Remembering Lee Hamilton

Partnership for a Secure America (PSA) honors the memory of our founder and former congressman, Lee H. Hamilton. On Tuesday, the 3rd of February, Congressman Hamilton passed away at his home in Indiana. We mourn the loss of this great American leader, especially one who was indispensable in shaping our mission.

After a 34-year career in the United States Congress (1965-1999), Congressman Hamilton joined the late Senator Warren Rudman to found our organization in 2005. Hamilton, a Democrat, and Rudman, a Republican, came together to launch our organization in the same spirit in which they operated in Congress, seeking dialogue and collaboration across all political persuasions for our shared responsibility to protect American lives and secure U.S. interests.

Lee Hamilton believed that promoting common ground policy was the only way to address our nation’s greatest challenges. Charles Andreae, member of PSA’s Board of Directors and Chief of Staff to the late Republican Senator Richard Luger, visited Congressman Hamilton in 2024.

“At the time I saw him, he was diligently coming to work almost every day, passionately engaging in many projects like PSA. In reflecting on his relationship with Senator Lugar, he emphasized the unique bond they shared, one that transcended their divergent perspectives on a variety of issues. They consistently managed to explore ways to overcome obstacles, especially for our national security. Their collaboration was rooted in dialogue, respect, and commitment to the nation.”

Congressman Hamilton understood that we must find ways to overcome our differences – “a cause for all Americans, no matter what political party.” We are grateful for the example he led and honor his life and service to the nation.

"PSA is working to promote the bipartisan, practical approaches to our foreign policy and national security challenges that the American people are demanding."

- Lee Hamilton