Dayton Reporter

Congressman Mike Turner, alongside Congresswoman Ann Wagner, Congressman Wesley Bell, and Congressman Jake Auchincloss, has introduced the Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to impose sanctions on foreign individuals who threaten the stability of Bosnia and Herzegovina or undermine the Dayton Peace Agreement.

"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," stated Congressman Turner. He emphasized the United States' commitment to protecting Bosnia's sovereignty and supporting its democratic institutions.

Congresswoman Wagner highlighted her connection with the Bosnian community in St. Louis and condemned Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik's actions. "My Upholding the Dayton Peace Agreement Through Sanctions Act will sanction criminals like Dodik," she said, stressing the importance of countering destabilizing influences from global actors such as China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea.

Congressman Bell remarked on the necessity of holding accountable those who undermine democracy in Bosnia. "This bill is about holding those individuals accountable," he said. Congressman Auchincloss added that support for the Dayton Peace Agreement remains strong in Congress and warned against allowing Russia to gain influence in the Balkans.

The background of this legislation dates back to 1992 when Bosnia declared independence from Yugoslavia, leading to a war marked by ethnic cleansing efforts by Republika Srpska forces. The conflict culminated in the Srebrenica genocide before being halted by the Dayton Peace Accords in 1995. These accords established Bosnia as a sovereign state with democratic elections and international peacekeeping measures.

In May 2025, Congressman Turner hosted a NATO Parliamentary Assembly session in Dayton, Ohio, commemorating 30 years since these accords were signed and focusing on maintaining stability in the Balkans.