The US Senate Foreign Relations Committee has approved the MEGOBARI Act, a legislative initiative concerning Georgia. The bill proposes large-scale sanctions against the Georgian leadership in response to democratic backsliding while also offering US assistance if democratic progress is achieved.

The name MEGOBARI is an acronym for “Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia's Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence.” The bill was introduced by Congressman Joe Wilson in the House of Representatives in May 2023.

To become law, the bill must be approved by the relevant committees in both houses of Congress before being voted on by the full membership.

On March 5, the bill was officially introduced to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee by Chairman Jim Risch (Republican) and Jeanne Shaheen (Democrat). By March 24, two additional senators had joined as co-sponsors.

“I am pleased to reintroduce this bipartisan, bicameral legislation with Chairman Risch to support the Georgian people in the face of the Georgian Dream government’s constitutional violations and violence against peaceful protestors,” said Shaheen. “The Georgian people have made clear their Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and the U.S. must continue to support them against Georgian Dream’s efforts to erode their democratic institutions. 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. I look forward to working with Chairman Risch to move this bill swiftly through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.”

Key Provisions of the MEGOBARI Act:

Review the US-Georgia Relationship: Conduct a comprehensive assessment of all US assistance programs related to Georgia.

Support Euro-Atlantic Integration: Recognize the Georgian people’s commitment to the country's constitutionally enshrined Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Impose Sanctions: Require the President to impose sanctions on Georgian Dream officials and their associates involved in corruption, efforts to derail Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, or actions that undermine the country’s sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Strengthen Defense and Civil Cooperation: Bolster people-to-people ties and defense cooperation when Georgia aligns itself with its constitutional obligations.

Reaffirm Sovereignty: Express continued US support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in the face of Russia’s illegal occupation.

Empower Civil Society: Support civil society organizations that work to protect the Georgian people and uphold the Georgian Constitution against abuses by the Georgian Dream government.