U.S. Senators Jim Risch, Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and Jeanne Shaheen, Member of the Committee, introduced the Mobilizing and Strengthening Georgia’s Capacity to Build Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act - MEGOBARI Act, last week, the Senate Foreign Relations Committee reports.
“I am pleased to re-introduce 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 Ranking Member Shaheen. “The Georgian people have made clear their Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and the U.S. must continue to support them against Georgian Dream 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 expeditiously move this bill through the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.”
“Friends of Georgia from around the world have been shocked and dismayed by the government’s descent into authoritarianism and the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protestors,” said Chairman Risch. “This bill will send a strong message that the U.S. supports the Georgian people as they struggle for the right to self-determination and will give the U.S. tools to help Georgians restore fairness to their political system.”
The MEGOBARI Act will:
Initiate a complete review of the U.S.–Georgia relationship, including all assistance programs
Recognize the Georgian people’s support for the country’s constitutionally enshrined commitment to Euro-Atlantic accession processes
Require the President to impose sanctions on Georgian Dream officials and their enablers who have engaged in corruption to derail Georgia’s Euro Atlantic integration, and outlines criteria for the President to sanction those who undermined Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity or have engaged in other corrupt acts detrimental to stability in Georgia
Bolster people-to-people ties and defense cooperation when Georgia realigns itself with its own Constitutional requirements
Express support for Georgia’s full sovereignty and territorial integrity amid continued and illegal Russian occupation
Support civil society, which has worked to defend the Georgian people and the Georgian Constitution from Georgian Dream government abuses.
