The hawkish trio of Sens. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Joe Lieberman (ID-Conn.) and John McCain (R-Ariz.) praised President Barack Obama on Thursday for condemning the corruption and violence surrounding the recent election in Iran.

“I’m very proud of my president for what he said Tuesday,— Graham declared during a press conference. “It was the right thing to say.—

“I appreciate it,— McCain added.

The favorable comments were a significant shift for the group of lawmakers, who earlier this week harshly criticized Obama for not coming out strong enough against the contested re-election of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. The outcome has prompted bloody riots as supporters of Mir Hussein Moussavi, Ahmadinejad’s challenger, protest what they charge was a rigged election.

Graham, Lieberman and McCain announced Thursday plans to introduce legislation to provide funding for radio, television and Internet communication for the Iranian people. The House and Senate both passed resolutions condemning the “ongoing violence— in Iran, where the government has shut down phone and Internet access in an alleged attempt to try to suppress protesters.

“We as Americans … have a responsibility to do what we can to stand with those, particularly in Iran, who are fighting for their freedom,— Lieberman said, adding that a bill will be introduced after the July Fourth recess.