Sen. Mike Lee Michael (Mike) Shumway LeeBipartisan representatives demand answers on expired surveillance programs McConnell shores up GOP support for coronavirus package McConnell tries to unify GOP MORE (R-Utah) has been granted a visa to visit Russia after Moscow previously rejected two other senators’ requests to be allowed to travel to the country.

A spokesman for Lee told The Hill that the Utah Republican will travel to Russia from Sept. 5 to 8 and will meet with government officials and members of the business community, as well as outgoing U.S. Ambassador to Russia and former Utah Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. Jon HuntsmanSpencer Cox defeats Jon Huntsman in Utah GOP governor primary The Hill's Campaign Report: Late bids surprise 2020 Democratic field Jon Huntsman announces run for Utah governor MORE

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Lee intends to discuss “trade and military relations, [and] religious liberty,” the spokesman said. “It is important for the United States to maintain a strong and open dialogue with the Russian Federation in order to make progress on matters that are central to American peace and prosperity.”

Politico first reported the news of Lee’s visa.

Sens. Chris Murphy Christopher (Chris) Scott MurphyDemocratic senator calls for 'more flexible' medical supply chain to counter pandemics The Hill's 12:30 Report - Presented by Facebook - Don't expect a government check anytime soon GOP chairman to release interim report on Biden probe 'in about a week' MORE (D-Conn.) and Ron Johnson Ronald (Ron) Harold JohnsonThe Hill's Morning Report - Sponsored by Facebook - Trump previews SCOTUS nominee as 'totally brilliant' The Hill's 12:30 Report: Ginsburg lies in repose CHC leaders urge Senate to oppose Chad Wolf nomination MORE (R-Wis.), both of whom sit on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said last week they were denied visas.

“Unfortunately, the Russian government is further isolating their country by blocking our visit and several others in recent months,” Murphy said last week. “With the collapse of recent arms control agreements and significant domestic opposition to Vladimir Putin Vladimir Vladimirovich PutinWatchdog confirms State Dept. canceled award for journalist who criticized Trump Former intelligence agency director Robert Cardillo speaks out against 'erratic' Trump Kremlin: Putin calls for reset between US and Russia on cyber relations before elections MORE’s authoritarian rule, this is potentially a perilous moment for our two nations’ fragile relationship, and it’s a shame that Russia isn’t interested in dialogue.”

Russian President Putin has been a top target of bipartisan members of Congress who have panned the strongman over Moscow’s efforts to meddle in the 2016 presidential race.

However, President Trump Donald John TrumpFederal prosecutor speaks out, says Barr 'has brought shame' on Justice Dept. Former Pence aide: White House staffers discussed Trump refusing to leave office Progressive group buys domain name of Trump's No. 1 Supreme Court pick MORE has worked to improve the White House’s relationship with Putin, raising bipartisan criticism.

Russia in 2015 banned several members of Congress from visiting, including the late Sen. John McCain John Sidney McCainCrenshaw looms large as Democrats look to flip Texas House seat Analysis: Biden victory, Democratic sweep would bring biggest boost to economy The Memo: Trump's strengths complicate election picture MORE (R-Ariz.) over his support of sanctions against Moscow for its annexation of Crimea.