Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan opened her testimony before the House Appropriations Committee on Tuesday, July 14, 2026, by expressing condolences following the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-Ky., who passed away on the evening of July 11, 2026, at age 71 from a ruptured aorta.

"I wish to express the entire court's condolences to his, his sister, the rest of his family, his many friends and colleagues here in the House, in the Senate and elsewhere on behalf of the entire court," Kagan said.

Kagan reflected extensively on Graham's role in her 2010 Supreme Court confirmation, noting he was one of only five Senate Republicans to vote in favor of her nomination after she was selected by then-President Barack Obama. She highlighted the rarity of such bipartisan support, especially from a senator representing a deeply red state.

Recalling a memorable moment from the hearing, Kagan said, "I think Al Franken said he was the funniest man in the Senate, but what I remember about that hearing was that somehow Senator Graham made me look funny, which is a harder thing entirely, by asking me what I had done on Christmas the following year." She added, "But many people said to me afterwards, that exchange with Senator Graham was the moment my confirmation was sealed."

Kagan also remembered the lengthy conversation they had in Graham's office before the hearing, where he took the opportunity to get to know her personally.

Graham's bipartisan vote stood out at the time and has become even more notable as Supreme Court confirmation votes have grown increasingly polarized along party lines.

Sources