"Patrick Joseph Leahy served as a Democratic Senator for Vermont from 1975 to 2023. During his tenure, he also held the position of president pro tempore of the United States Senate twice, from 2012 to 2015 and again from 2021 to 2023. Before his political career, he worked as an attorney."
March 31, 1940: Patrick Leahy Born
Patrick Leahy was born in Montpelier, Vermont on March 31, 1940.
1957: Graduated High School
Patrick Leahy graduated from St. Michael's High School in Montpelier, Vermont in 1957.
1961: Graduated from Saint Michael's College
Patrick Leahy graduated from Saint Michael's College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in government in 1961.
1962: Marriage to Marcelle Pomerleau
Patrick Leahy married Marcelle Pomerleau in 1962.
1964: Received Juris Doctor from Georgetown University
Patrick Leahy received his Juris Doctor from the Georgetown University Law Center in 1964.
January 1965: Appointed Assistant to the Legislative Draftsman
Patrick Leahy was appointed as an assistant to Lewis E. Springer Jr., the legislative draftsman for the Vermont General Assembly in January 1965.
May 1966: Appointed State's Attorney of Chittenden County
Vermont Governor Hoff appointed Patrick Leahy State's Attorney of Chittenden County after the incumbent resigned in May 1966.
1970: Re-elected as State's Attorney
Patrick Leahy was re-elected to a full term as State's Attorney of Chittenden County in 1970.
1971: Elected Vice President of National Association of District Attorneys
Patrick Leahy was elected vice president of the National Association of District Attorneys in 1971.
1974: Named One of the Country's Top Prosecutors
The National Association of District Attorneys names Patrick Leahy as one of the country's three outstanding prosecutors in 1974.
1974: First Election to the U.S. Senate
Patrick Leahy ran for the United States Senate and won against Republican Richard W. Mallary in 1974.
1975: Elected to the U.S. Senate
In 1975, Patrick Leahy was elected to the United States Senate.
1980: Defeated Republican Stewart Ledbetter for Senate Seat
Patrick Leahy defeated Republican Stewart Ledbetter by a small margin to retain his Senate seat in 1980.
May 1981: Opposed John Crowell Jr.'s Nomination
Senators Leahy and Kennedy requested that the Senate reject John Crowell Jr.'s nomination as Assistant Agriculture Secretary in May 1981.
October 1981: Introduced Amendment to Increase Energy Department Budget
Leahy introduced an amendment that would have increased the Energy Department's enforcement budget by $13 million in October 1981. He called the Reagan administration's cuts to the enforcement budget "de facto amnesty" for violations made by alleged increases in prices for oil companies. The amendment was defeated in the Senate on October 28 by a vote of 48 to 43.
December 2, 1981: Voted for Amendment to Reagan's MX Missiles Proposal
Leahy voted for an amendment to Reagan's MX missiles proposal that would divert the silo system by $334 million on December 2, 1981. The vote was seen as a rebuff of the Reagan administration.
March 11, 1982: Leahy Votes Against Anti-Abortion Measure
On March 11, 1982, Senator Patrick Leahy voted against a measure sponsored by Orrin Hatch that aimed to reverse Roe v. Wade and allow Congress and states to adopt laws banning abortions. This marked the first time a congressional committee supported an anti-abortion amendment.
March 1982: Appointed to Senate Select Committee
Leahy was named to the Senate Select Committee to Study Law Enforcement Undercover Activities of the Department of Justice, an eight-member select committee formed to investigate undercover operations in March 1982. The resolution introducing the committee was the result of Harrison A. Williams's resignation for his involvement in the Abscam sting operation.
December 23, 1982: Voted for Gasoline Tax Increase
Leahy voted for a five-cent per gallon increase on gasoline taxes across the U.S. to finance highway repairs and mass transit on December 23, 1982. The bill passed on the last day of the 97th United States Congress.
October 19, 1983: Voted for Martin Luther King Jr. Day
Leahy voted for a bill establishing Martin Luther King Jr. Day on October 19, 1983. Reagan signed the legislation the next month.
