DES MOINES, iowa – The Iowa House of Representatives on Tuesday morning passed HR 108, a resolution in support of Ukrainian sovereignty, unanimously by voice vote. State Reps. Todd Prichard, D-Charles City, and Garrett Gobble, R-Ankeny, read the resolution out loud before the chamber voted.
The resolution states:
A Resolution recognizing and affirming support for Ukrainian sovereignty and firmly stating that the people of Iowa stand on the side of freedom and individual self-determination and self-governance.
WHEREAS, the House of Representatives stands for freedom and the right of the Ukrainian people to pursue and maintain their own self-determination and independence from military aggression and oppression from Russia; and
WHEREAS, after years of oppression, in 1991, Ukraine gained its independence from the Soviet Union’s totalitarian dictatorship; and
WHEREAS, over 90 percent of Ukrainian citizens voted for their nation’s independence with majorities in every region, formalizing their break with Russia, overwhelmingly expressing the people’s desire to be free; and
WHEREAS, in the decades since, Russia has rejected good-faith efforts made to address concerns through dialogue to avoid needless conflict and avert human suffering, opting instead for violence and violations of international law; and
WHEREAS, in February 2022, Russia launched a violent and unnecessary attack on the Ukrainian people threatening peace and security throughout Europe; and
WHEREAS, the people of Iowa and the House of Representatives are committed to the spread of peace, democracy, and freedom worldwide; NOW THEREFORE,
BE IT RESOLVED BY THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, That the House of Representatives calls for the end of hostilities in Ukraine; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives condemns in the strongest possible terms Russia’s unnecessary, violent, and immoral invasion of Ukraine and attacks on the Ukrainian people; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the House of Representatives commends the courage and resolve shown by the Ukrainian people in their pursuit of sovereignty and democracy, and pays tribute to the many men and women who gave their lives in pursuit of a free and democratic Ukraine.
