Internet reports that U.S. Senate Majority Leader John Thune said he "hopes" the Senate will pass a bipartisan proposal proposed by President Trump's ally Senator Lindsay Graham to pass legislation before the August recess to impose severe sanctions on Russia. After Trump criticized Putin this week for stepping up attacks on Ukraine cities, Senate Republicans are more confident that legislation will be passed this month to sanction Russia. Thun said,"It's clear that there is a lot of bipartisan support in the Senate. I think the same is true of the House, at least I hope so." "Whether this will happen in the next few weeks is an open question, but I hope it will happen."