March 1984: Voted Against Constitutional Amendment on School Prayer
Leahy voted against a proposed constitutional amendment authorizing periods in public school for silent prayer, and against Reagan's unsuccessful proposal for a constitutional amendment permitting organized school prayer in public schools in March 1984.
1986: Won Re-election Against Richard Snelling
Patrick Leahy won re-election to the Senate in 1986 against former Governor Richard Snelling, taking 63 percent of the vote.
January 3, 1987: Senate Agriculture Committee Chair
On January 3, 1987, Leahy was appointed chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee.
1987: Chairmanship of the Agriculture Committee
Leahy assumed the role of Chairman of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee in 1987.
1987: Lawsuit Against Agriculture Secretary
Leahy filed a lawsuit against Agriculture Secretary Richard Edmund Lyng in 1987.
1988: Opposition to Supreme Court Nominees
In 1988, Leahy stated that Senate Democrats would oppose hearings for any Supreme Court nominee put forth by President Reagan if an acceptable candidate was not found to replace Lewis F. Powell Jr., following the rejections of Robert Bork and the withdrawal of Douglas Ginsburg.
May 1989: Urged Withdrawal of Federal Inspection Reductions
In May 1989, Leahy urged the Department of Agriculture to retract proposals concerning the reduction of federal inspections.
May 1990: Introduction of the Consumer Seafood Safety Act
Leahy and Representative Dan Glickman introduced the Consumer Seafood Safety Act in May 1990. The bill aimed to improve the safety standards of fish inspections.
February 1992: Loan Guarantee Proposal for Israel
Amidst efforts by the George H.W. Bush administration and Israeli officials to negotiate a loan guarantee package in February 1992, Leahy threatened to introduce his own plan if an agreement was not reached. Leahy followed through, proposing a plan to provide Israel with $10 billion in loan guarantees, distributed at a rate of up to $2 billion annually for five years.
1992: Bill to Ban Landmine Exports
In 1992, Leahy authored a bill to prohibit the export of landmines, marking the first law of its kind.
1992: Foreword for "The Dark Knight Archives, Volume 1"
Leahy, a known comic book enthusiast, authored the foreword for "The Dark Knight Archives, Volume 1," a compilation of early Batman comics released in 1992.
1992: Won Re-election Against Jim Douglas
Patrick Leahy won re-election to the Senate against Secretary of State of Vermont Jim Douglas in 1992.
March 1994: Pledge to Protect TEFAP Funding
During a March 1994 press conference, Leahy committed to preserving funding for The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP), emphasizing its importance and drawing a parallel to his 1987 lawsuit against Agriculture Secretary Richard Edmund Lyng.
August 1994: Advocacy for Healthier School Lunches
In August 1994, Leahy participated in a press conference alongside the health advocacy group Public Voice, where he advocated for stronger federal efforts to improve the nutritional quality of school lunches.
December 1994: Support for Agriculture Department Downsizing
Leahy lauded the Agriculture Department's downsizing efforts in December 1994, praising its closure of 1,274 field offices as a model for other agencies.
1995: End of Agriculture Committee Chairmanship
Leahy's tenure as Chairman of the Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Committee concluded in 1995.
1995: Cameo Appearance in "Batman Forever" and Voice Role in "Batman: The Animated Series"
Leahy made an uncredited cameo appearance in the film "Batman Forever" in 1995. That same year, he provided the voice for a territorial governor in an episode of "Batman: The Animated Series" titled "Showdown."
1995: Leahy Votes Against Partial-Birth Abortion Ban
In 1995, Senator Patrick Leahy voted against the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, a proposal aiming to restrict certain abortion procedures.
1996: Preface Essay for "Batman: Death of Innocents"
Leahy wrote the preface essay for the graphic novel "Batman: Death of Innocents" in 1996, which addressed the issue of landmines.
1997: Leahy Votes for Partial-Birth Abortion Ban
Between 1997 and 2003, Senator Patrick Leahy voted in favor of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, showing a shift in his stance on the issue.
