Challenges in the Life of Patrick Leahy in a Detailed Timeline
Life is full of challenges, and Patrick Leahy faced many. Discover key struggles and how they were overcome.
Patrick Leahy is an American politician and attorney who served as a U.S. Senator for Vermont from 1975 to 2023. As a member of the Democratic Party, he held the position of president pro tempore of the Senate twice, from 2012 to 2015 and again from 2021 to 2023.
May 1981: Request to reject John Crowell Jr.'s nomination
In May 1981, Patrick Leahy and Senator Ted Kennedy requested that the Senate reject John Crowell Jr.'s nomination as Assistant Agriculture Secretary, citing concerns about Crowell's involvement in anti-competitive practices.
October 1981: Amendment to increase Energy Department's enforcement budget
In October 1981, Patrick Leahy introduced an amendment to increase the Energy Department's enforcement budget by $13 million, arguing against the Reagan administration's cuts. The amendment was defeated on October 28, 1981.
2000: Leahy Requests Delay in Implementing Section 304 in H.R. 4392
In 2000, Leahy cosigned a letter requesting a delay in implementing Section 304 in H.R. 4392, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001, citing concerns about conflicts with First Amendment rights and Whistleblower Protection Acts.
2001: Leahy Targeted in Anthrax Attacks
In 2001, Senator Leahy was one of two senators targeted in the anthrax attacks. The anthrax letter addressed to him was intercepted before reaching his office.
2003: Leahy Opposes Invasion of Iraq
In 2003, Leahy opposed the invasion of Iraq. He later wrote in his memoir that he found files that contradicted public statements made by Dick Cheney about Iraq.
March 2, 2006: Leahy Votes Against USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act
On March 2, 2006, Leahy was one of ten senators to vote against the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act, citing concerns about the appointment process for interim United States attorneys.
2008: Leahy criticizes alleged human rights violations during Operation Cast Lead
In 2008, Senator Leahy voiced his criticism of alleged human rights violations in the region, especially following Operation Cast Lead.
May 2011: Leahy Introduces Protect IP Act (PIPA)
In May 2011, Leahy introduced the Protect IP Act (PIPA) to the Senate, aimed at combating copyright piracy and counterfeit goods trafficking by foreign websites. Critics raised concerns about its potential impact on free expression and internet infrastructure.
2011: Leahy promoted bill to cut military aid to IDF units
In 2011, Senator Leahy initially promoted a bill to cut military aid to three elite IDF units after reports of human rights violations during the Gaza flotilla raid and in the West Bank and Gaza Strip.
February 2016: Leahy requests investigation into human rights violations by Egyptian and Israeli forces
In February 2016, Senator Leahy joined ten House of Representatives members in requesting the State Department to investigate suspected human rights violations by Egyptian and Israeli security forces. They cited claims of extrajudicial killings, which could trigger the Leahy Law and potentially suspend American military aid.
October 2016: Leahy requests halt to Dakota Access Pipeline
In October 2016, Senator Leahy and four other senators signed a letter to President Obama, requesting that the administration halt work on the Dakota Access Pipeline. They emphasized the need for transparency, tribal consultation, and environmental review in the permitting process.
February 2017: Leahy signs letter regarding Trump campaign and Russia
In February 2017, Patrick Leahy was among 11 senators who signed a letter to United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions. The letter expressed concern about allegations of collusion between the Trump campaign, transition team, and Administration with the Russian government. The senators requested an independent Special Counsel to investigate potential collusion by General Flynn and other Trump officials.
March 2017: Leahy warns of Medicaid cuts' impact on substance abuse treatment
In March 2017, Senator Leahy and 20 other senators signed a letter to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, warning that the American Health Care Act could negatively impact substance abuse treatment due to inadequate funding. They highlighted that Medicaid finances one-third of treatment for opioid and other substance use disorders and that cuts could lead to a "death spiral" for those affected.
March 2017: Leahy criticizes American Health Care Act
In March 2017, after House Republicans withdrew the American Health Care Act, Senator Leahy issued a statement highlighting the achievements of the Affordable Care Act. He criticized Republicans for attempting to repeal it with a bill he characterized as a tax cut for the wealthiest Americans.
June 2017: Leahy criticizes Trump's withdrawal from Paris Agreement
In June 2017, Senator Leahy responded to President Trump's announcement that the U.S. would withdraw from the Paris Agreement by calling it a "great leap backward." He stated his intention to protect Vermont's efforts in combating climate risk and to support clean energy innovation.
January 2018: Leahy Votes Against Temporary Funding During Government Shutdown
In January 2018, after the United States federal government shutdown commenced, Leahy was one of 18 senators to vote against temporary funding.
January 18, 2018: Leahy Opposes Stopgap Measure to Avert Government Shutdown
On January 18, 2018, Senator Leahy announced he would not support the stopgap measure for the fiscal year to avert a government shutdown, criticizing the House bill as "woefully inadequate" and stating that bipartisan support would require collaboration with Democrats.
February 2018: Leahy Requests Pentagon Cost Estimate for Trump's Military Parade
In February 2018, Leahy and three other senators signed a letter to the Secretary of Defense requesting the Pentagon estimate the cost and time needed for President Trump's military parade, deeming the parade "inappropriate and wasteful".
February 2018: Leahy urges Congress to act on immigration reform
In February 2018, following the Supreme Court's decision not to immediately consider the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, Senator Leahy emphasized the need for Congress to act on immigration reform.
March 2018: Leahy Requests Oversight Hearing on Trump Administration's Criticisms of FBI and Justice Department
In March 2018, Leahy wrote a letter to the Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman expressing his fear about the damage being done to the FBI and the nation's institutions, and requested an oversight hearing on the Trump administration's criticisms of the FBI and Justice Department.
