MEGOBARI Act

Bill Number

H.R. 36

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 1

Policy Area

International Affairs

Status

Passed House

Latest Action

2025-05-06: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 70.

Last Updated

2026-07-11T00:38:37Z

AI-Generated Summary

Purpose

The MEGOBARI Act (H.R. 36) aims to counter the influence of the Chinese Communist Party, the Iranian regime, and the Russian Federation in the nation of Georgia (the country in the Caucasus region). It seeks to promote Georgia's democratic progress, support its integration into Euro-Atlantic institutions like the European Union (EU) and NATO, and protect its sovereignty from external threats, particularly Russian aggression.

Key Provisions

• Sense of Congress (Sec. 3): Recognizes Georgia's post-Soviet achievements but highlights recent democratic backsliding, growing ties with authoritarian regimes, and hostility toward Western partners. It urges suspending the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission until Georgia upholds democratic wishes and advances EU/NATO membership.

• Statement of Policy (Sec. 4): Outlines U.S. commitments to:
• Support Georgia's constitutional goals for EU and NATO membership, backed by most citizens.
• Protect Georgia's borders from Russian encroachment.
• Encourage inclusive reforms for EU candidate status, involving opposition and civil society.
• Reevaluate U.S. aid if Georgia shifts away from its Euro-Atlantic agenda.
• Combat Russian aggression through sanctions and reduced Georgia-Russia trade.
• Promote democratic values like fair elections, free speech, independent judiciary, and anti-corruption; impose consequences on those undermining these.
• Aid Georgian civil society, peaceful protests, and release of political prisoners.
• Investigate the October 2024 elections for irregularities and hold perpetrators accountable.
• Maintain bilateral ties if Georgia recommits to Euro-Atlantic goals.

• Reports and Briefings (Sec. 5):
• A classified report (due 180 days after enactment) on Russian intelligence penetration in Georgia, including Chinese influence and potential Russia-China cooperation.
• An unclassified 5-year strategy (due 90 days after enactment) for U.S.-Georgia relations, assessing objectives, funding (Georgia as second-highest recipient in Europe/Eurasia), civil society support, and trade commitments.

• Sanctions (Sec. 6):
• Inadmissibility for Blocking Integration (Subsec. b): Within 90 days, the President must assess Georgian officials (e.g., parliament members since 2014, senior party leaders, law enforcement/judicial figures) and their immediate family for corruption, violence, or intimidation blocking EU/NATO progress. Affirmative findings lead to visa ineligibility, entry bans, and property blocking under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA, a law allowing the President to regulate international economic transactions during emergencies).
• Sanctions for Undermining Stability (Subsec. c): The President may (and in some cases must) impose property blocking and visa bans on foreign persons (non-U.S. individuals or entities) responsible for actions threatening Georgia's peace, security, or territory, including leaders of involved entities and benefiting family members. Requires congressional notification within 10 days.
• Broader Corruption Report (Subsec. g): Within 180 days, identify and report on foreign persons engaging in significant corruption or destabilizing acts in Georgia for potential IEEPA sanctions.
• Implementation and Exceptions: Uses IEEPA authorities; includes waivers for national security, humanitarian aid (e.g., food, medicine), intelligence activities, and UN obligations. Sanctions end if behavior changes or after 5 years (Sec. 8). Regulations due within 120 days.

• Additional Assistance (Sec. 7): If the President certifies Georgia's sustained democratic progress and Euro-Atlantic alignment, the U.S. should expand people-to-people exchanges, academic ties, and military cooperation (e.g., defense equipment against Russia). Encourages improving relations if Georgia reforms laws on foreign influence.

• Sunset (Sec. 8): The Act expires 5 years after enactment.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

This bill does not directly amend prior laws but introduces new mandates under existing frameworks like IEEPA and the Immigration and Nationality Act (which governs visas and immigration). Key additions include:

• Specific requirements for presidential determinations on Georgian officials for sanctions related to democratic backsliding and foreign influence.
• New reporting obligations on intelligence threats and bilateral strategy, expanding congressional oversight of U.S. foreign policy toward Georgia.
• Targeted sanctions tied to EU/NATO integration efforts, building on but not altering broader Russia/China sanctions regimes.

