Republican leaders and lawmakers, including former President George W. Bush, shared their condolences on Tuesday following the passing of former Vice President Dick Cheney.
Cheney, who was 84, died Monday night due to complications from pneumonia and cardiovascular disease, as stated by his family.
President Bush referred to Cheney’s death as “a loss to our nation and a sadness to our friends.”
Former First Lady Laura Bush remarked, “I will always remember Dick Cheney as a decent and honorable man. History will see him as one of the finest public servants of his generation—a patriot who brought integrity, intelligence, and a serious purpose to every role he took on.”
The former president recalled how he initially asked Cheney to join his campaign, having first sought out Laura Bush’s advice for a suitable running mate.
“In a lengthy discussion about the qualities I wanted in a vice president—deep experience, mature judgment, character, and loyalty—I realized that Dick Cheney was the right choice,” he continued. “I remain grateful for his partnership during those eight years.”
Mr. Bush noted that he “expected honest and straightforward advice, and he consistently delivered.”
Furthermore, he emphasized that Cheney stood firm in his beliefs, putting the freedom and safety of the American people first. “Throughout his two terms and his remarkable career, Dick Cheney’s achievements reflected his faith in the country he loved,” Bush added.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) mentioned his first meeting with Cheney when they were both legislators, noting Cheney’s down-to-earth demeanor and thoughtful nature. “He was a great voice for the Wyoming he treasured,” DeWine stated.
“Our nation experienced his leadership firsthand when he served as Secretary of Defense and managed military strategy in Operation Desert Storm,” he added. “Vice President Cheney served our country faithfully in every role he accepted, and his absence will be felt.”
Rep. Lisa McClain (R-Mich.), chair of the House Republican Conference, noted on social media that the nation mourns Cheney’s death and “respects his dedication to national service.”
Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) hailed Cheney as “a tireless champion of a robust military, strong American leadership, free markets, and individual liberties.”
Senators Rick Scott (R-Fla.), Jon Husted (R-Ohio), and Roger Marshall (R-Kansas) also expressed their condolences.
Scott mentioned in a post that Cheney “dedicated his life to serving our country,” and added, “He was known for his love of family and country. Ann and I pray for the Cheney family and all who knew him during this time.”
Husted remarked that Cheney “dedicated much of his life to serving America, from Congress to the Pentagon to the White House,” highlighting his unwavering commitment to the nation’s security and founding values.
Marshall commented that Cheney “spent a lifetime serving our country, guiding us through some of our most challenging times.”
Cheney was first elected to the Wyoming House of Representatives in 1978 and later served as House Republican Conference Chair and House Minority Leader. Before that, he was chief of staff for former President Gerald Ford.
He went on to serve as Secretary of Defense under former President George H.W. Bush from 1989 to 1993 before being elected vice president alongside George W. Bush in 2001.
Cheney is recognized as one of the most influential vice presidents in modern U.S. history, playing a significant role in the “war on terror” after the September 11 attacks. However, he, along with others from the Bush administration, faced intense scrutiny due to claims that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction following the 2003 invasion.
