MEGOBARI Gains Traction in House Through Co-Sponsorships

Tuesday, June 11, 2024, 2:00 pm

The increasingly autocratic Georgia Dream Party has passed an unprecedented, Russian-style Foreign Agents Law as part of a repressive effort to pull Georgia back into Moscow's orbit, shatter its fragile democracy, and derail the country's EU candidate status. In response, U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Joe Wilson and Ranking Member Rep. Steve Cohen introduced the "Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia's Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act" or "MEGOBARI Act," which promises strong accountability to those who attack the Georgian people's democratic and Euro-Atlantic choice and highlights an alternative pathway for our bilateral relations. Now, Rep. Wilson and Rep. Cohen are joined by 11 other co-sponsors. In the Georgian language, "megobari" means "friend," and this bill is intended as an expression of the longstanding friendship that exists between the Georgian and American peoples. We invite you to join this critical effort as cosponsors to stave of Kremlin-inspired attacks and help protect the Georgian people's democratic future. Key provisions of the MEGOBARI Act include:

  • Addressing Democratic Backsliding: The Act calls for increased scrutiny of the Georgian government and their allies' ties to Russia, China, and other authoritarian regimes.
  • Reporting and Sanctions: The MEGOBARI Act mandates several reports to ensure accountability and transparency—
    • Improper Influence and Sanctions Evasion: The Secretary of State and the Secretary of the Treasury must report on corrupt practices in Georgia that may support Russian interests and the evasion of international sanctions.
    • Russian Malign Influence: The Secretary of Defense must assess the penetration of Russian (and Chinese) influence operations in Georgia.
    • Sanctions and Visa Bans on Georgian Individuals: The Act calls for identifying and imposing sanctions on individuals in Georgia who undermine democracy, particularly those promoting Russian-style foreign agent legislation.
  • Establishing a Democracy Monitoring Task Force: A democracy monitoring task force will assess, monitor, and promote a democratic environment in the upcoming election period.
  • Enhancing Bilateral Relations and Support: Upon certification of significant democratic progress in Georgia, the Act outlines further U.S. assistance—
    • Preferential Trade Regime: Establishes U.S. policy to develop a more robust trade agreement with Georgia.
    • People-to-People Contacts: Enhancing exchanges and a streamlined visa regime.
    • Economic Development: Developing a comprehensive economic and modernization package to support Georgia's growth.
    • Security and Defense: Assuring Georgian security and providing defense equipment to bolster Georgia's ability to counter Russian aggression.

Co-Sponsors: Rep. Joe Wilson, Rep. Steve Cohen, Rep. Richard Hudson, Rep. Marc Veasey, Rep. Robert Aderholt, Rep. Emmanuel Cleaver, Rep. Austin Scott, Rep. Jim Costa, Rep. Don Bacon, Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee, Rep. Mike Lawler, Rep. Gerry Connelly, Rep. Lloyd Doggett Endorsements for the MEGOBARI Act: Freedom House Razom for Ukraine Georgian Association in the USA Central & East European Coalition North Caucasus Nations Committee Syria Ukraine Network Syrian Emergency Taskforce