US lawmakers plan to include anti-Russia sanctions bill in government funding bill

according to foreign media reports, two US lawmakers who have been pushing for tough sanctions against Russia said on Saturday that they will urge their colleagues to vote on a harsh sanctions bill against Russia this week, tied to legislation necessary to ensure the functioning of the federal government. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham and Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick have been pushing for legislation for months that would impose sanctions on Russia if it refuses to negotiate a peace agreement with Ukraine, including secondary sanctions on countries that purchase Russian oil. Due to Trump's cautious attitude towards sanctioning Russia and his preference for imposing tariffs on goods from India, leaders in both the House and Senate have not yet brought the bill to a vote. The "continuing resolution" (CR) government funding bill provides a pathway for the bill's passage.