Bell, Wagner, Turner, Auchincloss Introduce Legislation to Advance Stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina

Washington, D.C.—U.S. Representative Wesley Bell (D-Mo.), along with U.S. Representatives Ann Wagner (R-Mo.), Mike Turner (R-Ohio), and Jake Auchincloss (D-Mass.), released the following statement after they introduced the Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act.

This year marks the 30th Anniversary of the Srebrenica Genocide. 

“Peace doesn’t keep itself. When bad actors try to undermine democracy and stability in Bosnia and Herzegovina, the U.S. has to act,” said Rep. Bell. “This bill is about holding those individuals accountable and standing firm behind the Dayton Peace Agreement. We can’t afford to look the other way while corruption and division threaten hard-won peace.”

“The largest Bosnian community outside of Bosnia is centered here in the St. Louis area, and for years I have worked closely with them to advance our shared goal of a unified and peaceful Bosnia and Herzegovina.   We condemn Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik’s flagrant disregard for the law, and it is critical we put a stop to his destabilizing actions in the region that have gotten worse by the week,” said Rep. Wagner.  “My Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act will sanction criminals like Dodik and others like him who seek to tear apart the institutions that safeguard Bosnia’s fragile peace. The new Axis of Evil that is China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea is cheering on bad actors like Dodik, and it is critical to global stability we stop this evil in its tracks to send a message that the world will not stand for corrupt secessionists like him gaining another foothold.”

“The Dayton Peace Accords ended one of the bloodiest conflicts in Europe’s history and laid the foundation for lasting peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina. As we commemorate the 30th anniversary of the Dayton Peace Accords, we are reminded of our constant commitment to the fragile security situation established and our duty to make it a lasting and stable peace,” said Rep. Turner. “The United States will continue to stand with the people of Bosnia and Herzegovina to protect their sovereignty, support democratic institutions, and ensure that the hard-won peace of Dayton is never undone.” 

"Support for the Dayton Peace Agreement is strong and bipartisan in Congress. Bad actors like Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik must not shred the institutional sinews of a peaceful and prosperous Bosnia and Herzegovina,” said Rep. Auchincloss. “America must not retreat from our work in Balkans, or else Russia will fill the void."

Background:

The Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act mandates sanctions on foreign persons who undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement or otherwise threaten the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina.  Similar legislation introduced by Rep. Wagner passed the House in 2022 and 2024.  

In the post-war climate of the 1990s, thousands of Bosnian refugees resettled in the St. Louis region.  Today they are an integral part of the local St. Louis community, and with families and loved ones remaining in the Balkan region, are deeply concerned about the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Read the full bill text here.

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