Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) speaks to reporters outside the West Wing of the White House in Washington, DC on February 28, 2025. Following a heated exchange in the Oval Office between Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and US President Donald Trump, Graham told reporters that Zelensky should resign.
Chip Somodevilla | Getty Images News | getty images
The death of Senator Lindsey Graham is a major setback for Washington’s policy efforts, as Congress has lost one of its top White House whisperers and coalition builders.
Graham, R-S.C., who has died aged 71, was a Senate stalwart whose close relationship with President Donald Trump helped the upper chamber strike a series of deals and secure aid for allies such as Ukraine. Graham, who chaired the Senate Budget Committee, played an integral role in passing Trump’s flagship reconciliation tax-and-spending legislation, known as “a big, beautiful bill.”
He also served on the Appropriations, Judiciary, and Environment and Public Works committees and was known for his work across a wide range of policy issues.
Graham’s death comes as the Senate is working to advance many of Trump’s priorities ahead of the tough midterm elections in November, and his passing is likely to complicate those efforts. The long list of unfinished business also includes the Save America Act, Trump’s much-awaited voter-ID bill; a third reconciliation bill to address affordability and replenish the military; and the confirmation of Attorney General nominee Todd Blanch.
Save America Act
Graham was a staunch supporter of The Save America Act, Trump’s laundry list bill, would require voter ID and proof of citizenship to vote, along with several other White House priorities. Despite strong chances of becoming law, Trump’s attention has been focused almost entirely on this bill.
Trump lamented on NBC’s “Meet the Press” on Sunday that it would be difficult to pass the Save America Act without Graham’s support.
“Let me tell you, this is a major blow to the Save America Act,” Trump said. “He was pushing the Save America Act like crazy.”
The Save America Act, especially the version being pushed by Trump, faced enormous odds of becoming law with or without Graham. Given strong Democratic opposition, this was far short of the 60 votes needed to overcome the Senate filibuster.
However, Graham’s death will make it more difficult for the Senate to overcome the difficult obstacles of passing the Save America Act. Trump said he spoke to Graham on Saturday night about the bill.
“They called and said we’re all set for the Save America Act,” Trump said. “They literally called me about the Save America Act.”
Reconciliation 3.0
Graham would have been an integral part of any addition Republicans aim to pass a reconciliation package by the end of this year. The Budget Committee handles reconciliation bills, which must be budget-focused and comply with the Byrd Rule – an arcane Senate procedure that allows the upper chamber to avoid a 60-vote filibuster.
Congress has already passed two reconciliation bills this year, including a big, beautiful bill and a bill to defund immigration enforcement agencies after federal agents from those agencies shot and killed two American citizens earlier this year.
A third package – still not fully finalized and largely in change – was expected to include military spending to replenish reserves depleted by the war with Iran, affordability issues and fraud.
Graham’s death now throws into disarray any plans made for that bill and leaves the Budget Committee without a chairman.
blanche nomination
Acting U.S. Attorney General Todd Blanch testifies at a hearing of the House Appropriations Committee Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies subcommittee on oversight of the Justice Department on Capitol Hill on June 2, 2026 in Washington, DC.
Brandon Smialowski | AFP | getty images
Trump’s choice for attorney general, acting AG Todd Blanch, now faces a new hurdle for Senate confirmation.
Graham had served on the Judiciary Committee and was next in line to take the position when Chairman Chuck Grassley, R-Iowa,’s term ended. The committee consists of 12 Republicans and 10 Democrats, meaning any Republican defection with full Democratic opposition would result in a deadlock. With Graham’s death, that number has dropped to 11 Republicans and 10 Democrats.
Sen Thom Tillis, R-N.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 positive attitude toward her and has been found With Trump’s former personal lawyer. Should Tillis now defect along with all Democrats, Blanche’s nomination would fail 11–10.
ukraine aid
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with US Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) in Kiev, Ukraine, on May 30, 2025, amid Russia’s attack on Ukraine.
Ukrainian Presidential Press Service via reuters
Graham has been one of Ukraine’s staunchest supporters as it fends off Russia’s invasion beginning in 2021. He has been key in pushing for Trump to push funding through Congress to support aid to Ukraine.
The senator had returned from Ukraine just before his death.
Trump, who came to office promising to end the war in Ukraine, was significantly more hostile to the country than his predecessor, former President Donald Trump. Joe Biden. In the first days of his second term, Trump hosted Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and publicly scolded him. Trump has also threatened on several occasions to cut off aid to Ukraine.
However, after much lobbying by Graham, the President finally agreed to aid Ukraine as it is fighting Russia. Trump recently said that Ukraine would be given a license to make it patriot missile Interceptor, a long-range defense system that Ukraine had been demanding for a long time.
on friday, Graham announced He and several other senators had reached an agreement with the White House to advance an updated sanctions package targeted at Russia.
“As Russia escalates its killing of civilians, it is imperative that the legislative and executive branches work together to create tools to impose heavier costs on those who buy Russian oil and natural gas, fueling Putin’s war machine,” the senators said.