Rep. Moran mourns death of Senator Graham

TYLER – United States Congressman Nathaniel Moran of Tyler mourned fellow Republican and United States Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, after the senator died on Saturday night. Graham, a four-term United States Senator, was 71 when he died of a “brief and sudden illness” on Saturday evening. Moran said he was saddened by Graham’s death and lauded the senator’s support for the American military around the globe.

“Saddened to learn of the passing of Senator Lindsey Graham. He gave more than two decades of incredible service to the people of South Carolina and to this country,” Moran said on Sunday. “As a staunch defense and foreign policy hawk, he correctly understood the critical role America plays in defense of the cause of freedom. My prayers are with his family, his staff, and all who loved him.”

As Moran noted, Graham was a prominent supporter of the United States’ foreign military aid to countries like Ukraine and Israel. Graham had visited both Ukraine and Israel several times over his four terms in the United States Senate and had just returned from his most recent visit to Ukraine this week when he died.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu both issued tributes to Graham following his death. Many prominent United States politicians also shared tributes to Graham, including President Donald Trump, Vice President J.D. Vance and U.S. Senator for Texas Ted Cruz.

“Lindsey was a fearless patriot, a devoted public servant, and one of the fiercest advocates for America’s national security,” Cruz said on Sunday.

Tributes also came in from across the aisle for Graham. Former President Joe Biden served with Graham in Congress and lauded Graham’s love for the Senate, despite Graham being a Republican and Biden being a Democrat.

“We disagreed often, and sometimes loudly. Lindsey and I did agree on the profound importance of public service. Like me, he loved the Senate as an institution, even with all its flaws and complexities,” Biden said. “To his family, his staff, his constituents in South Carolina, and everyone who loved him: Jill and I are keeping you in our prayers.”

Former President George W. Bush said the news of Graham’s death was shocking. Bush praised the Palmetto State senator’s support for America’s military engagement around the globe and his love for the United States.

“He was a knowledgeable Senator who understood how the world works and how important America’s international engagement is to resist tyranny,” Bush wrote on Sunday. “He was a kind and funny man who loved our country and loved serving it. South Carolina was fortunate to have such a committed public servant in its corner. And I was fortunate to have known Lindsey Graham.”