The MEGOBARI Act (short for Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia's Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act) is a proposed United States federal law introduced by bipartisan members of Congress[a], including U.S. Helsinki Commission Chairman Rep. Joe Wilson.[2] The stated aims of the legislation are to strengthen democratic practices, human rights, and the rule of law in Georgia (country) while countering authoritarian influences, particularly from Russia, as well as China and Iran.[3][4][5][6]
The bill's name, "MEGOBARI", meaning "friend" in Georgian (Georgian:მეგობარი, romanized:megobari), aims to describe "a strong partnership between the United States and the Georgian people". Chairman Wilson stated that the act "reflects the US commitment to supporting Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations and ensuring government accountability to its citizens and democratic principles".[7] The act encompasses various measures, including sanctions against the Georgian officials, for supposedly stalling the country's integration into the European Union and instead aligning with Russia, China and Iran. The bill passed the House of Representatives on May 6th 2025, but is since reported to have been stalled in the US Senate.[8]
Background
This bill is a legislative response to Georgia's adoption of the "Russian-style" foreign agents law ("On Transparency of Foreign Influence"), the mass protests that followed in May 2024, the disputed 2024 parliamentary elections and the 2025 mass protests and crackdowns.[9] The proposed bill calls for a comprehensive review of U.S.-Georgia relations, support for the "Georgian people's pro-Western aspirations", and accountability for individuals involved in "anti-democratic actions in the country, including members of the ruling Georgian Dream party".[10]
If the bill is passed, the U.S. Secretary of State, in consultation with relevant government agencies, will have 60 days to identify individuals in the Georgian government, its affiliates, or those with significant influence over its actions who are materially responsible for "undermining democracy, human rights, or security in Georgia". Sanctions against such individuals could include measures under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act, as well as those authorized by the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023. Visa bans may also be applied to the individuals and their families. The focus will be on those involved in the advocacy, passage, or enforcement of the "Russian-style foreign agent legislation", or those in leadership roles who "promote such laws or suppress lawful opposition". The secretary of state is required to report to Congress within 90 days, providing an unclassified summary for public release.
The bill also mandates a report on improper influence and sanctions evasion in Georgia, to be prepared within 60 days by the secretary of state in coordination with the treasury secretary. This report will analyze corruption and elite networks that serve Russian interests, knowingly or otherwise, as well as Georgia's role in enabling the evasion of international sanctions against Russia. A separate report on Russian intelligence penetration in Georgia, including potential intersections with Chinese influence, is also required within 90 days.
"To strengthen democratic processes", the bill tasks the secretary of state and USAID with establishing a "democracy monitoring task force" to assess and promote a fair pre-election environment in Georgia. Further U.S. support will depend on certification by the president or secretary of state that Georgia has made significant and sustained democratic progress, evidenced by fair elections and balanced pre-election conditions. Upon certification, the U.S. Trade Representative may begin negotiations for a preferential trade regime. Additionally, the U.S. will enhance academic exchanges, visa liberalization, and economic modernization efforts, coordinated with international partners. In terms of security, the president, in consultation with the secretary of defense, will prepare a package of defense equipment and support tailored to counter Russian aggression, ensuring Georgia's territorial defense capabilities are strengthened. This bill reflects a comprehensive effort to "support Georgia's democratic development and counter authoritarian influences".[12][13][7]
Georgian government response
The Georgian government criticized the bill, calling it a US interference in the Georgian foreign policy and a "blackmail, intimidation". It stated that it would not change its foreign policy to appease the authors of the bill because it believed this would undermine Georgia's sovereignty.[14] Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze stated that the passage of the bill could harm Georgia-U.S. relations.[15][16] Additionally, the government denounced the protests as being directed by the NGOs which are funded from the West through USAID, NED and etc. to create "revolutionary processes" in Georgia.[17]
The Parliament of Georgia[b] issued a statement on May 14, 2025, condemning the U.S. House of Representatives' adoption of the "so-called MEGOBARI Act" on May 5, 2025, calling it "deeply hostile toward the Georgian state, people, and elected authorities". The statement rejects the Act’s three main claims: that Georgia is experiencing democratic backsliding, obstructing Euro-Atlantic integration, and forming inappropriate ties with Russia, China, and Iran, dismissing them as false. It also criticizes the Act as biased, factually inaccurate, and logically flawed, but adds that Georgia will still respond to its accusations with facts.[22][23]
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