**US Senators Introduce Bill to Support Georgia**
Two US senators, Jim Risch and Jeanne Shaheen, have introduced a new bill called the MEGOBARI Act. This bipartisan bill aims to support the people of Georgia and reaffirm the US’s commitment to Georgia’s integration with Europe.
The name “MEGOBARI” is a Georgian word that means “friend”. The full name of the bill is the Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act. This bill is intended to support the people of Georgia as they struggle against an authoritarian government and violent crackdowns on peaceful protests.
**What Does the Bill Do?**
The MEGOBARI Act will:
* Review the US-Georgia relationship, including all assistance programs
* Recognize the Georgian people‘s support for Euro-Atlantic integration
* Impose sanctions on officials who have engaged in corruption or undermined Georgia’s sovereignty
* Bolster defense cooperation and civil society
* Express support for Georgia’s full sovereignty and territorial integrity
**Background**
The bill was first introduced in the US House of Representatives last year, but it did not pass. It is now being reintroduced by Senators Risch and Shaheen, who are the chairman and ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee.
**Next Steps**
The Senate Foreign Relations Committee will take up the legislation today. If passed, the bill will go to the US House of Representatives for a vote.
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