Key facts
- Senator Lindsey Graham, who died at 71, is being recognized for his work on climate policy and bipartisan energy solutions.
- Graham collaborated with John Kerry in 2009 on a climate bill that included cap-and-trade mechanisms and support for oil, natural gas, and nuclear energy.
- Following Graham's death, Republicans are divided on how to best honor his legacy.
- Some Republicans are pushing for a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russia, which Graham had supported.
- President Trump suggested passing the SAVE America Act, an elections bill Graham supported, in his memory.
Republicans are divided on how best to honor the legacy of Senator Lindsey Graham, who died at 71. While some colleagues and advocacy groups highlight his pragmatic approach to climate negotiation and bipartisan energy solutions, others are pushing for different legislative tributes.
President Donald Trump has suggested passing the SAVE America Act, an elections bill Graham supported, citing a final conversation with the senator. Senators Josh Hawley and Mike Lee have echoed this sentiment, urging colleagues to pass the bill in Graham's memory.
Conversely, many senators favor honoring Graham's legacy through a bipartisan sanctions bill targeting Russia, which Graham had been actively promoting and had secured White House support for. This proposal aligns with Graham's reputation as a staunch Russia hawk and his recent activities, including returning from a NATO summit and a visit to Ukraine.