# MEGOBARI Act Summary

## What This Bill Does

The MEGOBARI Act is a congressional statement of support for democracy in Georgia (the country). The bill expresses concern that Georgia's government has been moving away from democratic values and toward closer ties with Russia and China, rather than pursuing its constitutional goal of joining the European Union and NATO. The bill calls on the U.S. to take action to support Georgian democracy and to reconsider its relationship with the Georgian government if it continues undermining democratic standards.

## Key Actions and Provisions

The bill directs the Secretary of State to **suspend the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission** until Georgia's government demonstrates it will respect democratic wishes and work toward EU and NATO membership. It also establishes a policy for the U.S. to **review and potentially reduce military and foreign aid** to Georgia if the government doesn't reform. The bill emphasizes that the U.S. should support Georgia's sovereignty against Russian aggression while encouraging the government to reduce trade with Russia and increase European integration.

## Who Is Affected

**Georgian citizens and civil society** would benefit from increased U.S. support for democratic freedoms, independent media, and fair elections. **The Georgian government** would face potential consequences, including reduced U.S. aid and suspended diplomatic partnerships, if it continues restricting freedoms or moving closer to Russia. The bill also calls for investigating the legitimacy of Georgia's October 2024 elections and releasing people detained on political grounds.