Originally Posted By middletownbob:
President Trump has ordered US Flags to fly at half mast due to Sen Graham's passing today until Sat 6pm...It is not reflected on the State website, are they going to defy the Presidents order?

Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) died from a “brief and sudden illness” on Saturday evening at the age of 71, according to the long-time senator’s office.

Graham is being remembered by his colleagues as one of the most powerful and well-known lawmakers in Washington. One of his best friends was former Connecticut Sen. Joe Lieberman.

We’re learning from the medical examiner that he died from a ruptured aorta stemming from heart disease. His sudden death came hours after returning from Ukraine and just 2 days after his 71st birthday.

Trump ordered flags to be flown at half-staff nationwide in his honor until Saturday, July 18.

The South Carolina politician came from humble beginnings. He was the first person in his family to go to college. Graham never married. He is survived by his sister, whom he helped raise after his parents’ death, and his nieces.

Graham became a part of Congress in 1994, making a name for himself in the impeachment of former President Bill Clinton.

He was very close to President Donald Trump, who spoke to the senator the night he died. Here’s the reaction from the president and Graham’s other colleagues on Capitol Hill.

“And he said, you know, I feel good, but I’m tired. He was like a member of the family to me. It’s very tough, actually,” Trump said.

“When he would be in the right place at the right time, man, he could get things done,” Sen. Cory Booker said.

Graham was known as Ukraine’s most vocal supporter in Congress.

On Monday, Sen. Richard Blumenthal is expected to hold a news conference at the Capitol in Hartford at 10 a.m. to advocate for legislation he introduced with Lindsey Graham last year, calling for Russian sanctions.