Lindsey Graham: I'm Going to Vote for Tillerson

Sen. Lindsey Graham said Sunday he'll vote to confirm Secretary of State nominee Rex Tillerson, citing the former ExxonMobil CEO's belief in a foreign policy that "engages the world."

In an interview on CBS News' "Face The Nation," the South Carolina Republican praised a view that promotes America as a leader on the world stage.

"In my office, he said that when America doesn't lead, other people will, and the vacuum is always filled by bad actors," Graham said.

"He says we have to have a foreign policy that engages the world. We need to lead from the front."

Graham also challenged President Donald Trump to support foreign aid, urging him not to take "soft power off the table."

"If you take soft power off the table, then you have two options left, use military power exclusively or retreat," he said. "I cannot stress to you how important it is that we have more tools in the toolbox than just military power and retreat. "

Graham said he doesn't know what Trump's vow to put "America first" vow really means.

"If 'America first' is a throwback to the '20s and '30s isolationism when it was first used as a phrase, the world would deteriorate even quick quicker," Graham said. "if it is a new way of Ronald Reagan's 'peace through strength,' I would like to work with. I don't know what America first means. "

He also predicted "most" Republicans will pass a measure to place additional sanctions on Russia "because most believe Russia interfered in our elections."

"And those who live in the shadow of Russian expansionism… threats and domination, we need to send a signal to these countries that we are going to stand up to Russia," he added.

• McCain: I Couldn't Have Picked a Better Team
• Sen. Bob Corker: 'Relatively Confident' Tillerson Will Be Confirmed