April 17, 2024 Press Release WASHINGTON, DC — Congressman Steny H. Hoyer (MD-05) released the following statement today on the passing of former Senator Bob Graham: “I join people throughout America in mourning the loss of my dear friend former Senator Bob Graham, who passed away yesterday. He devoted his life to serving his fellow Floridians – as a member of the Florida Senate, as a governor, as a United States senator, and as a citizen. His passing is a tremendous loss for our nation. “With great intellect, character, civility, and respect for others, Senator Graham fought to make Florida and America better than he found them. He was an avid environmentalist, establishing the landmark Save the Everglades program as governor and later serving as co-chair of the National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling in 2010. Indeed, Senator Graham was no stranger to leading amid times of crisis, having served as Chair of the Senate Intelligence Committee during the September 11 attacks. No matter the challenge at hand, Bob navigated it with composure and sound judgement, as well as diligent attention to detail and notetaking. “America needs more leaders like Senator Graham today. Fortunately, he took it upon himself to help teach the next generation by establishing the University of Florida's Bob Graham Center For Public Service. That new generation includes his daughter Assistant Secretary of Education Gwen Graham, who is another dear friend of mine and who has also served her country well in Congress and in the Biden-Harris Administration. My prayers are with Senator Graham’s beloved wife Adele, his four daughters, and the rest of their family. I know their nation joins them in grieving the loss of a great and good man: Bob Graham.”