[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 183 (Wednesday, December 16, 2015)]
[Senate]
[Pages S8693-S8694]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       REMEMBERING NATHAN GRAHAM

  Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I wish to pay tribute to a beloved Utahn 
who was taken years before his time--Nathan Graham. Nate was not only a 
celebrated member of the tightly knit community of Utahns here in 
Washington but was also a well-respected former staffer of the U.S. 
Senate.
  Tragically, at the young age of 37, Nate was struck by a random 
infection and passed away unexpectedly while on a business trip to 
China last week. Although he is no longer with us, the great love he 
shared with others remains in our hearts.
  Born in Layton, UT, Nate graduated from Northridge High School before 
studying political science at Weber State University and moving to 
Washington, DC. From 2003 to 2009, he served as a legislative assistant 
for my friend and former colleague Senator Robert F. Bennett. Nate was 
Senator Bennett's key staffer on the Transatlantic Policy Network--a 
group that includes U.S. and European elected officials as well as 
business, policy, and academic leaders in Europe and the United States.
  As a military legislative assistant, Nate also worked closely with 
combat leaders at Utah's military installations, including Hill Air 
Force Base, the Dugway Proving Ground, and the Utah Test and Training 
Range. In this capacity, he also advanced Senator Bennett's priorities 
on the Appropriations Subcommittee on State, Foreign Operations, and 
Related Programs. The Senator's agenda included increasing funding for 
microfinance programs, strengthening the Millennium Challenge 
Corporation, and working to acquire the F-35 aircraft at Hill Air Force 
Base. As Senator Bennett's trusted adviser, he accompanied the Senator 
to Europe several times for TPN business and meetings. He also traveled 
to Egypt, Taiwan, and China in support of Senator Bennett's work on 
foreign policy.
  Nate's trademark humility endeared him to all. He never thought 
himself above anyone else, and he was always helpful and kind to 
everyone, regardless of status or position. Nate even

[[Page S8694]]

had a special reputation as a mentor to Senator Bennett's junior staff. 
He looked out for young staffers just starting their careers and 
actively searched out new experiences for their professional 
development.
  Following his time in the Senate, Nate entered the private sector, 
accepting a position with Procter & Gamble as their senior manager for 
global government relations and public policy.
  Although Nate never worked for me directly, he was a gifted public 
servant whose contributions were highly regarded across the entire Utah 
delegation and by me personally. Speaking to Nate's character, Senator 
Bennett--who is going through his own personal battle with cancer right 
now--sent me the following note over the weekend:

       Nate Graham was a valued and much-loved member of my staff 
     who was on track for great success in life, both 
     professionally and with his beautiful family. This is a 
     terrible tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with his 
     family. We will miss him terribly.

  While Nate was working for Senator Bennett, he met and fell in love 
with his sweetheart and eternal companion, Melanie Mickelson. I know 
Bob was delighted when he could be a matchmaker for some of his 
staffers.
  In addition to Melanie, Nate is survived by their four sons: Rowen, 
James, Lincoln, and Griffin--who was born just 2 months ago. Nate was 
an active member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 
having served an LDS mission in Honduras and Belize. Just 6 weeks 
before he passed away, he was released as the bishop of a local 
congregation in Arlington, VA, where he built a reputation for 
fostering a community of love and friendship.
  A tidal wave of support has washed over the Graham family in the wake 
of Nate's passing. In just a few days, friends and neighbors have 
already raised nearly $100,000 in a crowdfunding effort to support this 
family.
  I wish to close with the words of the Scottish poet Henry Francis 
Lyte, from his hymn, ``Abide With Me,'' which he wrote on his deathbed 
in 1847. This song is well beloved across the LDS community. It offers 
comfort and peace amid the sadness of loss:

     I fear no foe, with Thee at hand to bless;
     Ills have no weight, and tears no bitterness;
     Where is death's sting?
     Where, grave, thy victory?
     I triumph still, if Thou abide with me.

  We believe Nate now abides in a holier place. His family is in our 
thoughts just as they are in our prayers. May God comfort them, and may 
He comfort all of us as we mourn the loss of an exceptional friend, 
father, and husband.
  Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for 
the quorum call be rescinded.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.
  The Senator from Arizona.

                          ____________________