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MEGOBARI Act

Other short titles	MEGOBARI Act
Long title	Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia's Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act
Announced in	the 118th United States Congress
Sponsored by	Joe Wilson (R‑NC)
Number of co-sponsors	21
Legislative history
Introduced in the House of Representatives by Joe Wilson (R‑NC) on May 24, 2024

The MEGOBARI Act (short for Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia's Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act) is a proposed United States federal law introduced by bipartisan members of Congress, including U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Joe Wilson. The legislation aims to strengthen democratic practices, human rights, and the rule of law in the Republic of Georgia while countering authoritarian influences, particularly from Russia.

The bill’s name, “MEGOBARI,” meaning “friend” in Georgian (Georgian: მეგობარი, romanized: megobari), underscores the strong partnership between the United States and the Georgian people. Chairman Wilson emphasized that the Act reflects the U.S.’s commitment to supporting Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations and ensuring government accountability to its citizens and democratic principles.

Background

This bill is a legislative response to Georgia’s adoption of the Russian-style “foreign agents” law (“On Transparency of Foreign Influence”) in May 2024. The proposed bill calls for a comprehensive review of U.S.-Georgia relations, support for the Georgian people’s pro-Western aspirations, and accountability for individuals involved in anti-democratic actions in the country, including members of the ruling Georgian Dream party.

Provisions

If the bill is passed, the U.S. Secretary of State, in consultation with relevant government agencies, will have 60 days to identify individuals in the Georgian government, its affiliates, or those with significant influence over its actions who are materially responsible for undermining democracy, human rights, or security in Georgia. Sanctions against such individuals could include measures under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, as well as those authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Visa bans may also be applied to the individuals and their families. The focus will be on those involved in the advocacy, passage, or enforcement of the Russian-style foreign agent legislation, or those in leadership roles who promote such laws or suppress lawful opposition. The Secretary of State is required to report to Congress within 90 days, providing an unclassified summary for public release.

The bill also mandates a report on improper influence and sanctions evasion in Georgia, to be prepared within 60 days by the Secretary of State in coordination with the Treasury Secretary. This report will analyze corruption and elite networks that serve Russian interests, knowingly or otherwise, as well as Georgia’s role in enabling the evasion of international sanctions against Russia. A separate report on Russian intelligence penetration in Georgia, including potential intersections with Chinese influence, is also required within 90 days.

To strengthen democratic processes, the bill tasks the Secretary of State and USAID with establishing a democracy monitoring task force to assess and promote a fair pre-election environment in Georgia. Further U.S. support will depend on certification by the President or Secretary of State that Georgia has made significant and sustained democratic progress, evidenced by fair elections and balanced pre-election conditions. Upon certification, the U.S. Trade Representative may begin negotiations for a preferential trade regime. Additionally, the U.S. will enhance academic exchanges, visa liberalization, and economic modernization efforts, coordinated with international partners. In terms of security, the President, in consultation with the Secretary of Defense, will prepare a package of defense equipment and support tailored to counter Russian aggression, ensuring Georgia’s territorial defense capabilities are strengthened. This bill reflects a comprehensive effort to support Georgia’s democratic development and counter authoritarian influences.

References

1. "Wilson, Cohen, Hudson, Veasey Introduce MEGOBARI Act". Joe Wilson. 2024-05-24. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
2. Joe Wilson; Steve Cohen; Richard Hudson; Marc Veasey. "A Bill (MEGOBARI Act)" (PDF). 118th United States Congress. Retrieved 26 December 2024.
3. Prince, Todd (2024-05-23). "New U.S. Legislation Aims To Dissuade Democratic Backsliding In Georgia". Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
4. Beradze, Davit (2024-05-21). "რა არის MEGOBARI Act? • Forbes Georgia". Forbes Georgia (in Georgian). Retrieved 2024-12-26.
5. ^ "The Congressional Foreign Affairs Committee has passed the MEGOBARI Act supporting Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration. What does it say?". English JAMnews. 2024-07-11. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
6. "Congressman Joe Wilson is advancing the MEGOBARI Act targeting anti-democratic actions in Georgia". English JAMnews. 2024-11-23. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
7. ""MEGOBARI Act" Envisages Sanctions for Undermining, Injuring Georgian Democracy". Civil Georgia. 2024-05-27. Retrieved 2024-12-26.
8. "Helsinki Commission issues statement on MEGOBARI Act and its main provisions". Interpressnews. 2024-05-25. Retrieved 2024-12-26.