MEGOBARI Act
Under this bill, the United States would revoke visas and freeze the American bank accounts and property of Georgian officials, lawmakers, and their relatives who engage in corruption, political violence, or efforts to derail the country's democratic integration with the European Union and NATO. The legislation also triggers an executive review of U.S. foreign assistance to Georgia—one of the largest recipients of American funding in the region—to evaluate cutting government aid and redirecting resources toward independent media and civil society. If Georgia demonstrates sustained democratic reforms and protects public freedoms, the U.S. would instead expand military cooperation, supply territorial defense equipment against Russian aggression, and increase bilateral educational exchanges.
What this bill touches.
Who it helps · who it burdens.
Who it helps
- Humanitarian and medical aid providersShielded from sanctions for transactions involving agricultural commodities, food, medicine, medical devices, and humanitarian assistance (Sec. 6(i)(2)(C)).
Who it burdens
- Georgian officials and political figures blocking Euro-Atlantic integrationFaces mandatory U.S. visa revocations and entry bans if determined to have knowingly engaged in significant corruption, violence, or intimidation blocking Georgia's Euro-Atlantic integration, extending to immediate family members who benefited (Sec. 6(b)(1)–(2)).
- Foreign individuals and entities undermining Georgia's sovereignty or stabilitySubject to mandatory visa bans and potential blocking of U.S.-based property and financial transactions for directing or engaging in actions intended to undermine Georgia's peace, security, sovereignty, or territorial integrity (Sec. 6(c)(1), Sec. 6(d)).
- Persons violating or evading sanctionsSubject to civil and criminal penalties under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act for violating, attempting to violate, or conspiring to violate sanctions imposed under the Act (Sec. 6(e)(2)).
- Department of State and USAIDRequired to produce intelligence and strategic reports on Russian and Chinese influence, review foreign assistance and trade ties, determine sanctionable individuals, and deliver regular briefings to congressional committees (Sec. 5(a), Sec. 5(b), Sec. 6(b)(3), Sec. 6(g)).