BOISE, Idaho (CBS2) — Idaho Senators Jim Risch and Mike Crapo visited the statehouse on Wednesday and discussed Idaho's growing economy and touched on the Russia- Ukraine crisis.
Sen. Crapo praised the state, highlighting its low unemployment rate. He also cited Idaho's limited regulation and record $1.6 billion budget surplus. He says congress at the federal level can learn from the state's accomplishments.
"Because of the policy and leadership, Republicans & Democrats in the state of Idaho know the right kind of policies by which we should govern," Crapo said.
Sen. Risch, who sits on the Foreign Relations Committee, believes sanctions are a good tool to use against Russia. He said President Biden's current sanctions could be more robust. He also added the U.S. has no obligation to defend Ukraine, that the U.S. has sent defensive weapons and will continue to do so.
"Americans are not going to fight on the ground over there, there's not going to be any American boots on the ground in Ukraine," he said.
In his speech, Risch said he hopes to continue the conversation on sanctions when he returns to Washington D.C.
Both Senators acknowledged their friendship. Crapo added they both check in with each other when it comes to major pieces of legislation.
"99% of the time or more we cast two votes from Idaho for or against the various matters that are under consideration but are consistent with Idaho's common sense."
Sen. Crapo also stopped by NewsTalk KBOI to talk with host Nate Shelman.
Like Risch, he's calling for a strengthening of sanctions against Russia and more help for Ukrainian troops.
"One of the major things we can do now is strengthen and beef up military assistance," Crapo said. "I will credit what President Biden has given to them but what they need is more lethal military assistance."
