By — Associated Press Associated Press Leave your feedback Share Copy URL https://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/watch-sen-lindsey-graham-remembered-in-u-s-capitol-rotunda-ceremony Email Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Pinterest Tumblr Share on Facebook Share on Twitter WATCH: Sen. Lindsey Graham remembered in U.S. Capitol Rotunda ceremony Politics Jul 28, 2026 11:45 AM EDT The remains of Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham arrived at the U.S. Capitol Tuesday, his flag-draped casket carried inside by an armed forces team, in recognition of his military service. Watch the full ceremony in the video player above. He was being honored at a tribute in the Rotunda, the start of two days of services for the South Carolina senator. WATCH LIVE: Sen. Lindsey Graham remembered in funeral service at Washington National Cathedral Several Cabinet officials, including former Sen. Markwayne Mullin, the Homeland Security secretary, were in attendance, as was acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who faces a rocky Senate confirmation for the job. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Thune hails Graham as a towering figure in the Senate and the international stage "I traveled with Lindsey all over the world as part of the congressional delegations and I saw firsthand just how much he was respected by our allies and just how well he was able to connect with foreign leaders around the world," Senate Majority Leader John Thune said. Thune and others honored Graham at a tribute Tuesday in the Capitol Rotunda. Thune cited Graham's sense of humor. He said that when lawmakers would gather for dinners in Washington, Graham was always the first call. He said no one was more capable of cracking up a room. Choking up, he closed by telling Graham to "rest in peace my friend." "I look forward to the days when you make us all laugh again," Thune said. Former colleagues of Graham offer personal goodbyes as they walk up to his flag-draped casket Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala, placed both hands on his casket and then placed her hand on her heart. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., saluted from her wheelchair. And Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., gave a fist bump. Scores of former senators also traveled to the Capitol to pay their respects, including former Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., who bowed and then briefly kissed the casket. Others stood briefly before his casket and offered a short prayer and a sign of the cross. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now By — Associated Press Associated Press
The remains of Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham arrived at the U.S. Capitol Tuesday, his flag-draped casket carried inside by an armed forces team, in recognition of his military service. Watch the full ceremony in the video player above. He was being honored at a tribute in the Rotunda, the start of two days of services for the South Carolina senator. WATCH LIVE: Sen. Lindsey Graham remembered in funeral service at Washington National Cathedral Several Cabinet officials, including former Sen. Markwayne Mullin, the Homeland Security secretary, were in attendance, as was acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who faces a rocky Senate confirmation for the job. Educate your inbox Subscribe to Here’s the Deal, our politics newsletter for analysis you won’t find anywhere else. Enter your email address Subscribe Form error message goes here. Thank you. Please check your inbox to confirm. Thune hails Graham as a towering figure in the Senate and the international stage "I traveled with Lindsey all over the world as part of the congressional delegations and I saw firsthand just how much he was respected by our allies and just how well he was able to connect with foreign leaders around the world," Senate Majority Leader John Thune said. Thune and others honored Graham at a tribute Tuesday in the Capitol Rotunda. Thune cited Graham's sense of humor. He said that when lawmakers would gather for dinners in Washington, Graham was always the first call. He said no one was more capable of cracking up a room. Choking up, he closed by telling Graham to "rest in peace my friend." "I look forward to the days when you make us all laugh again," Thune said. Former colleagues of Graham offer personal goodbyes as they walk up to his flag-draped casket Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala, placed both hands on his casket and then placed her hand on her heart. Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., saluted from her wheelchair. And Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., gave a fist bump. Scores of former senators also traveled to the Capitol to pay their respects, including former Sen. Richard Burr, R-N.C., who bowed and then briefly kissed the casket. Others stood briefly before his casket and offered a short prayer and a sign of the cross. A free press is a cornerstone of a healthy democracy. Support trusted journalism and civil dialogue. Donate now