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119-hr-10183119th Congress

SRBIJA Act

Sponsored By: Representative Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]

Introduced

Summary

This bill would condition U.S. engagement and assistance on Serbia making credible progress on democratic governance and rule of law. It ties sanctions, reporting, and certification to steps on media freedom, judicial accountability, and alignment with the European Union and NATO.

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  • Serbian citizens and civil society: Would push U.S. support toward independent media, civil society, and judicial reform and require a 90-day strategy that assesses Serbia's investigation of the Novi Sad disaster and use of force against protesters.
  • Reporting and oversight: Would require an unclassified 180-day report, coordinated with the Defense and Intelligence communities, on Russian and Chinese influence in Serbia and risks to U.S. interests.
  • Diplomacy, sanctions, and aid: Would require the Secretary to certify that key issues will be addressed before U.S. officials take part in the U.S.-Serbia Strategic Dialogue, authorize targeted financial and visa sanctions on malign actors, and tie expanded assistance to sustained certification. The bill would sunset after 5 years.

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

More U.S. aid after Serbia reforms

If enacted, the President would have to certify to Congress that Serbia showed significant, sustained progress on independent judicial accountability, media freedom, and alignment of foreign and security policy with the EU and NATO. Only after that certification is submitted could U.S. agencies authorize additional assistance to the Government of Serbia. The certification is a required trigger and the provision takes effect when it is submitted to Congress.

Sanctions for Western Balkans actors

If enacted, U.S. policy would allow financial and visa sanctions on people and entities who destabilize the Western Balkans, including Serbia. The President could use authorities like Executive Orders 14033 and 14024 and a named statutory authority to target those who threaten peace, undermine democratic institutions, engage in corruption, commit serious human rights abuses, or obstruct regional agreements. Any sanctions would be carried out by executive branch agencies once imposed.

U.S. reports and strategy for Serbia

If enacted, the Secretary of State would provide two required items to Congress. Within 180 days the Secretary, with the DNI and Defense Secretary, would deliver an unclassified report (with an optional classified annex) on Russian and Chinese influence and risks to U.S. interests in Serbia. Within 90 days the Secretary would deliver a detailed bilateral strategy for engagement, tools to support media, civil society, and judicial reform, and an assessment of Serbia's alignment with NATO and the EU.

Act ends after five years

If enacted, the SRBIJA Act would stop having any force five years after the date it becomes law. That fixed sunset would end the authorities, conditions, and programs created by the Act on that date.

Conditions for U.S.-Serbia talks

If enacted, the Secretary would have to certify in writing at least 10 days before each U.S.-Serbia Strategic Dialogue that the meeting will address Serbia's relations with Russia, China, and Iran; free and fair elections; anti-corruption, procurement, and rule-of-law reforms; and press and assembly freedoms. The Secretary would also provide a detailed plan to the House and Senate foreign affairs committees. If the Secretary does not certify, no State Department official could participate or spend appropriations on the Dialogue.

Sponsors & CoSponsors

Sponsor

Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]

SC • R

Cosponsors

  • Rep. Salazar, Maria Elvira [R-FL-27]

    FL • R

    Sponsored 10/1/2026

  • Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5]

    MO • D

    Sponsored 10/1/2026

  • Rep. Sessions, Pete [R-TX-17]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 10/1/2026

  • Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]

    CA • D

    Sponsored 10/1/2026

  • Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33]

    TX • D

    Sponsored 10/1/2026

  • Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4]

    AL • R

    Sponsored 10/19/2026

  • Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9]

    MA • D

    Sponsored 8/27/2026

  • Rep. Self, Keith [R-TX-3]

    TX • R

    Sponsored 8/31/2026

  • Rep. Fitzpatrick, Brian K. [R-PA-1]

    PA • R

    Sponsored 9/14/2026

  • Rep. Titus, Dina [D-NV-1]

    NV • D

    Sponsored 9/14/2026

Roll Call Votes

No roll call votes available for this bill.

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