WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congresswoman Ann Wagner (R-MO), Vice Ranking Member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee, released the following statement after her Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act passed the House Foreign Affairs Committee:
“I represent the largest Bosnian community outside of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and my constituents are deeply worried about the crisis back home. Cynical ethno-nationalist politicians are seeking to exploit upcoming general elections to deepen divisions, while Dodik escalates his reckless and illegal secessionist agenda with the backing of the Putin regime. The United States desperately needs a strong, usable economic stick to navigate an extremely volatile situation over the next few months. But the time to act is now.
“My bill codifies and mandates key sanctions to address the political crisis and corruption in Bosnia. Ahead of the October elections, the Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act will send a badly-needed deterrent signal to bad actors—both internal and external—that seek to destabilize Bosnia. The U.S. will impose severe consequences for threatening Bosnia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and multi-ethnic character. I am grateful the Committee passed my legislation, and I hope the whole House will be able to vote on it as soon as possible.”