House · HR 36 · 119th Congress
MEGOBARI Act
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Summary
This bill targets foreign officials, including Georgian government leaders, who block Georgia from joining Western alliances or who undermine its stability. The President must review these individuals and can ban them from the United States or freeze their assets. The law expires after five years.
In Favor
Georgia faces growing pressure from Russia and China, and its own government has pulled away from democratic reforms. This bill gives the U.S. real tools to hold corrupt officials accountable. Sanctions on those blocking Georgia's path to NATO and the EU can protect a key partner without sending troops.
Against
This bill ties the President's hands by requiring sanctions within strict deadlines, limiting flexibility in a fast-changing region. Sanctioning a broad group of officials, including family members, risks punishing people with limited direct involvement. It could also push Georgia's government further away instead of encouraging reform.
Additional Considerations
Purpose & Problem
Is the problem real and worth federal action?
The bill aims to counter the influence of China, Iran, and Russia in Georgia by imposing penalties on foreign officials who block Georgia's path toward joining Western alliances.
Scope & Related Provisions
Does it stay focused, or carry unrelated add-ons?
The bill's provisions stay tied to its core purpose of addressing foreign influence and democratic backsliding in Georgia, including sanctions, reports, and conditions for future military cooperation.
Who Is Affected
Who benefits, and who bears the cost?
Foreign government officials and their family members face visa blocks and property freezes. U.S. federal agencies, including the State Department and USAID, take on new reporting and rule-writing duties.
Cost & Funding
Is it affordable and responsibly funded?
The bill does not state a dollar amount or include a CBO cost estimate. It shifts costs onto federal agencies to write rules, produce reports, review sanctions cases, and brief Congress on a set schedule.
Risks & Implementation
What could go wrong in practice?
The bill requires the President to identify and evaluate a broad set of foreign officials within 90 days, and agencies must produce multiple reports and rules within tight deadlines, which depends on available intelligence and coordination across several departments.
For the actual bill text, see congress.gov.
AI-generated · Published 7/22/2026