Republican Senate Faces Uncertain Agenda After Graham's Death and McConnell's Hospitalization
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Senate Republicans returned to Washington amid the sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham and the ongoing hospitalization of Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, leaving the party's legislative agenda unclear.
Senate Republicans convened in Washington on Monday with a vague legislative roadmap after the unexpected death of South Carolina Senator Lindsey Graham and the continued hospitalization of Minority Leader Mitch McConnell. Graham, 71, died Saturday from an aortic dissection, according to a statement from his office, shortly after returning from a trip to Ukraine. Governor Henry McMaster appointed Graham's sister, Darline Graham Nordone, as a temporary replacement until a special election later this year.
The loss of Graham, a senior member of the Appropriations and Budget Committees and chairman of the Judiciary Committee, comes as Republicans grapple with internal divisions and strained relations with President Donald Trump. Trump praised Graham on "Meet the Press," saying he was a “great…temperature gauge of the Senate” and could secure approvals for legislation.
Majority Leader John Thune honored Graham on the Senate floor, noting his loyalty and influence. Meanwhile, bipartisan efforts on a Russia-sanctions package that Graham had helped negotiate were highlighted by Democratic Senator Richard Blumenthal, who expressed hope that Graham’s memory would motivate further action.
Republicans also face the task of confirming Trump’s nominees for attorney general and director of national intelligence, as well as averting a government shutdown before the fiscal year ends on Sept. 30. The Senate’s reduced Republican margin (53-47) adds complexity to navigating Democratic opposition and the president’s policy priorities.
McConnell, who has been hospitalized since June after a fall and treatment for pneumonia, announced on Sunday that he remains in a rehabilitation facility and is not yet able to return to Senate duties. He confirmed that he suffered no broken bones, concussion, heart attack, or stroke, but needs time to regain strength.