Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House on February 28, 2025 in Washington, DC. After a heated exchange between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump in the Oval Office, Graham told reporters that Zelensky should resign.
Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images News | Getty Images
The death of Sen. Lindsey Graham must solve many Republican policy initiatives, as Congress loses one of the White House’s top whistleblowers and coalition builders.
Graham, RS.C., who has died aged 71, was a former Senate official whose close ties to President Donald Trump helped the upper chamber broker numerous deals and secure aid for allies like Ukraine. Graham, who chaired the Senate Appropriations Committee, was instrumental in passing Trump’s tax-spending reconciliation law, known as “one big, good bill.”
He also served on the Appropriations, Judiciary, Environment and Public Works Committees and was known for his work across the board on policy issues.
Graham’s death comes as the Senate works to advance many of Trump’s priorities ahead of tough midterm elections in November, and his passing could complicate those efforts. Included in the long list of unfinished business is the SAVE America Act, Trump’s proposed Voter-ID bill; a third reconciliation bill to address affordability and replenishment of the military; and confirmation of nominees by Attorney General Todd Blanche.
SAVE America Act
Graham was a strong advocate of the SAVE America Act, Trump’s laundry list bill requiring voter ID and proof of citizenship to vote, among other White House priorities. Trump is almost singularly focused on the bill, despite its chances of becoming law.
Trump, in a Sunday call on NBC’s “Meet the Press,” lamented that the SAVE America Act would be difficult to pass without Graham’s support.
“This is a huge blow to the Save America Act, let me tell you,” Trump said. “He was pushing the SAVE America Act like crazy.”
The SAVE America Act, especially the version Trump is pushing, has faced difficulties becoming law with or without Graham. It was well short of the 60 votes needed to defeat a Senate filibuster, given strong Democratic opposition.
Graham’s death, however, will make it more difficult for the Senate to address the issues of passing the SAVE America Act. Trump noted that he spoke with Graham on Saturday night about the bill.
“He called, he said we are all ready for the Save America Act,” Trump said. “He literally called me about the Save America Act.”
Reconciliation 3.0
Graham would be part of any additional reconciliation packages Republicans intend to pass later this year. The Budget Committee oversees reconciliation bills, which must be budget-focused and comply with the Byrd Rule — an arcane Senate procedure that allows the upper chamber to filibuster with 60 votes.
Congress has already passed two reconciliation bills this year, including one big, positive bill and a bill to fund immigration enforcement agencies after federal agents from those agencies shot and killed two U.S. citizens earlier this year.
The third package – still incomplete and in flux – was expected to include military spending to restore stocks depleted by the war with Iran, affordability problems and fraud.
Graham’s death now derails any planning he had done on that bill and leaves the Appropriations Committee without a chair.
Appointment of Blanche
Acting US Attorney General Todd Blanche testifies before the House Appropriations Committee Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies subcommittee on oversight of the Department of Justice, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC, on June 2, 2026.
Brendan Smialowski | AFP | Getty Images
Trump’s pick for Attorney General, acting AG Todd Blanche, now faces a new challenge in Senate confirmation.
Graham served on the Judiciary Committee and was in line to succeed Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa, when his term expired. The committee consists of 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats, meaning any Republican defection, along with widespread Democratic opposition, could lead to impeachment. Graham’s death brings that tally to 11 for Republicans and 10 for Democrats.
Sen. Thom Tillis, RN.C., who is retiring at the end of his term and also serves on the Judiciary Committee, is currently undecided on Blanche’s nomination, although he said he has a good opinion of her and has met with Trump’s lawyer. If Tillis fails now, along with all Democrats, Blanche’s nomination will fail 11-10.
Ukrainian aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy meets with US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC), amid Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine on May 30, 2025.
President Presidential Press Ser | Via Reuters
Graham has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters as he repels Russian aggression that began in 2021. He was very critical of shepherding money through Congress and oiling the wheels for Trump to support aid to Ukraine.
The senator had just returned from Ukraine shortly before his death.
Trump, who took office promising to end the war in Ukraine, was more anti-national than his predecessor, former President Joe Biden. In the early days of his second term, Trump attacked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and publicly criticized him. Trump has also threatened to cut off aid to Ukraine on multiple occasions.
However, after much persuasion by Graham, the president was finally ready to help Ukraine as it fought against Russia. Trump recently said Ukraine would be licensed to manufacture Patriot missile interceptors, a long-standing defense program Ukraine has sought.
On Friday, Graham announced that he and several other lobbyists had reached an agreement with the White House to move forward with a new sanctions program against Russia.
“As Russia escalates its killing of civilians, it is imperative that the legislative and executive branches work together to create tools that will impose a heavy price on those who buy Russian oil and natural gas, fueling Putin’s war machine,” the senators said.