1997: Cameo Appearance in "Batman & Robin"
Leahy had a cameo appearance as himself in the 1997 film "Batman & Robin."
1998: Endorsement from Fred Tuttle
In the 1998 United States Senate election in Vermont, Leahy received an endorsement from Republican candidate Fred Tuttle, a retired farmer and actor known for his role in the mockumentary "Man with a Plan." Tuttle's endorsement was a testament to Leahy's character and their shared Vermont heritage.
October 1999: Vote for Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty
Leahy cast his vote in favor of the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty in October 1999, a treaty aimed at prohibiting underground nuclear testing.
2000: Opposition to Section 304 of H.R. 4392
Leahy co-signed a letter in 2000 expressing concerns about Section 304 of H.R. 4392, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2001. The letter argued that the proposed amendment, which aimed to criminalize the unauthorized disclosure of information, could potentially infringe upon First Amendment rights and whistleblower protections.
2001: Target of Anthrax Attack
Leahy was one of two senators targeted in the 2001 anthrax attacks, although the letter intended for him was intercepted before reaching his office.
2001: Beginning of First Judiciary Committee Chairmanship
Leahy's first term as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee began in 2001.
September 13, 2002: Call for West Nile Virus Investigation
On September 13, 2002, Leahy suggested that an investigation be conducted to determine if the West Nile Virus was a result of bioterrorism.
2003: Leahy Votes for Partial-Birth Abortion Ban
Between 1997 and 2003, Senator Patrick Leahy voted in favor of the Partial-Birth Abortion Ban Act, supporting restrictions on certain abortion procedures.
2003: Opposition to the Iraq War
Leahy expressed his opposition to the invasion of Iraq in 2003.
2003: End of First Judiciary Committee Chairmanship
Leahy's first term as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee ended in 2003.
March 2004: Introduction of the Pirate Act
In March 2004, Leahy and Senator Orrin Hatch, with support from the Recording Industry Association of America, introduced the Pirate Act, a bill intended to address copyright infringement.
June 22, 2004: Altercation with Vice President Cheney
Leahy and Vice President Dick Cheney had a heated exchange on June 22, 2004, following a U.S. Senate class photo session. Cheney's outburst, which included the phrase "Go fuck yourself," stemmed from Leahy's criticism of Halliburton's operations in Iraq.
July 2004: Introduction of the INDUCE Act
Leahy and Hatch introduced the INDUCE Act in July 2004, aiming to combat copyright infringement.
November 2, 2004: Election Victory
On November 2, 2004, Leahy won re-election to the Senate, defeating businessman Jack McMullen with a significant majority of the vote.
2004: UVM Honors College Founded
The University of Vermont's Honors College, focused on experiential learning, was founded in 2004.
September 21, 2005: Support for John Roberts
On September 21, 2005, Leahy announced his support for the nomination of John Roberts to serve as Chief Justice of the United States Supreme Court.
January 19, 2006: Opposition to Samuel Alito
Leahy declared his intention to vote against the confirmation of Samuel Alito as a Supreme Court Justice on January 19, 2006.
March 2, 2006: Opposition to Patriot Act Extension
On March 2, 2006, Leahy was among a minority of senators who opposed the USA PATRIOT Improvement and Reauthorization Act, a bill that extended the USA PATRIOT Act.
December 2006: Criticism of Post-9/11 Power Dynamics
In December 2006, during a speech at Georgetown University Law School, Leahy criticized the Bush administration's handling of power in the aftermath of the September 11 attacks. He accused the White House of prioritizing its own authority over other branches of government and neglecting congressional oversight.
January 18, 2007: Questioning of Alberto Gonzales
Leahy gained significant attention for his questioning of Attorney General Alberto Gonzales regarding the Maher Arar case and the practice of extraordinary rendition on January 18, 2007.
March 2007: Overturning Interim Appointment Provision
In March 2007, both the Senate and the House voted to overturn a provision that allowed the Attorney General to make interim appointments for U.S. attorneys without a term limit or Senate confirmation.
