Lee Herbert Hamilton

Lee Herbert Hamilton, a distinguished American statesman known for his unwavering commitment to bipartisanship and foreign policy expertise, passed away peacefully on February 3, 2026, at his home in Bloomington, Indiana. He was 94 years old. Hamilton's career spanned over three decades in the U.S. House of Representatives, where he earned a reputation as a thoughtful and respected voice on national and international affairs.

A Democrat representing Indiana's 9th Congressional District from 1965 to 1999, Hamilton was a prominent figure in some of the most critical foreign policy debates of his era. He chaired both the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Intelligence Committee, playing a pivotal role in shaping the nation's approach to global challenges. His dedication to accountability was evident during his co-chairmanship of the Iran-Contra investigations in the late 1980s.

Following his retirement from Congress, Hamilton continued his profound public service. He notably served as the vice chairman of the 9/11 Commission, which produced a landmark report leading to significant reforms in U.S. intelligence and homeland security. He later co-chaired the Iraq Study Group, offering crucial recommendations on the Iraq War strategy.

Hamilton's lifelong contributions were recognized with numerous accolades, including the Presidential Medal of Freedom, awarded by President Barack Obama in 2015. His legacy of integrity, wisdom, and dedication to democratic ideals continues to inspire, particularly through institutions like the Hamilton Lugar School of Global and International Studies at Indiana University, which bears his name.