Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., remembered the late Sen. Lindsey Graham on Tuesday as a "towering figure" whose influence stretched from Capitol Hill to world leaders abroad.
Lawmakers and dignitaries gathered at the U.S. Capitol to honor the longtime South Carolina Republican before his funeral at Washington National Cathedral.
"Lindsey was a towering figure here in the Senate and on the international stage," Thune said during a private ceremony in the Capitol Rotunda. "My heart is heavy. I feel his absence every day."
He added that senators from both parties "counted on him as a friend."
Lindsey Graham, a close ally of President Donald Trump, died July 11 at age 71 from an aortic dissection caused by arteriosclerotic cardiovascular disease after returning from a congressional trip to Ukraine.
His casket was carried into the Capitol by an Armed Forces Body Bearer team in recognition of his Air Force service, followed by a U.S. Capitol Police honor guard acknowledging his decades in the Senate.
Thune praised the late senator's commitment to national security and his ability to forge relationships around the globe.
"On numerous congressional delegations, I saw firsthand just how much he was respected by our allies, and just how well he was able to connect with foreign leaders," Thune said.
He also highlighted Lindsey Graham's commitment to a unique combination of causes, calling him both "a powerful voice for the pro-life movement" and "a fierce defender of Ukraine."
Vice President JD Vance, who often disagreed with him on additional aid to Ukraine, said the senator never allowed policy disputes to interfere with friendships or helping colleagues.
Recalling a heated disagreement over Ukraine funding, Vance said he nevertheless worked behind the scenes to help advance rail legislation important to him.
"When I asked him why, he said, 'Well, I don't care about it, but you do,'" Vance recalled. "That was the kind of colleague he could be."
Vance also remembered Lindsey Graham's warmth toward everyone he encountered.
"He was fascinated in people because he loved people," Vance said. "He treated everybody the same."
The ceremony included wreath presentations by Vance, Thune, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., and South Carolina Reps. Joe Wilson and Sheri Biggs.
Following the service, family members, Senate colleagues and former lawmakers approached the late senator's flag-draped casket to pay their respects.
CNN reported that Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., placed a hand over her heart before kissing her palm and touching the casket, while former Sen. Richard Burr kissed the American flag draped over it.
Lindsey Graham's sister, Sen. Darline Graham, was the first family member to approach the casket, pausing with her hand resting on the flag before returning to her seat.
Trump was scheduled to deliver the eulogy later Tuesday at Washington National Cathedral. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy were also expected to attend.
Additional memorial services are scheduled Wednesday in South Carolina, including a procession, an F-16 flyover and a funeral service before the late senator's private burial in his hometown of Pickens.