Potential Impacts

• On Government Agencies: The State Department, Defense Department, USAID, and intelligence agencies (e.g., Director of National Intelligence) must produce reports, strategies, and implement sanctions, potentially straining resources. The President gains expanded discretion for waivers but faces congressional briefings, increasing accountability.
• On Citizens: Georgian civil society and protesters may gain indirect U.S. support for democracy and media, but officials and families could face travel bans and asset freezes, limiting personal opportunities. U.S. citizens involved in Georgia-related aid or trade might see shifts in funding priorities.
• On International Relations: Could strain U.S.-Georgia government ties if sanctions are applied, pressuring Georgia to realign from Russia/China/Iran. Strengthens U.S. stance against authoritarian influence in the region, potentially aiding NATO/EU efforts but risking escalation with Russia. If Georgia complies, it could enhance military and economic cooperation, bolstering regional stability.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• U.S. Government: Congress (oversight committees like Foreign Relations and Appropriations), Executive Branch (President, State Department, Defense, intelligence agencies).
• Georgian Government and Officials: Parliament members, party leaders, law enforcement, and judiciary at risk of sanctions; broader government faces aid reevaluation.
• Georgian Citizens and Civil Society: Pro-democracy groups, opposition parties, media, and protesters benefit from policy support; political prisoners may see calls for release.
• Foreign Entities: Russian, Chinese, and Iranian actors/influence networks in Georgia targeted via reports and potential sanctions.
• International Organizations: EU and NATO, as the bill reinforces Georgia's membership aspirations through U.S. pressure.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Legal: Relies on IEEPA for economic sanctions, which has been upheld in courts as a broad presidential power during national emergencies (e.g., related to foreign threats). Visa provisions align with immigration law but could face challenges if applied broadly. Waivers ensure flexibility, preventing overly rigid enforcement.
• Constitutional: Balances executive foreign policy authority with congressional oversight through required reports and briefings, respecting separation of powers. No direct constitutional issues, but sanctions on allies like Georgia test norms of U.S. intervention in sovereign elections or internal affairs.
• Political: Signals strong U.S. bipartisan concern over democratic erosion in strategic allies, potentially influencing Georgia's 2024 election aftermath and foreign policy. Could polarize U.S.-Russia/China relations further; success depends on presidential implementation, with risks of alienating Georgia if perceived as overreach. The 5-year sunset provides a temporary framework, allowing future Congresses to reassess.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rep. Wilson, Joe [R-SC-2]

Cosponsors (18)

Rep. Cohen, Steve [D-TN-9], Rep. Hudson, Richard [R-NC-9], Rep. Veasey, Marc A. [D-TX-33], Rep. Haridopolos, Mike [R-FL-8], Del. Norton, Eleanor Holmes [D-DC-At Large], Rep. Turner, Michael R. [R-OH-10], Rep. Doggett, Lloyd [D-TX-37], Rep. Lawler, Michael [R-NY-17], Rep. Cleaver, Emanuel [D-MO-5], Rep. Aderholt, Robert B. [R-AL-4], Rep. Costa, Jim [D-CA-21], Rep. Keating, William R. [D-MA-9], Del. Moylan, James C. [R-GU-At Large], Rep. Palmer, Gary J. [R-AL-6], Rep. Vindman, Eugene [D-VA-7], Rep. Rouzer, David [R-NC-7], Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11], Rep. Panetta, Jimmy [D-CA-19]

Recent Actions

• 2025-05-06: Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 70.
• 2025-05-05: Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
• 2025-05-05: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 349 - 42 (Roll no. 116). (text: CR H1824-1826) (Roll call 116)
• 2025-05-05: Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by the Yeas and Nays: (2/3 required): 349 - 42 (Roll no. 116). (text: CR H1824-1826) (Roll call 116)
• 2025-05-05: Considered as unfinished business. (consideration: CR H1840-1841)
• 2025-05-05: At the conclusion of debate, the Yeas and Nays were demanded and ordered. Pursuant to the provisions of clause 8, rule XX, the Chair announced that further proceedings on the motion would be postponed.
• 2025-05-05: DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 36.
• 2025-05-05: Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1823-1828)
• 2025-05-05: Mr. Mast moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
• 2025-01-03: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-01-03: Referred to the Committee on Foreign Affairs, and in addition to the Committee on the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
• 2025-01-03: Introduced in House
• 2025-01-03: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act — issued 2025-05-05 — PDF (24 pages)
• Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act — issued 2025-01-03 — PDF (23 pages)
• Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act — issued 2025-05-06 — PDF (24 pages)

Related Bills

• S. 868 (119th Congress)