**US House Passes MEGOBARI Act, Targeting Georgian Officials**
The US House of Representatives has approved a bill that obligates the President to impose sanctions on foreign individuals, including Georgian officials, who pose a threat to Georgia’s security and stability. The MEGOBARI Act, officially titled the Mobilizing and Enhancing Georgia’s Options for Building Accountability, Resilience, and Independence Act, was supported by 349 members of Congress.
The bill targets anyone who has held a position in parliament or party leadership since January 1, 2014. This includes current high-ranking officials and their close relatives if they have benefited from the individuals’ actions. The sanctions also apply to those involved in corruption or attempts to derail Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course.
According to Nika Gvaramia, leader of the “Coalition for Change,” the bill now needs to be approved by the US Senate before it can be signed into law by the President. If passed, the MEGOBARI Act will impose visa restrictions and asset freezes on those who meet the criteria.
“This is a significant step towards holding accountable individuals who threaten Georgia’s security and stability,” Gvaramia said in a Facebook post. “We urge the Senate to approve this bill without delay.”
**Background and Context**
The US House of Representatives has shown strong bipartisan support for the MEGOBARI Act, with 349 members voting in favor of the bill. Only 42 members voted against it. The passage of the bill is seen as a major victory for those who have been advocating for greater accountability and transparency in Georgia.
**Analysis**
The MEGOBARI Act sends a strong message that the US will not tolerate individuals who seek to undermine Georgia’s stability and security. The sanctions imposed by the act are designed to hold accountable those who have engaged in corrupt practices or attempted to derail Georgia’s Euro-Atlantic course.
As Nika Gvaramia noted, the passage of this bill is a significant step towards greater accountability and transparency in Georgia. However, much work remains to be done before the MEGOBARI Act can become law.
**Next Steps**
The bill now needs to be approved by the US Senate before it can be signed into law by the President. If passed, the MEGOBARI Act will have significant implications for Georgian officials who have been accused of corruption or other forms of malfeasance.
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