Bill · S. 868· Senate(119-S-868)
MEGOBARI Act
- Introduced
- 3/5/2025
- Last activity
- 4/28/2025 — Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 55.
- Sponsored by
- Jeanne Shaheen
- Cosponsors
- - 1 - 2
- Introduced
- On Calendar
What this bill would do
This bill, known as the MEGOBARI Act, aims to support democracy, the rule of law, and Euro-Atlantic aspirations in Georgia. It seeks to address democratic backsliding and the increasing hostility of the current Georgian government toward civil society and Western partners. The legislation authorizes the President to impose sanctions on individuals involved in blocking Euro-Atlantic integration or undermining Georgia's sovereignty. It also mandates reports on Russian and Chinese influence within the country. Additionally, the bill outlines a strategy for bilateral relations and provides for potential increased military and academic cooperation. The Act includes a sunset provision that expires five years after enactment.
Yes· 3 of 5
Does this strengthen ties with allied countries?+6
The bill seeks to strengthen Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration and ties with the United States and Europe.
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill emphasizes public-sector transparency and accountability as part of its democratic support goals.
Does this protect the right to vote?+5
The bill calls for investigating election irregularities and upholding the democratic wishes of the Georgian people.
The opposite
Does this make it easier to run a small business?-2
The bill's sanctions could potentially disrupt commercial activities and property interests in Georgia.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Protection of Democratic Values: The policy supports the development of free and fair elections, freedom of association, an independent media, and an accountable judiciary (Section 4, paragraph 6).
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Support for Civil Society: The bill aims to continue supporting the Georgian people and civil society organizations that reflect democratic aspirations (Section 4, paragraph 7).
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Protection of Rights: It supports the right of the Georgian people to engage in peaceful protest and make independent choices regarding foreign policy without coercion (Section 4, paragraph 8).
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Release of Political Prisoners: The policy calls on the Government of Georgia to release all persons detained or imprisoned on politically motivated grounds (Section 4, paragraph 10).
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Security and Defense: The bill provides for the potential expansion of military co-operation, including security and defense equipment suited for territorial defense (Section 7, paragraph a, 2).
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Educational and Cultural Exchange: The Secretary of State is encouraged to enhance people-to-people contacts and academic exchanges between the United States and Georgia (Section 7, paragraph a, 1).
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Humanitarian Protections: Sanctions include exceptions to ensure that the provision of food, medicine, medical devices, or humanitarian assistance is not hindered (Section 6, paragraph i, 2, C).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Sanctions on Officials and Families: The President is directed to determine if specific government officials, or even their immediate family members, should face sanctions like property blocking or visa ineligibility (Section 6, paragraph b, 1, C).
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Impact on Sovereignty and Stability: The bill calls for a reevaluation of foreign and security assistance to the Government of Georgia (Section 4, paragraph 4).
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Potential Financial Hardship via Sanctions: The President may block and prohibit all transactions in the property and interests of certain foreign persons (Section 6, paragraph d, 1).
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Visa and Entry Restrictions: Sanctions can result in individuals being inadmissible to the United States or having their current visas revoked (Section 6, paragraph d, 2).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- National Security And Foreign Policy
- Improves International Alliances+6
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5
- Social Issues And Justice
- Improves Voting Rights+5
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Students+4
- Education And Technology
- Improves College Affordability+3
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Small Business Support-2
- 4/28/2025
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Reported by Senator Risch without amendment. Without written report.
- Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 55.
- 3/27/2025
- Committee on Foreign Relations. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
- 3/24/2025
- 2 Cosponsors added.
- 3/5/2025
- Read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations.
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- Introduced in Senate
Christopher CoonsDemocrat · Delaware
James RischRepublican · Idaho
Pete RickettsRepublican · Nebraska