Last week, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen and Jim Risch introduced the Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence (MEGOBARI) Act. This bipartisan legislation aims to support the people of Georgia amid governmental violence against peaceful protestors and to reaffirm U.S. backing for Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration.
Ranking Member Shaheen stated, “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.” She emphasized that it is crucial for the U.S. to support Georgia as Russia attempts to undermine regional democracies.
Chairman Risch added, “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.” He highlighted that this bill aims to show U.S. support for Georgians’ right to self-determination.
The MEGOBARI Act proposes several measures:
– A comprehensive review of the U.S.–Georgia relationship, including all assistance programs.
– Recognition of Georgian public support for Euro-Atlantic accession processes.
– Sanctions on Georgian Dream officials involved in corruption affecting Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration.
– Strengthening ties between people and defense cooperation when Georgia aligns with its constitutional requirements.
– Support for Georgia’s sovereignty amid Russian occupation.
– Assistance for civil society defending against governmental abuses.
