Politics

Lindsey Graham’s Death Expected To Cause Major Hurdles For Senate GOP

Sen. Lindsey Graham (Gage Skidmore / Wikimedia Commons)

Republican South Carolina Sen. Lindsey Graham’s death will cause several hurdles for Senate Republicans as they try to pass their legislative agenda.

Graham died suddenly Sunday at 71 from an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease, according to a preliminary report. His position on the Senate Budget Committee and his strong support for President Donald Trump’s agenda could cause an even bumpier road for Senate Republicans just weeks before the August recess.

Graham would have been a crucial vote for advancing acting Attorney General Todd Blanche’s nomination out of the Senate Judiciary Committee. It is unclear whether retiring Republican North Carolina Sen. Thom Tillis will back Blanche, stating in June that he would not commit to supporting his confirmation if he indicated that the Department of Justice (DOJ) would not be independent from Trump’s influence.

The South Carolina senator also chaired the Senate Budget Committee and would have led the effort to pass a third reconciliation bill. The package would include $350 billion in defense spending and measures aimed at cutting waste, fraud and abuse.

 Republican Wisconsin Sen. Ron Johnson, who is set to take over for Graham, is a well-known fiscal hawk who has demanded cuts to federal spending, especially social programs, according to Punchbowl News. Before Graham’s passing, Senate Majority Leader John Thune appeared skeptical of passing another reconciliation package.

Graham was also set to replace 92-year-old Republican Iowa Sen. Chuck Grassley as the next Senate Judiciary chairman, according to Politico. Republican Sens. Mike Lee of Utah, Ted Cruz of Texas or Josh Hawley of Missouri will be the most senior Republicans on the committee.

The South Carolina senator was a staunch supporter of the Safeguard America Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act, which would require proof of citizenship and government identification before voting. Graham introduced an amendment to amend the election integrity bill into the Secure America Act, a massive immigration spending package that Trump signed into law on June 10. The amendment did not receive the necessary votes to be attached.

Trump refused to sign a bipartisan housing bill into law Friday because the legislation had not passed. He threatened on June 17 to oppose the reauthorization of Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) if the SAVE America Act was not attached.

The Senate is set to take up its version of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA). Graham’s role on the Senate Armed Services Committee removed a reliable “yes” vote, which could complicate its passage.

Republican Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell remained hospitalized at the time of Graham’s death and missed several votes.

A special election will be held in South Carolina on Aug. 11 to replace Graham on the ballot, and a special election will take place on Aug. 25 if necessary. Republican South Carolina Gov. Republican South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has the power to appoint a replacement until January 2027.