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SD Senate's pro-Ukraine resolution advocates use of 'military means'

SDPB
The South Dakota Capitol in Pierre.

The South Dakota Senate says it supports Ukraine against a Russian invasion.

The Senate made the declaration by resolution, and the details are at odds with a House resolution passed earlier this year.

The Senate resolution urges the U.S. government to utilize all “political, diplomatic and military means, including lethal and non-lethal security assistance, to support and strengthen the defense of Ukraine."

The resolution conflicts with a House concurrent resolution urging Congress not to send troops unless an official declaration of war is made. The Senate rejected that resolution.

Republican Sen. Joshua Klumb brought the Senate resolution. He’s concerned about the quickly changing conflict.

“Because we don’t know in the next few hours what’s going to happen over there. It’s a moment-by-moment situation,” Klumb says. “I know this is a resolution, but if this is all we can do, then I would ask that you support this resolution. I wish we could do more, but right now this is all we can do — and pray.”

The House and Senate resolutions express opinions and principles. They do not carry the force of law.

Lee Strubinger is SDPB’s Rapid City-based politics and public policy reporter. Lee is a two-time national Edward R. Murrow Award winning reporter. He holds a master’s in public affairs reporting from the University of Illinois-Springfield.