The funeral of former Vice President Dick Cheney, held in Washington’s National Cathedral, marked the end of an era for the U.S. House of Representatives, which has been deeply divided by partisan conflict and legislative gridlock. The service, attended by notable figures such as Anthony Fauci, Rachel Maddow, and former political colleagues, was a moment of reflection on Cheney’s life and the current state of Congress.
Cheney, who had recently recovered from a critical health scare, passed away after a long illness, his death marking the end of an era for the House, where he represented Wyoming for over a decade. The funeral coincided with the resumption of sessions following a 54-day government shutdown, but as lawmakers returned, they quickly turned on one another, with resolutions of disapproval and even expulsion threats being floated. This internal strife has led to a decline in legislative productivity, with more resolutions of censure than major pieces of legislation passed.
Cheney’s service was notable for the attendance of his former colleagues, including Nancy Pelosi, Steny Hoyer, Al Gore, and Dan Quayle, as well as his daughter Liz Cheney, who had recently lost her bid for the Senate due to her opposition to Donald Trump’s actions on January 6. The event also provided a moment for reflection on the declining state of the House, with many acknowledging that the institution has strayed from its constitutional role and failed to operate with the seriousness of its founding ideals.
While the funeral honored Cheney’s life and legacy, it also served as a stark reminder of the current challenges facing the U.S. Congress. The deepening political polarization and the lack of legislative progress have left many questioning the effectiveness of the current chamber. The attendance of former political allies and leaders, including George W. Bush, who recounted his only defeat in the 1978 election, highlighted the contrast between Cheney’s dedication to service and the current political climate.
Liz Cheney, speaking at the funeral, reflected on her father’s legacy as a dedicated public servant and his commitment to the Constitution. She emphasized the importance of serious, policy-driven politics and called for a return to the principles that defined the House in its better days. The event also marked a moment of personal significance, as Liz Cheney, having lost her Senate bid, chose to honor her father’s legacy by staying in the House, a decision she said was driven by a commitment to prevent a repeat of January 6.
The funeral of Dick Cheney, therefore, was not just a celebration of his life but a moment of sober reflection on the state of American politics. It underscored the need for a return to the ideals that once defined the House of Representatives, and the challenge of restoring a sense of institutional integrity amid the current political chaos.