US Senate considers MEGOBARI Act to ‘counter’ Russian, Chinese, and Iranian influence in Georgia

The United States Senate has added the MEGOBARI Act to its legislative calendar, a bill aimed at “countering the influence of the Chinese Communist Party, the Iranian regime, and Russia in Georgia.”

The act, formally titled "the Mobilization and Strengthening of Georgia's Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Capabilities Act, has been listed under the Senate’s General Affairs calendar with serial number 70 and was filed on Tuesday.

The MEGOBARI Act has already gained significant momentum, having passed the US House of Representatives on Tuesday with strong bipartisan support. A total of 349 members of the House voted in favor of the measure, which includes provisions for imposing sanctions on the ruling Georgian Dream government.

This legislative move highlights concerns in Washington over what is seen as increasing influence from Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran in the South Caucasus state. Supporters of the MEGOBARI Act argue that it is necessary to support democratic institutions, rule of law, and independence in Georgia amid ongoing geopolitical pressures.

Additionally, the Senate's General Affairs calendar also lists another Georgia-related bill under serial number 55. Filed on April 28, this second bill is described as a “bill to support democracy and the rule of law in Georgia."