WASHINGTON, DC – Liz Schrayer, President and CEO of the U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC), released the following statement on the passing of former Congressman Lee Hamilton (D-IN):

“The USGLC family mourns the loss of Congressman Lee Hamilton – a true statesman and steadfast champion of strong, principled American global leadership, who served as a founding Co-Chair of our Indiana State Advisory Committee.

Through decades of public service, including 34 years in the U.S. House of Representatives, Congressman Hamilton exemplified thoughtful, trustworthy, bipartisan leadership on key issues that advanced America’s economic prosperity and national security. As Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, he played a defining role in projecting American leadership in the post-Cold War era ‘as a source of optimism, [and] a beacon of freedom’ for the world, believing that ‘American power must be accompanied by American generosity.’

Congressman Hamilton’s belief in a comprehensive approach to national security was perhaps most clearly reflected in his service as Co-Chair of the 9/11 Commission. He helped shape a vision of American leadership that recognized the full spectrum of national power, codifying that diplomacy and international assistance are core components of strengthening our national security.

He brought his unmatched passion and expertise of how America should engage in the world to USGLC as a founding Co-Chair of Indiana’s State Advisory Committee alongside Senator Richard Lugar (R-IN). As he wrote just last year in an op-ed, ‘Foreign aid is a key tool of foreign policy. It’s not just charity. It’s how we exercise ‘soft power,’ maintaining relationships and strengthening our influence around the world… Helping people who are in need aligns with our values as a nation. We can’t fix all the world’s problems, but we can and should be a force for good.’

On a personal note, I will always be deeply grateful for Congressman Hamilton’s wisdom, kindness, and care for the people he served here at home – and those he impacted around the world. He was not only a towering figure in foreign policy but also a cherished friend and partner to me, and to so many in our community.

We extend our deepest condolences to his family, friends, and to the people of Indiana he served so honorably. His life’s work stands as a lasting testament to the power of bipartisanship and tireless public service.”

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