Lindsey Graham honored at US Capitol before funeral

US lawmakers gathered beneath the Capitol dome on Tuesday to honor Republican senator Lindsey Graham before a Washington National Cathedral funeral expected to draw President Donald Trump and foreign leaders.

Graham's flag-draped casket was carried up the US Capitol steps by military personnel and into the Rotunda. His younger sister Darline Graham, who was appointed temporarily to fill his Senate seat after his death, followed the casket.

Senators from both parties entered in procession behind Tim Scott, Graham's fellow South Carolina Republican. Members of Trump's cabinet, South Carolina lawmakers and other guests also attended as a US Army brass quintet played "Amazing Grace" and "America the Beautiful".

Vice President JD Vance told mourners that Graham was an affable and gregarious politician who had a passion for debate and loved people from all walks of life.

The Capitol ceremony was the first of two major Washington services Tuesday for Graham, who died this month at age 71 of complications connected to heart disease. Trump was expected to deliver a tribute at a 2:00 pm funeral at Washington National Cathedral.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky were also expected to attend, reflecting Graham's role as an outspoken congressional advocate for both countries.

Netanyahu and Zelensky scheduled separate White House meetings with Trump during visits that coincided with pivotal moments in the wars involving Iran and Ukraine. Zelensky was also due to meet senators before a preliminary vote on tougher sanctions against Russia, legislation Graham had spent more than a year promoting.

Graham served in the House of Representatives before winning election to the Senate in 2002. He became a prominent voice on foreign policy and the military and supported an assertive US military role abroad, including strong backing for Israel and Ukraine.