Former Indiana Rep. Lee Hamilton, leader of Sept. 11 panel, dies

Hamilton was a prominent Democratic voice on foreign policy during his 30 years in Congress.

Feb. 4, 2026 at 4:15pm

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Former U.S. Representative Lee Hamilton, a longtime Democratic Congressman from Indiana who was a leading voice on foreign policy and co-chaired the 9/11 Commission, has died at the age of 92. Hamilton served in the House of Representatives for 34 years, establishing himself as an expert on international affairs and national security issues.

Why it matters

Hamilton's death marks the passing of a respected and influential political figure who played a key role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and the government's response to the 9/11 terrorist attacks. As co-chair of the 9/11 Commission, his work helped inform the country's counterterrorism efforts in the years following that tragic event.

The details

During his tenure in Congress from 1965 to 1999, Hamilton chaired the House Foreign Affairs Committee and the House Intelligence Committee, giving him significant influence over U.S. foreign policy. After retiring from Congress, he co-chaired the 9/11 Commission, which investigated the 2001 terrorist attacks and issued recommendations to prevent future such incidents.

  • Lee Hamilton served in the U.S. House of Representatives from 1965 to 1999.
  • Hamilton co-chaired the 9/11 Commission, which issued its final report in 2004.
  • Hamilton passed away on February 3, 2026 at the age of 92.

The players

Lee Hamilton

A longtime Democratic Congressman from Indiana who was a leading voice on foreign policy and national security issues during his 34 years in the House of Representatives.

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What they’re saying

“The United States must be — and must be seen as — an optimistic and benign power”

— Lee Hamilton

The takeaway

Lee Hamilton's passing marks the end of an era, as he was a respected and influential figure who played a crucial role in shaping U.S. foreign policy and the government's response to major national security challenges like the 9/11 attacks. His legacy as a bipartisan leader and foreign policy expert will continue to impact American politics for years to come.