Lawmakers in Washington are setting the stage for a significant legislative push to impose new sanctions on Russia, buoyed by the unexpected support of President Donald Trump. Senate Majority Leader John Thune revealed that the President endorsed the sanctions bill, signaling a potential shift in the legislative process that could expedite its passage.

“The president has now weighed in, in support of the Russia sanctions legislation,” Thune stated to the press on Wednesday. He noted that while traditionally the House GOP leaders have deferred to the Senate to initiate, they now expect the House to take the lead.

Following private conversations with President Trump, Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) confirmed that the President is in favor of the sanctions. On the same day, the White House communicated its support officially to lawmakers. The proposed sanctions aim to target countries importing Russian energy and would also penalize foreign companies aiding Russia's energy sector.

“It's moving,” Graham optimistically remarked after a GOP conference. He believes that the drafting team has crafted a robust bill ready for legislative scrutiny.

In the House, Representative Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) champions a bipartisan version of the Senate’s bill. Wilson is confident of swift passage in the House, provided President Trump publicly reiterates his support. “I think with the President’s public backing, we could quickly pass it with strong bipartisan support,” Wilson said. He acknowledged the presence of a minority within the House GOP who oppose such measures on isolationist grounds, but he was optimistic that their opposition would not derail the bill.

However, the House leadership has yet to schedule the bill for a vote, and as the year-end approaches, the legislative calendar is crowded with critical bills and nominations. Thune expressed uncertainty about the bill's passage this year given the packed agenda, which includes appropriations, defense policy, and healthcare issues.

As Congress navigates a tight schedule and mixed signals about priorities, the endorsement from President Trump could be pivotal in ensuring the Russia sanctions bill sees daylight before the year’s close. The coming weeks will be crucial as lawmakers work against the clock to secure a legislative win that could redefine U.S. policy towards Russia.