The Oregon House adopted Senate Concurrent Resolution 23 on final reading, establishing a ceremonial sister-state relationship between the state of Oregon and Cherkasy Oblast, Ukraine. Representative Emerson Levy carried the resolution on the floor; the clerk declared SCR 23 adopted after the vote.

Representative Emerson Levy sponsored the resolution and told colleagues the measure “is more than a gesture. It's a meaningful expression of solidarity with Ukraine at a time when our support matters the most.” Levy described members of the Oregon Ukrainian community and named several guests in the chamber who helped bring the resolution forward and who have provided humanitarian and community support tied to Ukraine.

Representative Scarlatos registered the lone on‑the‑record opposition. “I'm going to be a no on it today,” Scarlatos said, criticizing specific language that describes Ukraine as a “sovereign democratic law‑based state” and citing broader foreign‑policy concerns raised on the floor. Other members, including Representative Mannix and Representative Evans, spoke in support, stressing historical examples and the importance of solidarity with people who have fled war and persecution.

Representative Graeber highlighted the local Ukrainian American population and recent arrivals, saying the resolution honors “the spirit, their resilience” of those communities. Representative Levy closed by reading the resolution’s whereas clauses on the House floor, including references to Oregon’s previous recognition of the Holodomor remembrance and to state support for refugees and humanitarian assistance.

The adopted resolution directs that a copy be presented to the governor of Cherkasy Oblast in Ukraine and states that the Legislative Assembly “stands in unwavering solidarity with the people of Ukraine” and “condemns in the strongest terms Russia’s premeditated and unjust war,” language read into the record by Levy. The resolution is ceremonial; it does not create binding state policy or an exchange of funds.

Members of the public and invited guests from Oregon’s Ukrainian community were present in the chamber during the debate and the final vote.