WASHINGTON — The late Sen. Lindsey Graham returned to the Capitol a final time Tuesday morning for a congressional tribute surrounded by his family, colleagues, staff and members of the Trump administration.

The South Carolina Republican’s casket sat at the center of the Capitol Rotunda, underneath the Apotheosis of Washington fresco 180 feet above. Wrapped in an American flag, the casket sat atop a replica of the Lincoln catafalque, a historic platform featuring black fabric draped in pleats.

An Armed Forces Body Bearer Team carried his remains into the Rotunda, a gesture to mark his years of service in the Air Force, and remained under memorial guard as a nod to his more than two decades in the Senate. Graham, 71, died unexpectedly earlier this month.

“It’s difficult to believe that we’re here today to say a final farewell to Lindsey as he leaves the Capitol for the last time,” Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said during the ceremony. “My heart is heavy. I feel his absence every day.”

In the front row sat his sister and successor, Sen. Darline Graham, R-S.C., surrounded by other members of his family. To their right sat Thune, Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer, D-N.Y., and Vice President JD Vance, along with a handful of Cabinet members.

Both Republican and Democratic senators attended the tribute. Sen. Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, put her arm around Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., comforting her as both wiped tears from their faces. Sen. Jim Justice, R-W.Va., did the same to Sen. Roger Marshall, R-Kan., as Marshall dropped his head toward the floor.

In their remarks, Rep. Sheri Biggs, R-S.C., Thune and Vance each spoke of Graham’s sense of humor and his political tenacity.

“Everyone can recount stories of Lindsey’s quick wit, his unforgettable sense of humor, and his ability to make people laugh when you least expected it,” said Biggs. “He was authentic. He never tried to be someone he wasn’t.”

“He was the kind of guy who would walk into the Senate, and when he walked into the Senate, this was a guy who couldn’t have stood more than 5-foot-6 or 5-foot-7, but he’d swashbuckle in with his jacket open like he was 6-foot-5,” Vance said. “He had an attitude to him, and it’s one of the reasons why Lindsey Graham was Lindsey Graham.”

The crowd chuckled. Dotted among them were veterans of the Hill, including former Speaker Kevin McCarthy and former South Carolina Rep. Trey Gowdy, as well as members of Graham’s congressional staff.

Thune described Graham as one who spoke “fearlessly” on political issues, pointing to his allyship for Ukraine and anti-abortion stance.

“It didn’t matter to Lindsey whether an issue was popular or unpopular, whether he had the full support of his colleagues or whether he was standing alone,” Thune said. “If he believed he was in the right, he spoke up.”

He added that Graham wasn’t all work — “no one was more capable of cracking up a room.”

“I look forward to the days,” Thune said and then paused, appearing to choke up, “when you make us all laugh again.”

Following remarks and choral performances from the United States Air Force Band Singing Sergeants, Darline Graham walked to the center of the Rotunda and laid her hand on Graham’s casket, breaking into tears. She has President Donald Trump’s endorsement as she makes a bid to remain in the Senate seat in the upcoming midterm elections.

Darline Graham was followed by other family members, staff and then senators. Thune placed his hand on Graham’s casket and patted it, Britt kissed her hand and placed it on the flag and Schumer bowed his head.

The Senate pushed its business until the evening to allow members to attend the ceremony, which was livestreamed but closed to the public. Following the tribute, Graham’s remains were transported to the National Cathedral for a funeral later Tuesday.

“May God rest the soul of Sen. Lindsey Graham, a true American original,” Vance said.

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