July 1, 2007: Advocacy for FISA Revision
During an interview on July 1, 2007, Leahy expressed his support for legal eavesdropping and recommended revisions to the Federal Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA) to facilitate investigations into potential terrorists.
2007: Beginning of Second Judiciary Committee Chairmanship
Leahy began his second stint as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee in 2007.
2008: Support for Israel, Criticism of Human Rights Violations
Leahy has consistently supported Israel's right to self-defense while also expressing concerns about alleged human rights violations in the region, particularly following the 2008 Gaza War (Operation Cast Lead). He has sought to balance support for Israel with advocacy for human rights.
2008: Cameo Appearance in "The Dark Knight"
Leahy appeared as a fundraiser guest who confronts the Joker in the 2008 film "The Dark Knight."
2008: Endorsement of Barack Obama
Leahy endorsed Barack Obama, then a junior senator from Illinois, for president in the 2008 election and participated in a radio ad for Obama's campaign in Vermont.
May 2009: Nomination of Sonia Sotomayor
In May 2009, President Obama nominated Sonia Sotomayor to the Supreme Court.
September 20, 2010: Introduction of the COICA
Leahy introduced the Combating Online Infringement and Counterfeits Act (COICA) on September 20, 2010, a bill designed to grant courts the power to issue orders against websites that violate copyright laws.
December 2010: Vote for New START Treaty Ratification
Leahy voted in favor of ratifying the New START treaty in December 2010, a significant nuclear arms reduction agreement between the U.S. and Russia, limiting strategic warheads and launchers.
May 2011: Introduction of the Protect IP Act
Leahy introduced the Protect IP Act (PIPA) in the Senate in May 2011. The bill aimed to provide the U.S. government and copyright holders with more tools to combat online copyright infringement and the trade of counterfeit goods, particularly from websites operating outside the U.S.
2011: Proposed Cut to IDF Aid Over Human Rights Concerns
In 2011, Leahy put forward a proposal to reduce military aid to specific Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) units due to reports of human rights abuses during the Gaza flotilla raid and in the West Bank and Gaza Strip. This proposal reflected Leahy's commitment to using U.S. aid to promote human rights.
May 2012: Advocacy for Affordable Care Act
In May 2012, Leahy delivered a speech on the Senate floor advocating for the constitutionality of the Affordable Care Act. He argued that the Supreme Court should uphold the law, emphasizing the potential negative impact of conservative activism on the court and the significant impact of the Affordable Care Act on interstate commerce.
December 17, 2012: Becoming Most Senior Senator and President Pro Tempore
Following the death of Senator Daniel Inouye, Leahy became the most senior senator in the majority party and was elected president pro tempore on December 17, 2012.
2012: Became President Pro Tempore of the Senate
Patrick Leahy became the president pro tempore of the United States Senate in 2012.
2012: Cameo Appearances in "The Dark Knight Rises" and "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice"
Leahy appeared in two films in 2012: "The Dark Knight Rises," where he portrayed a Wayne Enterprises board member, and "Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice," where he played Senator Purrington in a scene at a Senate hearing.
2012: 50th Wedding Anniversary
Patrick and Marcelle Leahy celebrated their 50th wedding anniversary in 2012.
February 2013: Letter on Hate Crimes Against Religious Minorities
Leahy was one of 24 senators to sign a letter in February 2013 expressing concern that Sikh, Hindu, and Arab Americans were often targets of violence after being mistaken for radical Muslims. The letter urged the federal government to begin collecting data on hate crimes targeting these groups to improve law enforcement's response.
June 2013: Amendments to Immigration Reform
Leahy proposed three amendments to an immigration reform bill in June 2013. One of these amendments aimed to recognize same-sex marriages where one partner is an American citizen, aiming to eliminate discrimination in immigration laws and promote equality for the LGBT community.
