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"I'm glad we're doing something on Iran [sanctions], but if the bill comes out of committee on the floor I'm going to add Russian sanctions to it. Try to anyway," Graham told reporters on Tuesday evening.

"We will be looking at other options, including the Senate Armed Services Committee," McCain, who chairs that committee, told reporters.

Graham and McCain put out a joint statement noting they could try to move the legislation through the Banking Committee or as an amendment on the Senate floor.

A bipartisan group of senators, including McCain and Graham, introduced legislation earlier this year that would impose new sanctions on Russia for its meddling in the U.S. presidential election as well as ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Syria.

They're also backing legislation that would require congressional oversight before Trump lifted Russia sanctions tied to Ukraine. Both bills have stalled in the Foreign Relations Committee.

Corker, who chairs the Foreign Relations Committee, told reporters on Tuesday that he wanted to give the administration time to determine the "trajectory" of U.S.-Russia relations, which he said are at an "all time low."

"We can take it to a lower level by adding sanctions. That you know might make us feel good, but that's not an outcome that I think is good for our country," he told reporters.

Sen. Ben CardinBen CardinGOP senator: I'll try to add Russia sanctions to Iran bill Corker: 'We're not going to do a Russia sanctions bill' Dem senator calls on Trump to 'immediately rescind' Duterte invite MORE (D-Md.), the top Democrat on the Foreign Relations Committee, also told reporters last week that there wasn't as much urgency behind the bill requiring Congress to sign off before Trump lifts sanctions, though he stressed he still supports the proposal.

Instead, Corker signaled that lawmakers could move an Iran sanctions bill in the current Senate work period, which runs through the end of May.

Senators, including Corker and Cardin, introduced a bipartisan Iran sanctions bill earlier this year that wouldexpand financial penalties targeting Iran's ballistic missile development, support for terrorism any transfer of weapons and human rights violations.

Graham would have the ability to try to attach Russia sanctions once it gets to the floor unless Majority Leader Mitch McConnellMitch McConnellOvernight Defense: GOP chair to unveil Pentagon buying reforms in May | Trump surge fades for contractors | McCain concerned about Army nominee's comments GOP senators dismiss Trump filibuster change Overnight Finance: Trump raises stakes for next shutdown fight | Senate confirms SEC pick | Dems drag out markup of Dodd-Frank overhaul MORE (R-Ky.) uses the Senate's rulebook to clamp down on amendments.

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GOP senator: I'll try to add Russia sanctions to Iran bill - The Hill (blog)