Senate Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., delivered an emotional tribute to the late Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., on the Senate floor Monday evening, marking the absence of a colleague described as a friend and trusted advisor.
"It's difficult to believe that Lindsey Graham is no longer here with us," Thune said, his voice filled with emotion. "That we won't run into him at a meeting today or share a joke with him at this afternoon's vote. The halls of the Senate already feel empty without him. And I know I'm not alone in that feeling."
Thune recalled Graham's dedication and fearlessness, noting his commitment to the causes he championed. "It didn't matter to him whether he would catch flak on an issue. He was undaunted by the politics if he believed he was right on the principle," Thune stated.
A black veil covered Senator Graham's desk in the Senate chamber, adorned with a bowl of white roses. Graham's staff were present in the chamber during Thune's remarks.
Thune's tribute came shortly after South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster officially appointed Darline Graham Nordone, Senator Graham's sister, to fill his seat for the remainder of his term. This appointment was supported by Thune, former President Donald Trump, and Sen. Tim Scott, R-S.C.
"I think this is what Lindsey would have wanted, and I plan to honor him in this way," Nordone said at the ceremony. "Now to Lindsey, I miss you more than I can even put into words. But I'm going to do this, I got it."
Thune remembered Graham as a "staunch conservative and a fierce advocate for South Carolina," but also as a lawmaker willing to cross the aisle to find solutions. Thune concluded his remarks by expressing how he would miss Graham's friendship and humor, finding comfort in the belief that "one day... we will laugh together again."
