Bill > S868

This bill, known as the MEGOBARI Act (Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia's Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act), is a comprehensive legislative measure designed to address concerns about Georgia's democratic trajectory and its relationship with the United States. The bill expresses Congress's concern about democratic backsliding in Georgia, emphasizing the country's increasing ties with Russia and China while moving away from its Euro-Atlantic aspirations. It outlines a series of policy objectives, including supporting Georgia's NATO and European Union membership goals, calling for free and fair elections, and promoting democratic values. The bill introduces a sanctions mechanism targeting Georgian government officials and entities that undermine democratic processes, block Euro-Atlantic integration, or engage in corruption. It requires the U.S. government to produce detailed reports on Russian and Chinese influence in Georgia, develop a five-year strategy for bilateral relations, and potentially suspend the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission. The legislation also provides for potential enhanced people-to-people exchanges and military cooperation if Georgia demonstrates significant progress towards democratic reforms. Importantly, the bill includes a sunset provision, meaning its provisions will expire five years after enactment, and it allows for presidential waivers in certain national security situations, providing flexibility in its implementation while maintaining pressure on the Georgian government to adhere to democratic principles.

Government Affairs

https://www.congress.gov/bill/119th-congress/senate-bill/868/all-info