According to Senate sources cited by the report, the bill was shelved due to the rapidly escalating war between Israel and Iran.
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) said that the Senate “will have to wait a bit” on Russia sanctions.
“Things are changing now with Iran … that doesn’t mean I’ve forgotten about Russia or Ukraine, not at all,” said Graham.
“Iran is center stage, but sooner rather than later.”
Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL) confirmed that the chamber’s attention is currently focused on Israel and Iran. He also said he fully supports imposing sanctions on Russia.
According to Majority Leader John Thune (R-SD), a “July timeline” is now likely for the voting on the sanctions bill.
Senate Republicans have threatened for several weeks to move forward with a sanctions bill aimed at hitting the Russian regime.
“After military aid for Ukraine badly split the party, sanctions have become more unifying for Republicans—although plenty of them are not keen to move without [U.S. President Donald] Trump’s go-ahead,” the report said.