MAINE MORNING STAR • August 2, 2024
Republican U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham and Democratic members of the U.S. Senate Budget Committee discussed on Wednesday ways to boost U.S. electric vehicle manufacturing to be more competitive globally. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, the Democratic chairman of the committee, began a hearing Wednesday by calling electric vehicle production “an economic, national security and climate imperative.” Whitehouse highlighted the expanding global market for electric vehicles, noting that in 2023, 20% of vehicles sold around the world were electric. “We want to be a part of that action,” Whitehouse said. Donald Trump opposes President Joe Biden’s support of electric vehicles. But Graham, a Trump ally and a staunchly conservative lawmaker, embraced the idea.