With former longtime Idaho Secretary of State Pete Cenarrusa, 94, looking on from the gallery, the Idaho House has approved HJM 14, commending peace and reconciliation in the Basque country. "It commends and encourages the peace process," Rep. Carlos Bilbao, R-Emmett, told the House. "Idaho has approximately 8,000 self-defined people of Basque ancestry, second to California, which has the biggest population in the United States, with approximately 25,000. Why would the Idaho Legislature be interested in raising its voice to support a peace process halfway across the planet? Because law month, the state of Idaho Lt. Gov. Brad Little signed an agreement with the Basque autonomous government to promote economic development between the two public adminstrations, and Idaho wants to do business with a region that promotes peace, democracy and civil rights for all." He said, "I urge your 'yes' vote for humanity and the Basque people."

After the voice-vote approval of the non-binding memorial, the House went at ease to recognize Cenarrusa with a standing ovation.