MEGOBARI Act
What does the MEGOBARI Act do?
HR 36 is a House bill sponsored by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-SC). This bill responds to democratic backsliding in the nation of Georgia and its government's deepening ties with Russia, China, and Iran. It directs reports and a five-year U.S. strategy on Georgia, and sets up sanctions — visa bans and asset freezes — against Georgian officials and others who engage in corruption or violence to block Georgia's integration with Europe and NATO or who undermine Georgia's sovereignty. It also offers a path to expanded U.S. cooperation if Georgia's government demonstrates democratic progress. The whole Act sunsets after five years.
Did HR 36 pass? Where it stands
As of July 17, 2026, HR 36 has passed the House.
Status: Passed House
Latest vote: House Passed 349–42 on May 5, 2025
Outlook: Possible
Key provisions
- Sanctions on Georgian Officials
- President must determine within 90 days which Georgian officials blocked Euro-Atlantic integration through corruption or violence
- Mandatory visa ineligibility and revocation for those affirmatively identified
- Discretionary asset freezes plus mandatory visa sanctions for undermining Georgia's sovereignty
- Reports and Strategy
- Classified report on Russian intelligence assets in Georgia within 180 days, with a China annex
- Five-year U.S. bilateral strategy within 90 days, including whether Georgia stays the second-highest U.S. funding recipient in Europe and Eurasia
- Conditional Re-engagement
- If the President certifies sustained democratic progress, the U.S. should expand exchanges and military cooperation
- Sense of Congress to suspend the U.S.-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission until reforms occur
- Entire Act sunsets five years after enactment
Last updated June 10, 2026