As the situation in Ukraine is grows more urgent by the day, it is more important than ever to underscore how diplomatic solutions play a key role in global peace and security. The U.S. Global Leadership Coalition (USGLC) hosted Representative Dave Joyce (R-OH-14) for an engaging conversation on how global crises impact states like Ohio during these turbulent times.

As a member of the Congressional Ukraine Caucus, Rep. Joyce has a record of taking action to stand up for U.S.-Ukraine interests and hold Russia accountable. For example, in 2017, he supported the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, and most recently, he voted to provide $13.6 billion in critical military, economic, and humanitarian assistance to Ukraine.

Key Quotes from the Conversation

On the Crisis in Ukraine

“Russia’s aggression in Ukraine has an impact on Northeast Ohio businesses and the agriculture community in Ohio. This not only affects Ukraine and the surrounding regions but communities around the world that depend on Ukraine for their wheat and other agriculture commodities. The world is a better place when the U.S. plays a leading role in our world affairs. The United States has the capacity to deal with both foreign threats and domestic. It’s up to leaders in Washington to have the will and determination to tackle both.”

On Combatting Climate Change

“Climate change should not only be a national priority but a global priority that America should continue to lead on. Over the last 10 years, we’ve achieved the largest reduction of carbon emissions in the history of conventional energy. This was accomplished while lowering energy costs for American households and utilizing our energy strategy. Our energy independence is a national security interest. We can do all these things and be climate conscious at the same time.”

On Competition with China

“As we come together in support of Ukraine, we can’t afford to lose focus of the threat that China poses to our country and our allies. Their oppression of Muslims and increased hostility towards the people of Taiwan—China poses a danger to the free people of the world. We must stand up to Chinese aggression and support our allies in East Asia and around the globe. China is watching to see how we react in Ukraine.”

Facts on the Impact of Russia’s Assault on Ukraine

Russia’s invasion of Ukraine serves as yet another vital reminder for Americans that what happens globally matters locally as they begin to feel the impact of the conflict in their daily lives.

• Experts estimate the crisis’s economic aftershocks could increase inflation by as much as 2.8 percentage points, driving year-over-year price increases above 10 percent.
• Ukraine and Russia account for nearly 29% of global wheat exports, and 15% of global corn exports come from Ukraine. Following Russia’s invasion, the cost of wheat, corn, and other agricultural outputs are up double digits and prices have surged 20% since the beginning of the year.
• In 2020, Russia was America’s third-largest supplier of foreign petroleum. Today, Americans are paying almost a dollar more per gallon of gas than in early-2021, making it much more expensive to fill up a tank of gas and transport goods. The United States is releasing oil from strategic reserves to protect American consumers as the oil market responds to economic uncertainty in Russia.

Read more information about what’s at stake with Russia’s assault on Ukraine in USGLC’s factsheet.

Speaker Bios

Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH-14)

A lifelong Ohioan, Rep. Dave Joyce has dedicated his life to family and public service. After graduating with his Juris Doctorate from the University of Dayton, he worked as a public defender before being elected as Geauga County Prosecutor – a position he held for more than 25 years.

In November of 2012, Rep. Joyce was elected to represent the 14th Congressional District of Ohio in the U.S. House of Representatives and is currently in his fifth term. He sits on both the House Ethics Committee and the House Select Committee on Modernization and currently serves as the Ranking Member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies.

Read Rep. Joyce’s full bio here.