‘Inexcusable’: Idaho House condemns Russia for attack on Ukraine in bipartisan memorial
The Idaho House on Wednesday passed a bipartisan memorial condemning Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.
Sponsored by Reps. Matt Bundy, a Mountain Home Republican, and Colin Nash, a Boise Democrat, the memorial says the Idaho Legislature commends “the courage and resolve shown by the Ukrainian people in defending their country against Russian aggressors.” It also urges Gov. Brad Little to “take all appropriate measures to sanction Russia.”
The Russian military’s assault on Ukraine carried into a seventh day Wednesday, as countries around the world, including the U.S., level economic sanctions against Russia and its leaders. Roughly 874,000 people have fled the country and countless others are hiding underground, the Associated Press reported.
“Russia’s violent incursion against Ukraine is inexcusable,” Idaho House Speaker Scott Bedke, an Oakley Republican, said in a news release. “It is our duty as Americans to continue to work and support all countries fighting for the same rights and freedoms we have enjoyed and defended for centuries.”
The House unanimously passed the joint memorial. A joint memorial is not a bill but essentially a statement that has no legal effect. The Senate must concur with the memorial for it to pass.
“This is a time to join together across party lines to express our support for the Ukrainian people, who are showing unparalleled courage in the face of Russia’s ruthless attack,” House Minority Leader Ilana Rubel, a Boise Democrat, said in the news release. “We stand with Ukraine and President Volodymyr Zelensky, and against the perpetrators of human rights abuses.”
Lawmakers are also considering ways for the state to divest from Russia. Reps. John Gannon, a Boise Democrat, and Bruce Skaug, a Nampa Republican, introduced bills that would direct state agencies to shed investments in Russian currency and assets.
One bill would direct the Endowment Fund Investment Board, which manages the financial assets of several state agencies, to sell, trade or divest Russian currency and investments. The other bill would direct the Public Employee Retirement System of Idaho (PERSI) to drop Russian investments.
Gannon told the Idaho Statesman the state has millions invested in Russian assets. Gannon said it’s “imperative” that the Idaho government supports the “valiant” Ukrainian people.
“Besides, Russia right now is a lousy investment,” he added.
The House State Affairs Committee introduced Gannon and Skaug’s bills Wednesday.
This story was originally published March 2, 2022 at 1:01 PM.
