Leahy was the first Democrat ever elected to the U.S. Senate from Vermont and the third-longest-serving U.S. senator in history at 48 years.

Understanding the Context

During his tenure he chaired the Senate Appropriations Committee, the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Senate Agriculture Committee. ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain is a 501 (c) non-profit organization. ECHO’s mission is to inspire and engage families in the joy of scientific discovery, wonder of nature, and care of Lake Champlain. ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake Champlain - ECHO, Leahy Center for Lake ...

Key Insights

What is the Leahy law? The term “Leahy law” refers to two statutory provisions prohibiting the U.S. Government from using funds for assistance to units of foreign security forces where there is credible information implicating that unit in the commission of gross violations of human rights (GVHR). After taking office in 1975, Leahy earned a reputation as a liberal, though his voting record was often moderate. He assumed a leadership role in health insurance reform and in the push for marriage equality.

Final Thoughts

He also took a strong interest in technology. Today's "Leahy Laws" are permanent law and located in both Title 22 (Foreign Relations) and Title 10 (Armed Forces) of the U.S. Code. They generally restrict security assistance otherwise funded by the Departments of State (DOS) and Defense (DOD). First elected in 1974, Leahy served 8 terms in the U.S. Senate giving him the third longest tenure in the history of that chamber.

Leahy was recently diagnosed with metastatic skin cell cancer and is undergoing treatment. In treatment for cancer, former U.S. Sen. Patrick Leahy urges Congress ...