Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) shared his thoughts on his friendship with the late Senator Lindsey Graham (R-SC) and Graham's contributions to criminal justice reform. In a social media video, Booker recounted his initial approach to Graham regarding collaboration on criminal justice reform, noting that Graham was unable to engage due to a challenging primary fight. After the primary, Graham worked with Booker and other lawmakers to pass the First Step Act, a bipartisan criminal justice reform law signed by President Donald Trump in 2018. This legislation aimed to reduce certain federal prison sentences and expand rehabilitation programs.
Booker highlighted a memorable negotiation moment where he advocated for a provision on solitary confinement for children. He recalled a White House official threatening to call Graham to resolve a disagreement, to which Graham supported Booker's position. Booker described Graham's negotiating style as unpredictable yet effective, stating that he could achieve significant goals when focused. Booker expressed that he would miss Graham, referring to him as 'perhaps my most unexpected friend in the Senate.'