Lee Hamilton, Longtime Indiana Congressman, Dies at 94

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Lee Hamilton, a longtime U.S. Congressman who represented Indiana's 9th Congressional District for over three decades, has died at the age of 94. Hamilton was known for his work on national investigations, including serving as vice chair of the commission that reviewed the September 11th terrorist attacks and leading the House committee that examined covert arms sales involving Iran. After retiring from Congress in 1999, Hamilton continued his public service work and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2015.

Why it matters

Hamilton was a respected and influential figure in Indiana politics, serving his constituents for over 30 years in Congress. He played key roles in major national investigations and maintained a long relationship with Indiana University, where he earned his law degree and helped establish the Center on Representative Government.

The details

Hamilton served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1965 until his retirement in 1999, representing Indiana's 9th Congressional District. During his time in Congress, he was involved in several high-profile national investigations, including serving as vice chair of the commission that reviewed the September 11th terrorist attacks and leading the House committee that examined covert arms sales involving Iran. After leaving Congress, Hamilton continued his public service work and was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2015.

• Hamilton was born on April 30, 1931 in Daytona Beach, Florida.
• He served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1965 until his retirement in 1999.
• Hamilton was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President Barack Obama in 2015.