Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) says it is his “hope” that the Senate passes legislation to place tough sanctions on Russia by the August recess, a bipartisan proposal sponsored by Trump ally Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).

Senate Republicans are feeling more confident about passing Russia sanctions legislation this month after President Trump criticized Russian President Vladimir Putin this week for stepping up attacks on Ukrainian cities.

“I hope that we can get it on the floor before the August recess,” Thune told reporters Wednesday. “We are working with the administration, with the House to try and get it in a form where........

© The Hill