MEGOBARI Act

Summary#

This bill, called the MEGOBARI Act, directs U.S. officials to counter influence by the Russian Federation, the Chinese Communist Party, and the Iranian regime in the country of Georgia. It expresses support for Georgia’s goal of joining the European Union and NATO and criticizes recent democratic backsliding. The bill would suspend the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission until Georgia takes steps to represent citizens’ democratic wishes and advance Euro‑Atlantic integration.

The bill requires several reports and briefings: a classified report on Russian intelligence penetration in Georgia with an annex on Chinese influence, and a 5‑year U.S. strategy for bilateral relations that addresses objectives, tools, funding, civil society support, and trade ties. It also requires briefings to congressional committees about determinations and sanctions.

The bill authorizes a range of sanctions. The President must determine and block, within set criteria, foreign persons who knowingly blocked Georgia’s Euro‑Atlantic integration or who undermined Georgia’s peace, security, stability, sovereignty, or territorial integrity. Sanctions can include blocking property and making persons ineligible for visas, admission, or parole. The bill includes waiver rules, reporting requirements, exceptions for humanitarian and intelligence activities, and a rule that sanctions do not apply to importation of goods.

The bill directs the President and other agencies to consider additional assistance, including people‑to‑people exchanges and defense cooperation, once the President certifies that Georgia has made sustained progress on democracy and Euro‑Atlantic integration. The Act would expire five years after enactment.

What it means for you#

  • The bill would change U.S. actions toward Georgia by requiring reports, possible sanctions on specific foreign individuals, and conditions on partnership activities.
  • It could affect U.S. funding priorities and military cooperation with Georgia if Georgia meets or fails to meet the conditions in the bill.
  • Individuals targeted by the bill’s sanctions could face U.S. asset blocks and visa bans; ordinary citizens and trade in goods are protected by specified exceptions.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

Proponents' View#

The bill’s sponsors say the United States should protect and support Georgia’s democracy, help Georgia pursue membership in the European Union and NATO, counter malign influence from Russia, China, and Iran, support civil society and independent media, and impose consequences on those who undermine democratic standards or Georgia’s sovereignty.

Opponents' View#

No publicly available information.