House BillHR 36Government ethics and transparency, public corruptionCivil actions and liability
MEGOBARI Act
INTRO JAN 3· LAST ACTION MAY 6
READING
18MIN
COSPONSORS
18BIPARTISAN
READER REACTIONS0 TOTAL
NO VOTES YET · BE THE FIRST
One chamber only
LEGISLATIVE PROGRESS
STEP 4 / 8
Introduced
In Committee
Reported
Passed House
Passed Senate
Conference
To President
Became Law
WHAT THE BILL DOES
AI-written
This bill matters because it reflects a significant shift in how the United States might approach its relationship with Georgia, a strategically important country in a volatile region. If enacted, it signals a more conditional and potentially tougher U.S. stance, directly linking U.S. aid and diplomatic engagement to Georgia's commitment to democracy and Western integration rather than its pivot towards Russia and China.
For voters, this bill addresses broader concerns about the spread of authoritarian influence globally and the erosion of democratic norms. If the bill becomes law and its provisions are implemented, it could either succeed in encouraging Georgia to recommit to democratic reforms and Western alliances, or it could potentially strain relations further, pushing Georgia even closer to the powers the bill seeks to counter. The outcome could have ripple effects on regional stability, international alliances, and the ongoing geopolitical competition between democratic and authoritarian states.
KEY PROVISIONS
5AI-extracted
PROVISION 01
Directs the Secretary of State to suspend the United States-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission if the Government of Georgia does not uphold democratic wishes and its constitutional obligations towards EU and NATO membership.
This provision is significant because it threatens to suspend a major diplomatic platform, signaling a serious downgrading of bilateral relations.
PROVISION 02
States U.S. policy to reevaluate its relationship with the Government of Georgia and review all foreign and security assistance if Georgia does not reorient towards its European Union accession agenda and democratic wishes.
This could directly impact financial and security support Georgia receives from the U.S., adding considerable pressure for policy changes.
PROVISION 03
Requires a classified report within 180 days on Russian intelligence elements and assets in Georgia, including an annex on Chinese influence and potential cooperation.
This aims to provide critical intelligence on malign foreign influence, informing future U.S. policy and actions.
PROVISION 04
Mandates the development of a 5-year United States Strategy for Bilateral Relations with Georgia within 90 days, outlining specific objectives.
This provision sets the long-term direction and goals for U.S. engagement with Georgia, adapting to the perceived democratic backsliding.
PROVISION 05
Calls for swift consequences on individuals directly responsible for undermining democratic standards in Georgia.
This targets specific individuals, creating personal accountability and potentially deterring actions that undermine democracy.
This bill matters because it reflects a significant shift in how the United States might approach its relationship with Georgia, a strategically important country in a volatile region. If enacted, it signals a more conditional and potentially tougher U.S. stance, directly linking U.S. aid and diplomatic engagement to Georgia's commitment to democracy and Western integration rather than its pivot towards Russia and China.
For voters, this bill addresses broader concerns about the spread of authoritarian influence globally and the erosion of democratic norms. If the bill becomes law and its provisions are implemented, it could either succeed in encouraging Georgia to recommit to democratic reforms and Western alliances, or it could potentially strain relations further, pushing Georgia even closer to the powers the bill seeks to counter. The outcome could have ripple effects on regional stability, international alliances, and the ongoing geopolitical competition between democratic and authoritarian states.
KEY PROVISIONS
AI-extracted
high
Directs the Secretary of State to suspend the United States-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission if the Government of Georgia does not uphold democratic wishes and its constitutional obligations towards EU and NATO membership.
This provision is significant because it threatens to suspend a major diplomatic platform, signaling a serious downgrading of bilateral relations.
high
States U.S. policy to reevaluate its relationship with the Government of Georgia and review all foreign and security assistance if Georgia does not reorient towards its European Union accession agenda and democratic wishes.
This could directly impact financial and security support Georgia receives from the U.S., adding considerable pressure for policy changes.
med
Requires a classified report within 180 days on Russian intelligence elements and assets in Georgia, including an annex on Chinese influence and potential cooperation.
This aims to provide critical intelligence on malign foreign influence, informing future U.S. policy and actions.
med
Mandates the development of a 5-year United States Strategy for Bilateral Relations with Georgia within 90 days, outlining specific objectives.
This provision sets the long-term direction and goals for U.S. engagement with Georgia, adapting to the perceived democratic backsliding.
high
Calls for swift consequences on individuals directly responsible for undermining democratic standards in Georgia.
This targets specific individuals, creating personal accountability and potentially deterring actions that undermine democracy.
180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act
Secretary of State, in coordination with the Director of National Intelligence and the Secretary of Defense, shall submit a classified report examining Russian intelligence and Chinese influence in Georgia.
90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act
Secretary of State and the Administrator of the United States Agency for International Development shall submit a detailed 5-year strategy for bilateral relations with Georgia.
GLOSSARY
AI-written
Appropriate congressional committees
Specific committees in the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives responsible for foreign relations, appropriations, armed services, and intelligence, designated to receive reports and information under this Act.
NATO
The North Atlantic Treaty Organization, an intergovernmental military alliance between North American and European countries.
Secretary
Refers to the U.S. Secretary of State, the principal foreign policy advisor to the President.
Sense of Congress
A formal statement of opinion or intent by the U.S. Congress that does not have the force of law but expresses the legislative body's collective viewpoint on an issue.
Democratic backsliding
The process by which a country's democratic institutions and values erode, leading to a decline in democratic quality, often through actions by the government itself.
Civil society
The arena outside of government and formal businesses where people organize themselves to advance common interests, including non-governmental organizations, advocacy groups, and community associations.
Euro-Atlantic partners
ACTION TIMELINE
13 EVENTS
MAY 6, 25
Received in the Senate. Read twice. Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 70.
CALENDARS
MAY 5, 25
Mr. Mast moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
FLOOR
MAY 5, 25
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1823-1828)
FLOOR
MAY 5, 25
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on H.R. 36.
Countries and organizations primarily in Europe and North America that share common values and interests, typically referring to members or aspiring members of institutions like the European Union and NATO.
Candidate status (European Union)
A formal recognition by the European Union that a country has met initial requirements and is eligible to begin the process of negotiating for full membership.
