The US House of Representatives has approved legislation requiring the US government to conduct a detailed assessment of Russian and Chinese intelligence influence in Georgia.
The bill was introduced by Congressman Joe Wilson, a Republican, and Congressman Steve Cohen, a Democrat.
Based on the legislation, the US administration would be required to undertake a comprehensive review of Russian and Chinese influence in Georgia and reassess the future strategy of US-Georgia relations.
The bill directs the US executive branch to take two key actions within 180 days of the law’s enactment.
First, the US Secretary of State and intelligence officials would be required to submit a classified report to Congress examining Russian and Chinese intelligence networks operating in Georgia. The report would assess the extent of Russian and Chinese intelligence activities in the country and evaluate whether the interests and influence operations of the two states overlap or cooperate within Georgia.
Second, the US Department of State would be tasked with developing a new five-year strategy for relations with Georgia, tailored to the country’s current domestic political environment. The strategy would assess whether Georgia should remain a major recipient of US assistance in the Europe and Eurasia region and examine whether the Georgian government remains committed to deepening trade ties with the United States and Europe. The document would also evaluate whether Washington should continue investing in projects in Georgia.
The legislation must still be approved by the US Senate before it can become law.
A similar requirement for an intelligence assessment of Russian and Chinese influence in Georgia is also included in the draft National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), which likewise requires Senate approval.
Observers note that Wilson’s previously proposed legislation, the so-called “MEGOBARI Act,” which envisaged the possibility of sanctions against leaders of Georgia’s ruling party, stalled in the Senate and was not adopted.