2013: Most Bipartisan Senator
In 2013, Leahy earned recognition from GovTrack as the senator who had sponsored the highest number of bipartisan bills, with 61% of his sponsored bills receiving support from both Democrats and Republicans.
2013: Receipt of the John Heinz Award
Leahy received the prestigious U.S. Senator John Heinz Award for Greatest Public Service by an Elected or Appointed Official from the Jefferson Awards for Public Service in 2013.
2014: Congressional Management Foundation Awards
In 2014, the Congressional Management Foundation recognized Leahy's online presence with a Silver Mouse Award for his website and a Gold Mouse Award for his social media engagement.
January 3, 2015: Succession as President Pro Tempore
Orrin Hatch succeeded Leahy as president pro tempore on January 3, 2015, and Leahy assumed the title of president pro tempore emeritus.
January 2015: Congressional Delegation to Cuba
Leahy led a congressional delegation to Cuba in January 2015, marking the first visit by U.S. officials since President Obama's announcement of normalized relations between the two countries the prior month.
July 2015: Support for Iran Nuclear Deal
Following the announcement of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, an agreement concerning Iran's nuclear program, Leahy released a statement in July 2015 expressing his support for the deal. He argued that it was a preferable alternative to war and expressed disappointment that some members of Congress opposed it, suggesting that a lack of a deal would enable Iran to develop nuclear weapons further.
2015: End of Term as President Pro Tempore
Patrick Leahy's term as president pro tempore of the United States Senate ended in 2015.
2015: End of Second Judiciary Committee Chairmanship
Leahy's second term as Chairman of the Judiciary Committee concluded in 2015.
February 2016: Call to Investigate Human Rights Violations by Egyptian and Israeli Forces
Leahy, along with members of the House of Representatives, requested that the State Department investigate allegations of human rights abuses by Egyptian and Israeli security forces in February 2016. They specifically cited claims of extrajudicial killings, raising concerns about potential violations of the Leahy Law, which prohibits U.S. military aid to countries engaged in such practices.
January 2017: Questioning of Jeff Sessions
During a hearing in January 2017, Leahy questioned Jeff Sessions, President-elect Donald Trump's nominee for attorney general. Leahy asked Sessions about his stance on sexual assault, particularly if he considered grabbing a woman's genitals without consent to be sexual assault. Leahy also inquired about Sessions' ability to investigate and potentially prosecute a president or elected official accused of such an act. These questions were in reference to comments made by Trump on the Access Hollywood tape during the election cycle.
February 2017: Request for Special Counsel to Investigate Russian Interference
In February 2017, Leahy joined 10 other senators in requesting that Attorney General Jeff Sessions appoint an independent Special Counsel to investigate potential collusion between the Trump campaign and the Russian government.
March 2017: Criticism of American Health Care Act
Leahy issued a statement in March 2017 criticizing the American Health Care Act proposed by House Republicans. He praised the Affordable Care Act's achievements and accused Republicans of attempting to dismantle it with a bill that primarily served as a tax cut for the wealthy.
March 2017: Letter of Concern Regarding Opioid Treatment Funding
Leahy was among 21 senators who signed a letter to Mitch McConnell in March 2017, expressing concerns that the American Health Care Act's reduced funding for Medicaid could negatively impact treatment for opioid and substance use disorders.
April 2017: Cosponsoring Bill to Restore FCC Rule
In April 2017, Leahy joined 10 other senators in cosponsoring a bill aimed at reinstating an FCC rule that required internet service providers to obtain consent from customers before selling their data to advertisers. This rule had been repealed earlier that week.
April 2017: Support for Internet Privacy Regulations
In April 2017, after Congress repealed FCC regulations requiring internet service providers to obtain user consent before selling their data, Leahy co-sponsored legislation to reinstate these internet privacy protections.
June 1, 2017: Leahy and Franken Statement on Comey Investigation
On June 1, 2017, following the firing of FBI Director James Comey, Senators Patrick Leahy and Al Franken released a joint statement revealing their prior request for Comey to investigate contacts between Attorney General Sessions and Russian officials. They raised concerns about possible perjury by Sessions in his Senate testimony.
