Washington will mark Lindsey Graham’s life twice on Tuesday, first in the rotunda of the U.S. Capitol and then at a private funeral service at the National Cathedral, before the ceremonies continue in South Carolina. Graham died suddenly earlier this month at age 71.
The Washington gatherings are expected to draw lawmakers and world leaders, with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu among those expected to attend. The timing also gives the city a single day that blends remembrance with unfinished business, because the Senate is preparing to move on sanctions against Russia tied to the war in Ukraine.
Richard Blumenthal said Graham’s final comments to him captured the late senator’s view of the bill, recalling, “To quote Senator Graham, ‘It's a big effing deal. We all did well. We all did good,’” and adding that those were among the last comments Graham made to him. He said the legislation, which has been revamped again and now carries Graham’s name, is “a huge achievement” and “a very important part of his legacy.”
That tribute, though, is not complete. Blumenthal said the effort has been advanced in Graham’s honor and that he is proud to be his partner in it, but he also made clear the fight is not over: “I hope it passes. We're not there yet.”
The bill’s next test comes Tuesday night, when lawmakers are expected to get a chance to move it through a key procedural hurdle. Senate Majority Leader John Thune teed up the sanctions package for a vote last week, and the measure has been altered again in the final stretch, including changes pushed by Graham’s sister and newly appointed Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C.
For Graham, the services in Washington are only the opening chapter. The first public tribute is set for the Capitol in the morning, the private funeral service follows at the National Cathedral, and then the farewell shifts to South Carolina, where the rest of the funeral services will be held. In Washington, his legacy is being measured not only in ceremony but in the legislation he spent years pressing forward, with the outcome still unresolved as the city gathers to honor him.
