U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have introduced the Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia's Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence (MEGOBARI) Act. This bipartisan bill aims to support the people of Georgia as their government continues violent crackdowns on peaceful protestors and to reaffirm U.S. backing for Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations.
"Friends of Georgia from around the world have been shocked and dismayed by the government's descent into authoritarianism and the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protestors," said Chairman Risch. "This bill will send a strong message that the U.S. supports the Georgian people as they struggle for the right to self-determination and will give the U.S. tools to help Georgians restore fairness to their political system."
Ranking Member Shaheen echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the importance of bipartisan support. "The Georgian people have made clear their Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and the U.S. must continue to support them against Georgian Dream efforts to erode their democratic institutions," she said. "At a time when Russia seeks to undermine democracies across the region, we cannot turn our backs on a key partner striving for a free and democratic future."
Key Provisions of the MEGOBARI Act:
- Conduct a full review of U.S.-Georgia relations, including all assistance programs.
- Recognize the Georgian people's commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration as enshrined in their constitution.
- Mandate sanctions against Georgian Dream officials and their enablers involved in corruption, undermining Georgia's sovereignty, or destabilizing the country.
- Strengthen U.S.-Georgia defense cooperation and people-to-people ties when Georgia realigns with its constitutional commitments.
- Reaffirm U.S. support for Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity amid Russia's continued illegal occupation.
- Bolster civil society organizations advocating for democratic governance and constitutional order in Georgia.
