Congress came back to Washington the week of July 13, 2026, ready to tackle a full schedule of bills. But the Senate is now operating with two members missing—one permanently and one temporarily.

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., died July 12 at age 71 from a heart condition caused by hardened arteries. Reuters The Senate reconvened at 3 p.m. Monday, and the House met at noon. Senate.gov Clerk of the House

Two Empty Seats

Graham's death leaves South Carolina's Senate seat vacant. Gov. Henry McMaster gets to choose who fills it until voters elect someone in the next statewide election. NPR As of Monday, the governor's office had not announced a pick or said when one would be made.

At the same time, Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., has been hospitalized and cannot return to the Senate. He's been absent since at least July 9. Reuters His office has not said when he'll be back or why he's in the hospital.

Why This Matters

With Graham gone and McConnell away, Republicans lose two votes. That sounds like a small number, but it matters a lot. Many bills need almost all Republicans on board to pass. Defense spending bills and security bills are on the to-do list this session, and both need wide Republican support to get through. Reuters

Senate leaders haven't said who's filling in for McConnell while he's away, or when he might return.

The Senate originally planned to wrap up on December 18, after starting January 5. Senate.gov calendar That plan didn't count on a senator dying mid-year or the top leader being hospitalized. The end date stays the same, but with fewer working days available to pass bills that require lots of support from Republicans, leadership has to pick which bills get votes now and which ones wait.