Ten More Senators Join Shaheen and Risch's Georgian People's Act
By Liza Mchedlidze
Thursday, October 24, 2024
U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Jim Risch are rallying bipartisan support for their Georgian People's Act, aimed at holding Georgian officials accountable for corruption, human rights abuses, and anti-democratic actions. With the announcement of ten additional Senate cosponsors, the legislation underscores growing concern over Georgia's shift toward pro-Russian policies.
Senator Shaheen expressed her satisfaction, stating, "I'm pleased that a number of my Senate colleagues recognize the urgency of the situation in Georgia and have agreed to cosponsor the Georgian People's Act in the U.S. Senate. Together, we're sending a strong message that there is robust bipartisan support for our legislation."
Senator Risch echoed this sentiment, noting, "This bill sends a strong message from Congress that the U.S. is united behind the Georgian people as they pursue a future in the transatlantic community."
Other Senators voiced their concerns regarding Georgia's increasing alignment with Russia. Senator Tillis remarked, "The Georgian government's embrace of pro-Russian policies and departure from a Euro-Atlantic future is concerning. I am proud to co-sponsor this bill to hold Georgian government officials accountable."
Senator Cornyn added, "This legislation would hold Georgia's corrupt leaders accountable and signal to the Georgian people that the U.S. stands with them in their pursuit of a Euro-Atlantic future."
Senator Murphy emphasized the broader implications of Russia's influence, stating, "Russia's use of corruption, propaganda, and violence doesn't just threaten Georgia's future as a strong, independent nation-it puts the entire international order at risk of collapse." He affirmed that the bipartisan legislation underscores U.S. solidarity with the Georgian people.
Senator Romney noted the strong desire among Georgians for a democratic future, saying, "While the Georgian people have demonstrated overwhelming support for a democratic future, their government has become increasingly under Russia's influence."
Senator Sullivan reiterated the importance of Georgia's alignment with the West, stating, "A free, secure, sovereign Georgia, aligned with the U.S. and its allies is in the national interest of both Georgia and the United States." He pointed out polling that shows 90% of Georgians want to be part of the Western, free world rather than the Russian world.
Senator Young emphasized that the U.S. stands firmly with the Georgian people in their pursuit of Euro-Atlantic integration, remarking, "The Georgian government's recent efforts to align with Russia reject the desires of Georgians and pose a significant threat."
Earlier this summer, Senator Shaheen led a bipartisan delegation to Georgia, where she and U.S. Congressman Michael Turner met with top Georgian officials to address concerns about democratic backsliding. Their visit reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to supporting Georgia, including facilitating a free and fair election in October.
