Murphy says Russia has denied him a visa

August 27, 2019 12:00 am • Last Updated: August 27, 2019 11:08 pm

In this July 25, 2018, file photo, Sen. Christopher Murphy, D-Conn., questions Secretary of State Mike Pompeo as he testifies before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Capitol Hill in Washington. Murphy said Tuesday, Aug. 27, 2019, the Russian government has denied him a visa to enter the country. (AP Photo/Susan Walsh, File)

HARTFORD (AP) — U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy of Connecticut says the Russian government has denied him a visa to enter the country.

The Democratic member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee said Tuesday he had planned to be part of an upcoming bipartisan congressional delegation.

Murphy has described himself as a "tough critic" of Russia.

Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin planned to be part of the same group and said Monday that he had also been denied a visa.

Murphy says he believes "it's important to maintain dialogue, especially during moments of tension."

He calls it unfortunate the Russian government is "further isolating their country" by blocking this and other visits in recent months.

Johnson had said he had planned to speak with a range of Russian officials, American businesses, civil society organizations and others.

In this July 30, 2019, file photo, Senate Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs committee Chairman Ron Johnson, R-Wis., speaks during a committee hearing on conditions at the Southern border, on Capitol Hill in Washington. Johnson, says the Russian government has denied him a visa to visit the country as part of a congressional delegation. Johnson said Monday, Aug. 26, 2019, he had planned to speak with government officials, American businesses and others. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin, File)

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