September 2017: Leahy Votes Against NDAA
In September 2017, Senator Patrick Leahy was one of eight senators to vote against the National Defense Authorization Act, a bill that included $640 billion in base defense spending and $60 billion in war funds.
September 2017: Co-Sponsorship of Medicare for All Act
Leahy was one of the senators who co-sponsored the Medicare for All Act introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders in September 2017. This bill aimed to establish a single-payer healthcare system in the United States.
November 2017: Leahy Urges Israel to Halt Village Demolitions
In November 2017, Senator Patrick Leahy joined nine other Democratic senators in signing a letter urging Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to stop the planned demolitions of Palestinian villages Khan al-Ahmar and Sussiya. The senators argued that such actions would hinder efforts toward a two-state solution.
January 2018: Leahy Votes Against Temporary Funding
In January 2018, after the federal government shutdown commenced, Senator Patrick Leahy was among 18 senators who voted against temporary funding measures.
January 18, 2018: Leahy Opposes Stopgap Measure
On January 18, 2018, Senator Patrick Leahy announced he would not support the stopgap measure aimed at preventing a government shutdown, criticizing the House bill as "woefully inadequate". He stressed the need for bipartisan collaboration.
February 2018: Leahy Questions Cost of Military Parade
In February 2018, Senator Patrick Leahy, along with three other senators, signed a letter to Secretary of Defense James Mattis, requesting an estimate of the cost and time required for President Trump's proposed military parade. They criticized the parade as "inappropriate and wasteful".
February 2018: Call for Immigration Reform After DACA Decision
Following the Supreme Court's decision not to immediately rule on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program in February 2018, Leahy expressed his disappointment that Congress hadn't addressed immigration reform sooner. He urged Congress to take action on this issue.
March 2018: Leahy Calls for Oversight Hearing
In March 2018, Senator Patrick Leahy wrote a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, expressing concerns about lasting damage to the FBI and other institutions. He requested an oversight hearing on the Trump administration's criticisms of the FBI and Justice Department.
May 2018: Opposition to Withdrawal from Iran Nuclear Deal
Leahy was one of the senators who signed a letter to President Trump in May 2018 urging him not to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal. They argued that withdrawal would harm U.S. national security interests by potentially leading Iran to resume its nuclear program or isolating the United States from its allies.
June 2018: Cautionary Letter on North Korea Sanctions
Leahy was one of seven Democratic senators to sign a letter in June 2018, outlining five conditions for their support in lifting sanctions against North Korea, emphasizing the need for a concrete nuclear agreement.
June 2018: Opposition to Using JAGs for Immigration Cases
Leahy, along with Senators Kirsten Gillibrand and Joni Ernst, sent a letter to Defense Secretary James Mattis in June 2018 expressing concerns about the deployment of military lawyers (JAGs) to handle immigration cases. They argued that this was an inappropriate use of military personnel.
August 2018: Demand for Family Reunification of Migrant Children
In August 2018, Leahy and other senators signed a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen demanding immediate action to reunite migrant children separated from their families at the U.S.-Mexico border. They stressed the traumatic impact of family separation.
September 2018: Leahy Advocates for Veterans' Care Funding
In September 2018, as the Senate considered the first spending package for the 2019 fiscal year, Senator Patrick Leahy pushed for increased funding for a veterans' care program. He warned that the VA choice program would be unfunded without this adjustment.
September 2018: Criticism of FEMA Funds Transfer to ICE
Leahy criticized the Trump administration's decision to transfer funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in September 2018. He viewed it as a misplaced priority and called for bipartisan efforts to address immigration challenges constructively.
October 2018: Leahy Seeks Investigation into Khashoggi Disappearance
In October 2018, Senator Patrick Leahy joined other senators in requesting that President Trump investigate the disappearance of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. Later that month, he also sought a classified briefing on threats to Khashoggi from the intelligence community.