May 2018: Leahy urges Trump not to withdraw from Iran nuclear deal
In May 2018, Senator Leahy was among 12 senators who signed a letter urging President Trump not to withdraw the U.S. from the Iran nuclear deal. They argued that doing so would either isolate the United States or allow Iran to resume its nuclear activities, both of which would be detrimental to U.S. national security interests.
June 2018: Leahy cautions Trump on lifting sanctions against North Korea
In June 2018, Senator Leahy was one of seven Democrats who cautioned President Trump against lifting sanctions against North Korea unless a nuclear agreement met specific standards. Following the North Korea-United States summit, Leahy commended Trump for beginning direct negotiations but expressed concern over halting military exercises with South Korea without verifiable commitments from North Korea.
June 2018: Leahy expresses concern over military lawyers prosecuting immigration cases
In June 2018, Senator Leahy, along with Senators Gillibrand and Ernst, wrote a letter to Secretary of Defense James Mattis. They expressed concern over the decision to send active and reserve JAGs to the border to prosecute immigration cases, deeming it an inappropriate use of military personnel.
August 2018: Leahy demands action on reuniting migrant children with families
In August 2018, Senator Leahy was one of 17 senators who signed a letter to Secretary of Homeland Security Kirstjen Nielsen, urging the Trump administration to take immediate action to reunite 539 migrant children with their families.
September 2018: Leahy criticizes transfer of FEMA budget to ICE
In September 2018, following the transfer of nearly $10 million from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) budget to US Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), Senator Leahy criticized the move and accused the administration of using demagoguery against immigrants.
October 2018: Leahy Requests Investigation into Jamal Khashoggi's Disappearance
In October 2018, Leahy, along with other senators, sent President Trump a letter requesting an investigation into the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act.
October 2018: Leahy urges reversal of policy affecting LGBTQIA+ diplomats' same-sex partners
In October 2018, Senator Leahy and 19 other senators urged Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to reverse the rollback of a policy that granted visas to same-sex partners of LGBTQIA+ diplomats whose unions were not recognized by their home countries. Leahy supported the Student Non-Discrimination Act and an LGBTQIA+-supportive amendment in the Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act.
December 2018: Leahy Expresses Concern Over Suspension of Nuclear Forces Treaty Obligations
In December 2018, Leahy and 25 other senators signed a letter expressing concern over the Trump administration's decision to suspend its obligations in the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty and calling on President Trump to continue arms negotiations.
December 2018: Leahy argues against administration's use of Affordable Care Act section
In December 2018, Senator Leahy joined 41 other senators in signing a letter to Trump administration officials. They contended that the administration was misusing Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act. They believed it would raise healthcare costs for millions and weaken protections for those with pre-existing conditions.
February 2019: Leahy urges EPA to set limits for PFAS in drinking water
In February 2019, Senator Leahy joined 19 other senators in signing a letter to the EPA, urging the agency to develop enforceable federal drinking water standards for perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) and to take immediate action to protect the public from contamination from other PFAS.
March 2019: Leahy Requests Release of Human Rights Activists in Saudi Arabia
In March 2019, Leahy was one of nine Democratic senators to sign a letter to Salman of Saudi Arabia requesting the release of human rights lawyer Waleed Abu al-Khair and writer Raif Badawi, women's rights activists Loujain al-Hathloul and Samar Badawi, and Dr. Walid Fitaih.
April 2019: Leahy introduces resolution to restore aid to West Bank and Gaza
In April 2019, after the Trump administration ceased providing money to the West Bank and Gaza, Senator Leahy and five other Democratic senators introduced a resolution to restore U.S. humanitarian aid to the region.
June 2019: Leahy Requests Investigation into USDA Retaliation and Political Decision-Making
In June 2019, Leahy and 18 other Democratic senators sent a letter to the USDA Inspector General requesting an investigation into instances of retaliation and political decision-making within the USDA.
June 2019: Leahy Requests Antitrust Investigations into Companies
In June 2019, Leahy was one of six Democrats who signed letters to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice requesting that each agency confirm whether it had opened antitrust investigations into companies, following enforcement actions taken by foreign competition enforcers against these same companies.
July 2019: Leahy opposes ending protection from deportation for families of active-duty service members
In July 2019, Senator Leahy and 21 other senators signed a letter opposing the Trump administration's plan to end the protection from deportation for spouses, parents, and children of active-duty service members. They argued that this protection allowed service members to focus on their duties without worrying about their families' deportation.
May 2020: Leahy opposes Israel's plan to annex parts of Palestinian territories
In May 2020, Senator Leahy voiced his opposition to Israel's plan to annex parts of the occupied Palestinian territories.
January 26, 2021: Leahy hospitalized after feeling ill
On January 26, 2021, Patrick Leahy was hospitalized as a precaution after feeling unwell. This occurred shortly after he was sworn in as the presiding officer for Trump's second impeachment trial. He was discharged later that day.
June 29, 2022: Leahy Fractures Hip
On June 29, 2022, Patrick Leahy fractured his hip after falling at his home in McLean, Virginia.
July 19, 2022: Leahy has a second operation related to his hip injury
On July 19, 2022, Patrick Leahy had a second operation related to his hip injury.
October 13, 2022: Leahy Hospitalized After Feeling Unwell
On October 13, 2022, Patrick Leahy was hospitalized again after feeling unwell, and was kept overnight for tests and observation.
2022: Leahy's Memoir Details Iraq War Opposition
In his 2022 memoir, Leahy detailed his opposition to the invasion of Iraq in 2003, mentioning discovering files that contradicted Dick Cheney's public statements.
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