US House Foreign Affairs Committee Passes MEGOBARI Act
By Liza Mchedlidze
Friday, July 12, 2024
The US House Foreign Affairs Committee has passed the Mobilization and Strengthening of Georgia's Capacity to Build Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act, abbreviated as the MEGOBARI Act. The vote took place during a session of the House of Representatives' Foreign Affairs Committee, with 41 congressmen in favor and 6 against.
The bipartisan MEGOBARI Act was introduced by Chairman of the US House Helsinki Commission and Congressman Joe Wilson (South Carolina) along with Congressmen Steve Cohen (Tennessee), Richard Hudson (North Carolina), and Mark Weiss (Texas). The bill aims to strengthen democracy, human rights, and the rule of law in Georgia, reaffirming the US commitment to support Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration and counter the influence of authoritarian regimes, particularly Russia.
Key provisions of the MEGOBARI Act include:
- Supporting Democracy and the Rule of Law: Emphasizing US policy to protect democratic values, human rights, and the rule of law in Georgia, recognizing the progress of Georgian civil society, and highlighting the importance of democracy for regional stability and US interests.
- Addressing Democratic Backsliding: Calling for increased oversight of the Georgian government and its connections to Russia and other authoritarian regimes.
- Reporting and Sanctions: Requiring reports to ensure accountability and address corrupt practices supporting Russian interests and sanctions avoidance.
- Russian Intelligence Assets: Assessing Russian intelligence penetration in Georgia and potential cooperation with China.
- Sanctions on Georgian Individuals: Identifying individuals undermining democracy in Georgia and imposing sanctions and travel bans on them.
- Creation of a Democracy Monitoring Working Group: Establishing a group to monitor and promote a democratic environment in Georgia, especially during elections, to ensure fair and free electoral processes.
- Strengthening Bilateral Relations and Support: Providing for further US assistance, including negotiating a more favorable trade agreement with Georgia, expanding people-to-people exchanges, simplifying the visa regime, developing an economic and modernization package, and providing security and defense support to counter Russian aggression.
