Boise City Wire

U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), along with a bipartisan group of colleagues, have introduced legislation aimed at holding Georgian government officials accountable for corruption, human rights abuses, and anti-democratic efforts. The bill also aims to reinforce U.S. support for the Georgian populace's aspirations for a democratic and Euro-Atlantic future.

"The United States has long-supported Georgia’s democratic aspirations. However, I am very concerned about the chilling effect the foreign agents law will have on Georgia’s civic life. If the Georgian government chooses to step away from building a free and democratic society, it should not expect our support to continue," said Risch. "It is clear the vast majority of Georgian citizens want to move the country towards EU membership. Overriding the president’s veto and forcing the foreign agents law through would reorient Georgia toward Russia."

"As a longtime supporter of Georgia and its Euro-Atlantic integration, I’m deeply concerned and disappointed by the passage of the foreign agents bill and the rapid political shift taking place in the country, which is at odds with the wishes of the Georgian people," said Shaheen. "The legislation Senator Risch and I are proposing would impose serious penalties on those in Georgia responsible for this political shift and re-evaluate U.S. assistance to the country, while also clearly stating our steadfast commitment to the Georgian people, civil society, and efforts towards democracy."

Senator Ben Cardin (D-Md.) emphasized that their bill sends a strong signal of support for Georgians' democratic aspirations: "As the government of Georgia continues to blatantly ignore the will of the people by advancing this Russian-style foreign agents law, our bill sends a strong and unwavering signal of support for the Georgian people and their democratic aspirations."

Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.) added that Georgia faces a critical choice regarding its Western integration: "The United States has long supported Georgia’s sovereignty, territorial integrity, and Euro-Atlantic ambitions. Now, the Georgian Government has a clear choice – abandon its undemocratic efforts or threaten Georgia’s Western integration and relations with its strongest partners."

Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) highlighted public opposition within Georgia: "The Georgian people are taking to the streets to demand a pro-European, pro-Democratic future, and the government in Tbilisi needs to listen to them."

"This is a defining moment for the future of Georgia’s democracy," said Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.). He commended Senator Shaheen's leadership on this issue.

Last week, Risch and Shaheen issued a joint statement condemning passage of the foreign agents bill. Prior to votes in Georgian Parliament, they sent a bipartisan letter urging reconsideration of this legislation.

###