U.S. Senators Jim Risch and Jeanne Shaheen, the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, have introduced the MEGOBARI Act, a bipartisan bill aimed at supporting the Georgian people, reinforcing U.S. commitment to Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic integration, and imposing sanctions on Georgian Dream officials. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee announced the bill’s introduction on March 10.

The bill’s title, MEGOBARI, translates to “friend” in Georgian, while its full name—Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act—reflects its broader objectives.

Senator Risch condemned the Georgian government’s recent actions, stating:
"Friends of Georgia from around the world have been shocked and dismayed by the government’s descent into authoritarianism and the violent crackdown on pro-democracy protestors. This bill will send a strong message that the U.S. supports the Georgian people as they struggle for the right to self-determination and will give the U.S. tools to help Georgians restore fairness to their political system."

Senator Shaheen echoed his concerns, emphasizing the importance of standing by the Georgian people:
"The Georgian people have made clear their Euro-Atlantic aspirations, and the U.S. must continue to support them against Georgian Dream efforts to erode their democratic institutions. At a time when Russia seeks to undermine democracies across the region, we cannot turn our backs on a key partner striving for a free and democratic future."

According to the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, the legislation includes the following measures:

• A comprehensive review of the U.S.-Georgia relationship, including all assistance programs.
• Recognition of the Georgian people’s commitment to Euro-Atlantic integration, as enshrined in the country’s constitution.
• Mandatory sanctions on Georgian Dream officials and their allies involved in corruption, actions undermining Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, or other destabilizing activities.
• Strengthening U.S.-Georgia defense cooperation and people-to-people ties if Georgia realigns with its constitutional obligations.
• Support for Georgia’s sovereignty and territorial integrity in response to continued Russian occupation.
• Backing for Georgian civil society, which has played a critical role in defending democratic institutions from government overreach.

The MEGOBARI Act was first introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives on May 23, 2024, by Rep. Joe Wilson. Although lawmakers initially aimed to pass it before Georgia’s October 26 elections, the bill was repeatedly postponed due to competing legislative priorities. Now, it has been reintroduced in the new Congress.

While the MEGOBARI Act is a key piece of U.S. policy on Georgia, it is separate from the Georgia People’s Act (GPA), another bipartisan initiative introduced in the Senate.