Lawmakers Deliver Remarks at Rev. Billy Graham Memorial
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The Rev. Billy Graham is getting a rare tribute by the nation's political leaders under the Capitol Rotunda in Washington.

The North Carolina minister, called "America's pastor" by some, is lying in honor Wednesday and Thursday in Washington, where he counseled presidents and others over more than 60 years. President Donald Trump, House Speaker Paul Ryan and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell are among those attending.

The president said that everywhere he went, Graham taught the same "beautiful" message -- "God loves you."

Trump, calling Graham's testimony through his life "endless," said it was "fitting" to remember him in the Capitol's rotunda, surrounding by paintings of men of faith.

"The testimony is endless," Trump said. "Today we give thanks for this extraordinary life. And it's very fitting that we do so right here in the rotunda of the United States Capitol, where the memory of the American people is enshrined. Here in this room we remember America is a nation sustained by prayer."

The president called Graham an "ambassador for Christ." Only a few private citizens have been honored like Graham in the rotunda," Trump said.

Trump also recalled his father taking him as a child to see Graham preach at Yankee Stadium in 1957, saying his father was a "big fan" of Graham's.

Rep. Paul Ryan said few people loved others as the Rev. Graham did, and few were as beloved as "America's Pastor."

Ryan said Graham ministered to all walks, from some of the greats whose statues line the Capitol - former Presidents Eisenhower, Ford, and Reagan - to the everyday citizens who lined up Wednesday to pay their respects.

Ryan said Graham had a gift for connecting with people, and when listening to him, it was as if he was right there next to them, praying with them.

He said Graham did not profess to have all the right answers, but "he sure did point us to the right questions."

Senator McConnell said the Rev. Graham inspired countless life-changing conversions with his humility and plainspoken preaching of essential truths.

McConnell said Graham "lifted up our nation," but it wasn't because he occupied the spotlight so masterfully. It was because Graham knew he didn't belong in it.

He describes Graham as "just a happy instrument in the hands of his Creator."

McConnell said Graham shared the Gospel with more people, face-to-face, than anyone else in history.

McConnell said "the Senate - and the nation - are so very grateful for his service."

On Tuesday, former presidents Bill Clinton and George W. Bush visited Graham's home near Charlotte, North Carolina.

Trump met Graham at the pastor's 95th birthday party in 2013. 

A funeral and burial are set for Friday at his Charlotte home. 

Graham died last week at age 99. 

(The Associated Press, CBS News contributed to this report.)