October 2018: Advocacy for LGBTQIA+ Rights and Protections
In October 2018, Leahy joined 19 senators in urging Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to reinstate visas for same-sex partners of LGBTQIA+ diplomats. The letter emphasized the discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals globally.
December 2018: Leahy Criticizes INF Treaty Suspension
In December 2018, after Secretary of State Mike Pompeo announced the U.S. would suspend its obligations under the Intermediate-Range Nuclear Forces Treaty if Russia continued to violate it, Senator Patrick Leahy was one of 26 senators to sign a letter expressing concern. They urged President Trump to continue arms negotiations.
December 2018: Opposition to Affordable Care Act Section 1332 Usage
In December 2018, Leahy joined other senators in signing a letter to Trump administration officials criticizing their use of Section 1332 of the Affordable Care Act. They argued that the administration's interpretation of this section would harm consumers by increasing healthcare costs and weakening protections for individuals with pre-existing conditions.
2018: Passing of Antonio Pomerleau
Antonio Pomerleau, Patrick Leahy's uncle-in-law and a prominent real estate developer and philanthropist, passed away in 2018.
January 2019: Introduction of the Background Check Expansion Act
In January 2019, Leahy joined other senators to introduce the Background Check Expansion Act. This bill proposed requiring background checks for all firearm sales and transfers, including those by unlicensed sellers, with exceptions for certain situations like transfers within law enforcement, temporary loans for hunting, transfers to immediate family, inheritances, or for self-defense.
January 2019: Co-Sponsorship of the Dreamer Confidentiality Act
Leahy co-sponsored the Dreamer Confidentiality Act in January 2019. This bill aimed to prevent the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) from sharing information collected on DACA recipients with immigration enforcement agencies except in specific circumstances, such as fraud, national security threats, or serious crimes.
February 2019: Call for Hearing on Universal Background Checks
In February 2019, Leahy was among a group of senators who signed a letter urging Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Lindsey Graham to conduct a hearing on universal background checks for firearm purchases. The letter highlighted Graham's prior statements indicating his intention to address this issue.
February 2019: Introduction of State Public Option Act
Leahy and 22 other Democratic senators introduced the State Public Option Act in February 2019. This bill would allow states to establish Medicaid buy-in programs, enabling residents to purchase state-managed Medicaid health insurance plans. The goal was to expand access to affordable healthcare coverage.
March 2019: Leahy Calls for Release of Saudi Activists
In March 2019, Senator Patrick Leahy and eight other Democratic senators signed a letter to King Salman of Saudi Arabia, calling for the release of human rights lawyer Waleed Abu al-Khair, writer Raif Badawi, and other activists. They highlighted the arbitrary detention and systemic discrimination faced by these individuals.
March 2019: Leahy Supports Dairy Farmers
In March 2019, Senator Patrick Leahy was among 38 senators who signed a letter to Secretary of Agriculture Sonny Perdue, expressing concern over the prolonged market instability faced by dairy farmers. The letter urged the department to encourage farmers to consider the Dairy Margin Coverage program.
April 2019: Introduction of Resolution for Humanitarian Aid
In April 2019, Leahy joined five other Democratic senators in introducing a resolution to restore U.S. humanitarian aid to the West Bank and Gaza. This followed the Trump administration's refusal to distribute funds due to concerns over peace talks and payments to families of those who attacked Israelis.
July 2019: Opposition to Deportation Protection Removal for Military Families
Leahy joined a group of senators in July 2019 opposing the Trump administration's reported plan to end deportation protections for families of active-duty military personnel. They argued that this policy change would harm military families, create personal hardship, and negatively affect military readiness.
2019: Leahy Supports Farm to School Program
In 2019, Senator Patrick Leahy collaborated with Senators Sherrod Brown, Susan Collins, and David Perdue on a bipartisan initiative to ensure student access to local foods. The proposal aimed to increase funding for the Farm to School Grant Program from $5 million to $15 million and raise the maximum grant award to $250,000.
