Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 70.
The MEGOBARI Act directs U.S. policy to counter Russian, Chinese, and Iranian influence in Georgia, conditions bilateral engagement on Georgia’s Euro‑Atlantic orientation, and requires reports, a 5‑year strategy, and targeted sanctions. It mandates a classified assessment of foreign intelligence penetration, authorizes visa bans and asset‑blocking for Georgian officials and others who block Euro‑Atlantic integration or undermine Georgia’s sovereignty, and enables expanded people‑to‑people and defense cooperation if Georgia re‑aligns.
Scope and targeting of visa bans and asset blocks
Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a substantive policy statute that is accompanied by significant reporting and administrative directives.
The MEGOBARI Act directs U.S. policy to counter Russian, Chinese, and Iranian influence in Georgia, conditions bilateral engagement on Georgia’s Euro‑Atlantic orientation, and requires reports, a 5‑year strategy, and targeted sanctions.
It mandates a classified assessment of foreign intelligence penetration, authorizes visa bans and asset‑blocking for Georgian officials and others who block Euro‑Atlantic integration or undermine Georgia’s sovereignty, and enables expanded people‑to‑people and defense cooperation if Georgia re‑aligns.
The law sunsets after five years and includes waiver, humanitarian, and international‑obligation exceptions.
Procedurally implementable and executive-led, but wide sanction scope, diplomatic sensitivities, and potential pushback reduce odds.
Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a substantive policy statute that is accompanied by significant reporting and administrative directives. It is well-integrated with existing legal authorities and sets clear timelines and interagency responsibilities; however, some core designation criteria are broadly framed and procedural protections for individuals affected by sanctions are limited.
Scope and targeting of visa bans and asset blocks
These are examples from the analysis, not a ranked list of the most-affected groups.
Scope and targeting of visa bans and asset blocks
Likely generally supportive of measures that defend Georgian democracy and civil society while opposing authoritarian influence.
Would welcome support for independent media, anti‑corruption steps, and conditional assistance, but worry about overly broad or poorly targeted sanctions and U.S. interference in sovereign political processes.
Views the bill as a pragmatic tool to protect Georgia’s sovereignty and nudge reforms, but is cautious about blunt instruments and unintended diplomatic costs.
Supports the reporting and strategy elements, while pushing for narrow, accountable sanctions and clear implementation plans.
Likely supportive because the bill confronts Russia, China, and Iran and conditions support on pro‑Western alignment.
Appreciates visa bans and asset freezes as hard leverage, and supports increased defense cooperation to deter Russian aggression, while wanting prudent use of U.S. resources.
Reached or meaningfully advanced
Reached or meaningfully advanced
Still ahead
Still ahead
Still ahead
Procedurally implementable and executive-led, but wide sanction scope, diplomatic sensitivities, and potential pushback reduce odds.
The House fast-tracked this bill — skipping normal debate — and it passed with a two-thirds majority. It now moves to the Senate.
Suspending the rules allows the House to bypass normal debate procedures and pass a bill immediately with a two-thirds vote.
Scope and targeting of visa bans and asset blocks
Procedurally implementable and executive-led, but wide sanction scope, diplomatic sensitivities, and potential pushback reduce odds.
Relative to its intended legislative type, this bill is a substantive policy statute that is accompanied by significant reporting and administrative directives. It is well-integrated with existing legal authorities and…
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