U.S. Senator Jim Risch - ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senator Jim Risch - ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee | Official U.S. Senate headshot
U.S. Senators Jim Risch (R-Idaho) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) have announced an increase in bipartisan support for their proposed Georgian People’s Act. This legislation aims to hold Georgian officials accountable for corruption, human rights abuses, and anti-democratic actions. The bill has gained the backing of ten additional senators.
Senators Thom Tillis (R-N.C.), Mitt Romney (R-Utah), Jeff Merkley (D-Oreg.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Chris Murphy (D-Conn.), Dan Sullivan (R-Ark.), Angus King (I-Maine), Todd Young (R-Ind.), Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.), and George Helmy (D-N.J.) have expressed their intention to co-sponsor the bill when the Senate reconvenes in November. They join other supporters including SFRC Chairman Ben Cardin (D-Md.) and Senators Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), Chris Coons (D-Del.), and Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.).
"This bill sends a strong message from Congress that the U.S. is united behind the Georgian people as they pursue a future in the transatlantic community," said Senator Risch. He emphasized the importance of supporting Georgia's aspirations for European integration.
Senator Shaheen stated, "Together, we’re sending a strong message that there is robust bipartisan support for our legislation and our posture towards Georgia." She highlighted that support for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic aspirations will remain steadfast.
Senator Tillis expressed concern over Georgia's alignment with pro-Russian policies, stating his pride in co-sponsoring the bill to hold officials accountable and reaffirm U.S. support for Georgians.
Senator Cornyn echoed these sentiments, labeling Georgia's shift towards Russia as alarming and stressing accountability through this legislation.
Senator Murphy warned of Russia’s influence undermining Georgia's democracy, emphasizing U.S. solidarity with Georgians who favor democratic governance.
Romney noted that despite public support for democracy, Georgia’s government appears increasingly influenced by Russia, prompting legislative action to uphold democratic principles.
Sullivan underlined that a free Georgia aligned with Western interests benefits both nations' security and stability, referencing polling data indicating 90% of Georgians prefer alignment with Western nations over Russia.
Young concluded by asserting U.S. support for Georgian transatlantic goals while holding officials accountable for any corrupt practices aligning with Russian interests.
Details about the Georgian People’s Act are available online.
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