Blumenthal Statement on Death of Senator Lindsey Graham

[WASHINGTON, D.C.] – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-CT) released the statement below today on the death of U.S. Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC):

“I am shocked and deeply saddened by Lindsey Graham’s passing. I will forever remember our last lengthy conversation this weekend, when he exulted at reaching an agreement on our Russian sanctions bill and said, ‘this is a big effing deal – we all did good.’ When we last spoke, he was as enthusiastic and exuberant as I’ve ever seen him. Passing the sanctions bill right away would be a fitting tribute.”

“I traveled with Lindsey extensively to Ukraine and the Middle East. We talked at all hours of the day or night, and traveled through all kinds of weather, meeting dictators and democracy defenders. He was tireless in pursuing freedom for Ukraine and brought to this cause his signature relentless energy and optimism.”

“He marched to his own drummer. He could be strong-minded, fiercely driven, and sometimes unpredictable, but also deeply compassionate and sympathetic when he saw suffering and injustice. I was always impressed with his kindness to people we met along the way. We often differed, but he listened to me and others who might have opposing views and sought to bridge our differences. There were so many important things we disagreed about, but he never let that stop him from trying to seek common ground where it could be found.”

“I remember serving on a panel with him at the Munich Security Conference and he brought uproarious laughs with a string of expletives – his sense of humor was indominable and irreverent, even in the most serious, diplomatic settings.”

“My condolences are with Lindsey’s family, his devoted staff, colleagues in South Carolina and DC, and friends throughout the world.”

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