Rep. Nancy Mace, U.S. Representative for South Carolina's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot
Rep. Nancy Mace, U.S. Representative for South Carolina's 1st District | Official U.S. House headshot
U.S. Helsinki Chairman Congressman Joe Wilson, along with Congressmen Steve Cohen, Richard Hudson, and Marc Veasey, have reintroduced the bipartisan Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence (MEGOBARI) Act. This legislation aims to support democratic practices and human rights in the Republic of Georgia while countering authoritarian influences, particularly from Russia.
Chairman Wilson emphasized the significance of the bill by stating, "In the Georgian language, ‘megobari’ means ‘friend,’ and this bill reflects the powerful friendship and partnership between the United States and the Georgian people." He expressed concern over what he described as attempts by "the Ivanishvili regime" to undermine Georgian freedom.
Ranking Member Cohen added his perspective on the situation: “Corrupt Ivanishvili and his Georgian Nightmare party are turning Georgia into a Russian colony.” He highlighted that independent observers have deemed recent elections in Georgia as flawed. The MEGOBARI Act is intended to provide sanctions against those undermining democracy in Georgia.
Congressman Hudson underscored the importance of addressing external threats to democracy in Georgia: “Vladimir Putin is an evil dictator who will do whatever it takes to undermine democracy in Georgia.”
Congressman Veasey reaffirmed U.S. support for Georgia: “The United States and Congress stand firmly with the people of Georgia. Our friendship with Georgia is at a critical juncture.”
The MEGOBARI Act includes provisions for sanctions against corrupt officials within Georgian Dream, a certification mechanism for enhancing U.S.-Georgia relations upon restoration of democracy, and a report on foreign intelligence activities undermining Georgian sovereignty.
The bill has been negotiated across party lines in both houses of Congress and is expected to advance swiftly. It responds to concerns about recent elections won by Ivanishvili’s party that were criticized internationally as illegitimate.
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