Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) is no longer with us. He passed away suddenly last Saturday night, suffering what appears to be an aortic dissection. He had just returned from a trip to Ukraine. He was 71. There have been times when we criticized the South Carolina Republican, but he did more good than bad; he was funny, tough, and a crucial member of the Senate Republican caucus. And we’re now entering legislative waters where everything is at risk of capsizing.
Before Graham passed away, we knew his docket was always full. He aimed to ratify a US-Saudi defense treaty during the lame duck session after the midterms, using a pathway for a Palestinian state to secure Democratic votes for the deal. He also pressured the Israelis to support it unless they wanted to risk losing normalized relations with Saudi Arabia—something the Saudis require for formal ties between Riyadh and Jerusalem.
He was already finishing the final touches on a Russian sanctions bill that’s now seen as something the upper chamber will pass to honor the late senator. He was also eager to pass the SAVE America Act. Oh, and there’s the reconciliation package and the attorney general nomination of Todd Blanche. We’re still not scratching the surface.
Lindsey Graham's death causes a complication for Republicans not many people are talking about. He was Budget Cmte chair, a critical seat for a proposed 3rd reconciliation bill. Now his replacement,Ron Johnson, will likely demand giant cuts in any package.https://t.co/QgKZzUYrZv pic.twitter.com/xqeaLox2lJ
— David Dayen (@ddayen) July 13, 2026
All these elements are now at risk. Graham’s experience, institutional knowledge, retail politicking, and personable demeanor made him the go-to person for striking deals, settling disputes, and restoring balance to the room. Lindsey kept the big, important bill on track and ensured the GOP had a strategy and a clear plan to fund the Department of Homeland Security, even as the Democrats played games and shut down the agency in February. Graham was not just a key depth piece; he was arguably one of the folks who made things move. He got things done, and now the rudder has been shot out from under us.
Who will be the new ‘guy’ or ‘gal’ who can do this? Be the bridge between the Senate GOP and the Trump White House, someone who can negotiate deals with Democrats during these tough times, since their base is wild, and keep everything running smoothly? Some folks say Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL) has done some excellent behind-the-scenes work, but this is like expecting Anthony Volpe of the New York Yankees to become Derek Jeter. That’s not realistic. Britt is good. Volper is good. But they’re being asked to replace legends.
Whoever it is, there must be a grace period. Mistakes will happen, but the show must go on. In the House, they’re moving forward with the reconciliation 3.0 markup this week.
There’s a lot on the table that could sink. Everyone, buckle up.