2019: Leahy Becomes Sole Remaining Watergate Baby
In 2019, following the retirement of Representative Rick Nolan, Senator Patrick Leahy became the only remaining member of Congress who was first elected during the Watergate scandal era, known as a 'Watergate baby'.
May 2020: Opposition to Israel's Annexation Plan
In May 2020, Leahy publicly opposed Israel's proposed plan to annex parts of the occupied Palestinian territories.
2020: Leahy Endorses Bernie Sanders
Senator Patrick Leahy endorsed his fellow Vermont Senator Bernie Sanders for the 2020 presidential campaign.
January 26, 2021: Hospitalization
Leahy was briefly hospitalized on January 26, 2021, as a precautionary measure after feeling unwell. This occurred just hours after he was sworn in to preside over Trump's second impeachment trial. He was released from the hospital later that day.
May 2021: Leahy Considers Ninth Term
In May 2021, POLITICO reported that Senator Patrick Leahy was considering running for a ninth term and was seeking support from his Senate colleagues.
November 15, 2021: Leahy Announces Retirement
On November 15, 2021, Senator Patrick Leahy announced that he would not seek a ninth term. He decided to retire from the Senate.
2021: Second Term as President Pro Tempore
Patrick Leahy began his second term as president pro tempore of the United States Senate in 2021.
March 2022: Became the Most Senior Member of Congress
Patrick Leahy became the most senior member of Congress in March 2022.
March 18, 2022: Leahy Becomes Longest-Serving Member of Congress
Upon the death of Representative Don Young on March 18, 2022, Senator Patrick Leahy became the longest-serving current member of Congress.
June 29, 2022: Hip Fracture and Surgery
Leahy suffered a hip fracture after a fall at his Virginia home on June 29, 2022. He underwent hip replacement surgery the following day.
July 19, 2022: Second Hip Surgery
Leahy had a second surgery related to his hip injury on July 19, 2022.
August 2022: 60th Wedding Anniversary
Patrick and Marcelle Leahy celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary in August 2022.
September 2022: Leahy Nominated to UN General Assembly
In September 2022, Senator Patrick Leahy was nominated as a representative of the United States to the Seventy-seventh session of the United Nations General Assembly.
October 13, 2022: Hospitalization for Tests and Observation
Leahy was admitted to the hospital on October 13, 2022, for observation and testing after experiencing discomfort. He was discharged the next day.
2022: Memoir Reveals Contradictory Information on Iraq
In his 2022 memoir, Leahy disclosed discovering files that contradicted public statements made by Dick Cheney regarding Iraq. He received guidance on obtaining these files from unidentified joggers.
January 2023: Leahy's Senate Term Ends
Senator Patrick Leahy's final term ended in January 2023. He was succeeded by Peter Welch and was notable for being the last U.S. senator who had served in the 1970s.
March 2023: Leahy Joins UVM as President's Distinguished Fellow
In March 2023, Patrick Leahy joined the University of Vermont as a president's distinguished fellow, taking on roles as an advisor, mentor, lecturer, and university representative.
May 2023: UVM Honors College Named for Leahy
In May 2023, the University of Vermont's Honors College, established in 2004 to foster research, teaching, and collaboration, was named after Patrick Leahy.
August 2023: Leahy Donates Senate Papers to UVM
In August 2023, Patrick Leahy donated his collection of Senate papers, approximately 1,000 boxes and 20 terabytes of data, to UVM's Jack and Shirley Silver Special Collections Library.
2023: Burlington International Airport Renaming
Following Leahy's retirement from the Senate in 2023, Burlington International Airport was renamed in his honor, recognizing his service to Vermont.
2023: Honorary OBE Award
Leahy was granted an Honorary OBE (Order of the British Empire) by the British Government in 2023, in recognition of his contributions to UK/USA relations.
2023: Retirement from the Senate and Airport Renaming
Patrick Leahy retired from the United States Senate in 2023. The Burlington International Airport was renamed in his honor in 2023.
2023: Rita Curran Murder Solved
The murder of Rita Curran in Burlington, Vermont was solved in 2023 using DNA evidence.