Iowa Senate Democrats

Wednesday the Iowa Senate unanimously approved the following resolution in support of Ukraine:

SENATE RESOLUTION NO. 105

A Resolution reaffirming Iowa’s commitment to its relationship with the Ukrainian people and supporting Ukraine’s efforts to remain an independent and autonomous nation.

WHEREAS, the relationship between Ukraine and the United States is marked by strong bilateral trade, educational and cultural exchange, and tourism; and

WHEREAS, the State of Iowa’s ties with Ukraine are demonstrated by its sister-state relationship with Cherkasy Oblast, and sister-city relationships between Newton and Smila, Osklaloosa and Shpola, and Muscatine and Drohobych; and

WHEREAS, Ukraine and the State of Iowa have enjoyed a long and mutually beneficial trade relationship and anticipate continuing trade growth, including exports of tractors, farm implement vehicles, and seeders, planters, and transplanting tools; and

WHEREAS, in 2021, the State of Iowa exported $73,485,215 of commodities to Ukraine and imported $3,011,563 of commodities from Ukraine; and

WHEREAS, Ukraine shares with the United States and the State of Iowa the common values of freedom, democracy, human rights, and rule of law; and

WHEREAS, Ukraine has been an independent and autonomous nation maintaining fair and free elections since 1991; and

WHEREAS, Russian military forces have committed an unprovoked and unjustified attack on the people of Ukraine; and

WHEREAS, Russian President Vladimir Putin has chosen a premeditated war that will bring a catastrophic loss of life and suffering; and

WHEREAS, Russia is solely responsible for the loss of life, destruction, and human suffering that its attack will bring; NOW THEREFORE,

BE IT RESOLVED BY THE SENATE, That the Senate affirms that the people of Iowa stand in solidarity with the people of Ukraine; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate stands clearly against Russia’s flagrant aggression, authoritarianism, and attack on democracy; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, That the Senate supports the right of all persons to live in a free society, the right to self-determination, and the right to live without fear of attack, foreign or domestic, anywhere in the world.

Zach Wahls
Senator Joe Bolkcom
State Senator Nate Boulton
Liz Mathis
Bill Dotzler
State Sen. Sarah Trone Garriott