Lawmakers from both parties gathered in the U.S. Capitol Rotunda on Tuesday morning to pay tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), who died suddenly on July 11 from an aortic dissection. The service drew Vice President Vance, Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.), Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.), and a broad cross-section of current and former officials.
Vance, Thune, and Rep. Sheri Biggs (R-S.C.) delivered remarks that focused on Graham's sharp wit, his unwavering support for Israel and Ukraine, and his ability to forge bipartisan alliances on legislation. Vance highlighted a defining moment in Graham's career: his impassioned defense of Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh during the 2018 confirmation hearings. “What he saw happening to Kavanaugh was not a policy disagreement, it was character assassination,” the vice president said. “Lindsey got as fiery and as passionate as I have ever seen a human being get during a judicial confirmation, and I believe that he saved that nomination.”
Thune, visibly emotional, spoke of Graham's legacy in Congress and their shared Christian faith. “Rest in peace, my friend,” he said, his voice breaking. “I look forward to the days when you make us laugh again.” The service also featured musical performances by an Army Band brass quintet and an Air Force choir, filling the Rotunda with Christian hymns and patriotic songs.
After the speeches, Vance, Thune, Schumer, Biggs, and Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) presented three wreaths representing the executive branch, Senate, and House. The audience included several Trump administration officials, such as Homeland Security Secretary Markwayne Mullin, Small Business Administration chief Kelly Loeffler, Energy Secretary Chris Wright, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin, and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. Former House Speaker Kevin McCarthy (R-Calif.) was also in attendance.
Many attendees were moved to tears. As the service concluded, Graham's sister, now-Sen. Darline Graham (R-S.C.), led the family in a quiet tribute around the casket. Sen. Chris Coons (D-Del.) embraced former Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.) in the farewell line, and Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-Ill.) saluted the casket. Numerous lawmakers and guests placed a hand on the casket before departing.
Graham's casket left the Capitol around 11:30 a.m. and will proceed to the Washington National Cathedral for a larger service Tuesday afternoon, where President Trump is scheduled to speak. The South Carolina Republican served in the Senate from 2003 until his death, and in the House from 1995 to 2003. He was 71. The memorial comes amid a busy political week, with Ukrainian President Zelensky in Washington for talks with Trump, and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu also visiting ahead of the funeral.
