Charleston Reporter

U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham, representing South Carolina and serving as the Chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, issued a statement following the Senate's approval of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget resolution. The resolution passed with a narrow vote of 52-48.

The budget resolution is intended to lay the groundwork for a reconciliation bill aimed at securing the border, strengthening military capabilities, and enhancing American energy independence.

Senator Graham expressed his support for the resolution, stating: "This budget resolution is a complete game changer when it comes to securing our border and making our military more lethal. It will allow President Trump to fulfill the promises he made to the American people — a very big deal."

Graham also commended his Republican colleagues in the Senate for their commitment: "As Senate Budget Committee Chairman, I’m incredibly pleased by the discipline shown by my Senate Republican colleagues to ensure that the most transformational border security bill in history can soon become a reality."

The budget resolution allows significant funding allocations, including up to $175 billion for implementing President Trump's border security agenda through the Judiciary and Homeland Security Committees. Additionally, it permits up to $150 billion for enhancing military capabilities via the Armed Services Committee and allocates up to $20 billion for modernizing the Coast Guard.

Senator Graham clarified that while specific spending directives are not provided within this resolution, it sets financial limits: "It does not direct how money will be spent — it only sets a number."

The resolution also instructs other Senate committees to identify spending cuts necessary to fund these initiatives fully. Graham emphasized urgency in addressing these priorities: "I hope the House can pass one big bill that meets President Trump’s priorities. But this approach provides money that we needed yesterday to continue the momentum on securing our border, enforcing our immigration laws, and rebuilding our military. Time is of the essence."