Graham Pushed Sanctions Package on Russia Before Death

One of the chamber’s most recognizable members, he was a leading voice within his party on defense and foreign policy issues.

A senior Graham aide told NBC News early Sunday that there had been no indication the senator was experiencing health problems before his death.

Graham had been scheduled to appear on NBC News’ Meet the Press Sunday morning, a program on which he had been a frequent guest, making 63 appearances over the years.

Senate Majority Leader John Thune paid tribute to a “strong advocate for the United States and a strong ally to freedom-loving countries across the globe,” while South Carolina Gov.