Rep. Andy Harris, R-Md., on Monday paid tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., calling him a "selfless" public servant whose leadership on national security and fiscal issues will be difficult to replace as Congress prepares to tackle another budget reconciliation package.

Speaking on Newsmax's "Wake Up America," Harris, chairman of the House Freedom Caucus, also said the U.S. should consider military action to prevent Iran from threatening shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, arguing Tehran has repeatedly violated diplomatic agreements and that force may be necessary to deter further attacks.

Asked about the Trump administration's approach to Iran following renewed attacks in and around the Strait of Hormuz, Harris said recent events reinforced longstanding concerns about Tehran's willingness to honor agreements.

"Well, look, I think the Iranians proved what many of us suspected that, you know, this tiger did not change its stripes," Harris said. "The fact of the matter is that they always cheat on deals. They cheated on Barack Obama's nuclear deal. They cheated on this memorandum of understanding.

"And now it's time, I think, to deal with them. The only way they understand is to absolutely degrade their ability to interfere with the Straits of Hormuz. And that will take kinetic strikes."

Harris said he hopes America can build an international coalition because many countries depend on the strategic waterway for global commerce.

"I hope that we can develop an international alliance that was willing to join us in that, because there are a lot of other nations that trade through the Strait of Hormuz," Harris said. "In fact, many more nations trade than the United States. So hopefully they will join us in this effort."

The Strait of Hormuz remains one of the world's most important maritime chokepoints, with one-fifth of global oil consumption passing through the narrow passage between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman.

Escalating tensions have renewed concerns about global energy supplies and regional security.

President Donald Trump recently said the ceasefire with Iran is effectively over while leaving open the possibility of future negotiations, even as fighting and attacks tied to the waterway have continued.

Congress has debated the scope of U.S. military involvement in the conflict, with lawmakers introducing resolutions aimed at limiting the president's war powers. None has become binding law.

Earlier in the interview, Harris reflected on Graham's career following the South Carolina senator's death, praising his military service, congressional career, and work on fiscal policy.

"Well, look, he's a person who served the people," Harris said. "As you've just shown, you know, in the military, then in Congress. I mean, he was selfless. Whether it was his family or his country, he was selfless.

"And that's the way we'll remember him. He was a good partner on the Budget Committee who's, you know, trying to make certain that we restore fiscal sanity to the United States while we do provide for our men and women in the military, that careful balance, he understood it. And again, he was a good ally over in the Senate."

Harris also acknowledged that Graham's death complicates the Senate's work on a new reconciliation package because of the loss of the Senate Budget Committee chairman.

"We only have two weeks until we have the August recess," Harris said. "It would be great if we could have the framework of reconciliation done before we leave in the next two weeks. But of course, the passing of the Senate Budget Committee chair makes that a little more difficult."

Harris said he hopes South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster quickly appoints a successor and that Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., returns soon so Congress can continue work on the legislation.

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