Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan opened her testimony before the House Appropriations Committee Tuesday by offering condolences following the death of Sen.Lindsey Graham, R-Ky., who died Saturday from a ruptured aorta."I wish to express the entire court's condolences to his, his sister, the rest of his family, his many friends and colleagues here in the House, in the Senate and elsewhere on behalf of the entire court," Kagan said.Kagan spent the majority of her tribute to Graham reflecting on Graham's role in her 2010 confirmation, noting that he was one of just five Senate Republicans to vote in favor of her nomination after she was selected by then-President Barack Obama.
Graham's bipartisan support stood out at the time and has become even more notable as Supreme Court confirmation votes have grown increasingly polarized along party lines.Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan opened her testimony before the House Appropriations Committee by offering condolences following the death of Sen.Lindsey Graham, R-Ky., who died Saturday from a ruptured aorta.
(Kenny Holston-Pool/Getty Images; Kent Nishimura /AFP via Getty Images)SUPREME COURT JUSTICES HEAD TO CAPITOL HILL FOR FIRST CONGRESSIONAL APPEARANCE SINCE 2019"Not many Republicans vote for the nominees of somebody selected by a Democratic president, and not many Democrats do the same for someone selected by a Republican president," Kagan said."And one would not expect, such a cross party, if you will vote, certainly from somebody from a deep red or deep blue state.
And yet, Senator Graham voted for me.""And I vividly remember, because he was a vivid person.The conversation that we had in his office prior to my hearing, where he got to know me, it was a long conversation," Kagan continued.
"He took the opportunity to get to know me."She shared that although she did not know Graham well that he will be remembered for his sense of humor. Supreme Court Justice Elena Kagan opened her testimony before the House Appro...