Super Committee Failure:

"This is yet another reason for the American people to lose faith in Congress. I know it is difficult to deal with our mountains of debt and unsustainable fiscal problems, but America has always accomplished great things in the face of adversity."

Vote on Bowles-Simpson Deficit Commission Plan:

"The Super Committee's failure to address our growing debt problems only leads to future generations living in a poorer, weaker America.

"Today I call on President Obama to embrace the Bowles-Simpson plan. I also urge the Democratic leadership in the Senate and Republican leadership in the House to bring the Commission report up for a vote.

"Like any serious plan to address our nation's long-term fiscal health, the Bowles-Simpson plan has many provisions which give me heartburn. And while the Bowles-Simpson framework may not be perfect, it is better than the status quo. On balance, the plan begins to make the necessary changes which will address the fiscal calamity we are facing.

"The time has also come for President Obama to be involved, not as an observer, but as a leader. He should call on the Senate and House to schedule votes on the Bowles-Simpson proposal."

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