S.868 - Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act; MEGOBARI Act (119th Congress)
Summary
The MEGOBARI Act (S.868) aims to support democracy and the rule of law in Georgia. It outlines a policy of supporting Georgia's Euro-Atlantic aspirations and protecting its sovereignty against Russian aggression. The act includes provisions for sanctions against individuals undermining Georgia's peace, security, or Euro-Atlantic integration, and mandates reports on Russian intelligence assets in Georgia and a 5-year strategy for bilateral relations.
Expected Effects
The act could lead to a reevaluation of the US-Georgia relationship, potentially impacting foreign and security assistance. Sanctions could be imposed on individuals involved in corruption or undermining Georgia's stability. The act also seeks to enhance people-to-people contacts and academic exchanges, while maintaining and expanding military cooperation.
Potential Benefits
- Supports Georgia's sovereignty and territorial integrity.
- Promotes democratic values and institutions in Georgia.
- Provides tools to address corruption and malign influence.
- Enhances bilateral ties and cooperation between the US and Georgia.
- Reinforces international efforts to counter Russian aggression.
Potential Disadvantages
- Sanctions could strain US-Georgia relations if not implemented carefully.
- May face challenges in accurately identifying individuals engaged in sanctionable activities.
- Potential for unintended consequences on the Georgian economy and population.
- Could be perceived as interference in Georgia's internal affairs.
- Requires significant resources for implementation and monitoring.
Constitutional Alignment
The act aligns with the US Constitution's broad goals of promoting international stability and defending national security interests. Congress has the power to regulate commerce with foreign nations (Article I, Section 8) and to declare war and provide for the common defense. The act's focus on supporting democracy abroad also reflects the US's historical commitment to promoting human rights and self-determination, though these are not explicitly enshrined in the Constitution.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).