Lindsey Graham dies at age 71 after “a brief and sudden illness”
South Carolina Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham died on July 11, according to his office. He was 71 years old.
The Senate will convene for the first time since the sudden death of Sen. Lindsey Graham on Monday, July 13, setting the stage for a day of honoring, remembering, and reflecting on one of the chamber’s most influential Republicans.
Mr. Graham, who died on July 11 at the age of 71 after what his office called a “short and sudden illness,” was one of the most influential Republicans in the Senate. Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump and a leading voice on foreign policy, attorney general nominations and national security, leaves well over one seat open in the Senate.
“It’s hard to lose him,” Trump said on NBC’s “Meet the Press.” “He was amazing. Unique in every way.”
The other top Republican in the Senate, Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, announced on July 12 that he will be away from the Senate for about a month due to a fall and subsequent bout with pneumonia.
What to expect when the Senate returns
The most obvious reminder of Graham’s absence may be found in the Senate chamber itself.
According to Senate tradition, a deceased senator’s desk is draped with a black crepe bunting decorated with flowers. The Senate typically adjourns for the day in memory of the late senator, flags are flown at half-staff in the Capitol, and colleagues regularly give speeches reflecting on the senator’s life, career and service.
The tradition of mourning at the Capitol has already begun.
Federal law requires flags to be flown at half-staff after the death of a lawmaker, so flags have already been lowered at the White House and the U.S. Capitol in Washington.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster also ordered the flags at the Columbia State Capitol lowered.
More than a memorial
Monday’s session will begin a debate about the practical impact of Graham’s death on Senate operations.
Mr. Graham served as chairman of the Senate Budget Committee, responsible for the judiciary and appropriations, leaving one of the most important leadership positions in Congress vacant. No replacement plan has been announced, but Republican leaders are expected to face questions about committee leadership and the process to fill his Senate seat.
Graham was supposed to be the lead defense attorney at a hearing in which Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, President Trump’s nominee to head the Justice Department, is scheduled to appear before the Senate Judiciary Committee this week.
Why July 13th is important
When the Senate reconvenes on July 13, it will be the chamber’s first formal meeting since Graham’s death was announced, and the first opportunity for both Democrats and Republicans to publicly reflect on the legacy of one of the chamber’s most prominent members.
Graham, a former Air Force attorney and South Carolina Air National Guard member, was elected to the Senate in 2002 and previously to the House of Representatives in 1994.
Contributor: Thao Nguyen, USA TODAY. Reuters
