Lee H. Hamilton, a foreign policy power in Congress, dies at 94

Lee H. Hamilton, a former Democratic congressman from rural Indiana, died at his home in Bloomington, Ind., at 94, his daughter Deborah Kremer confirmed. He represented an 18-county farming district for 34 years and was re-elected 16 times. Mr. Hamilton led the House Foreign Affairs and Intelligence Committees and became a national figure as co-chair of the congressional investigations into the Iran‑contra affair, condemning the episode as a story of secrecy, destroyed evidence and lies to Congress.

After leaving office, he remained influential in national security matters, serving as vice chairman of the 9/11 Commission, which recommended a broad overhaul of intelligence and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and co‑chairing the Iraq Study Group, which urged a phased withdrawal from the conflict.

lee h. hamilton, deborah kremer, bloomington indiana, democratic congressman, house foreign affairs committee, intelligence committees, iran‑contra affair, 9/11 commission, department of homeland security, iraq study group