Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa) joined several lawmakers in a letter sent on March 27 to Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessent, urging the Trump administration to impose sanctions on former Republika Srpska President Milorad Dodik and his associates. The request comes amid concerns about Dodik’s ongoing actions that allegedly threaten the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The lawmakers say these actions are significant because they risk destabilizing the Western Balkans at a critical time. They cite recent legislation, specifically Section 8335 of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which requires sanctions against individuals who threaten peace or stability in the region.
“We write with concern regarding the actions, rhetoric and foreign influence operations of former president of the Republika Srpska Milorad Dodik and his associates which carry considerable implications for the territorial integrity of Bosnia and Herzegovina,” Grassley, Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), and others wrote. “On January 9, 2026, Mr. Dodik, along with current and former Republika Srpska government officials, organized and participated in the Commemoration Ceremony of Republika Srpska Day, despite decisions of the Constitutional Court of Bosnia and Herzegovina regarding observance of that Day.” The letter continues: “It is clear that Mr. Dodik’s recent actions merit sustained and close scrutiny… His engagement with foreign entities to advance independence further underscores the urgency of a U.S. response.”
The lawmakers also reference previous decisions by U.S. authorities to remove sanctions from Dodik in October 2025 as having emboldened his behavior rather than encouraging political stability. They argue that these developments have undermined U.S. credibility in Bosnia and Herzegovina.
The letter was signed by Senators Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Dick Durbin (D-Ill.), Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), as well as Representatives Mike Turner (R-Ohio) and Ann Wagner (R-Mo.). It highlights activities such as using lobbyists to advocate for independence from Bosnia, organizing events deemed unconstitutional by Bosnian courts, divisive rhetoric on social media platforms like X, contracting Canadian firms for lobbying efforts abroad, as well as continued criticism against international oversight bodies.
Grassley is known for serving on key committees in the United States Senate with a focus on bipartisan collaboration according to his official website. He has been Iowa’s longest-serving senator while actively farming corn and soybeans in Butler County according to his official website. Grassley’s background includes service in Iowa’s state legislature from 1958 to 1974 according to his official website, degrees earned from University of Northern Iowa according to his official website, factory work experience according to his official website, assistance provided for Iowans dealing with federal agencies or whistleblower issues according to his official website, being one of only two farmers currently serving in the Senate according to his official website, five children since marrying in 1954 according to his official website.
In their conclusion, Grassley and colleagues said: “Mr. Dodik’s ongoing actions… qualify as sanctionable activity under Section 8335… We therefore call on your respective departments to make determinations on relevant persons according with law.”
