[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 113 (Tuesday, July 9, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4293-S4297]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

  SA 2093. Mrs. SHAHEEN submitted an amendment intended to be proposed 
by her to the bill S. 4638, to authorize appropriations for fiscal year 
2025 for military activities of the Department of Defense, for military 
construction, and for defense activities of the Department of Energy, 
to prescribe military personnel strengths for such fiscal

[[Page S4294]]

year, and for other purposes; which was ordered to lie on the table; as 
follows:

       At the end of title XII, add the following:

Subtitle G--Supporting Democracy and the Rule of Law in the Republic of 
                                Georgia

     SEC. 1291. SHORT TITLES.

       This subtitle may be cited as the ``Georgian People's Act'' 
     or the ``GPA Act''.

     SEC. 1292. FINDINGS.

       Congress finds the following:
       (1) On April 9, 1991, the Republic of Georgia declared 
     independence from the Soviet Union, and on March 24, 1992, 
     the United States and Georgia established formal diplomatic 
     relations.
       (2) Since 1993, the territorial integrity of Georgia has 
     been reaffirmed by the international community and numerous 
     United Nations Security Council resolutions.
       (3) At the 2008 Summit in Bucharest, NATO recognized the 
     aspirations of Georgia to join NATO and committed that 
     Georgia would become a member of the Alliance.
       (4) On August 7, 2008, the Russian Federation invaded 
     Georgia and thereafter occupied 20 percent of its territory, 
     all of which it continues to occupy.
       (5) On January 9, 2009, the United States and Georgia 
     signed the United States-Georgia Charter on Strategic 
     Partnership, affirming the close relationship between the 
     United States and Georgia based on the shared principles of 
     democracy, free markets, defense and security cooperation, 
     and cultural exchanges.
       (6) Georgia made significant contributions to the wars in 
     Iraq and Afghanistan and was the largest troop contributor 
     among NATO partners to the NATO-led Resolute Support Mission 
     in Afghanistan.
       (7) The United States and Georgia have maintained a strong 
     security partnership, including the U.S.-Georgia Security 
     Cooperation Framework, signed in November 2019, and the 
     Georgia Defense and Deterrence Enhancement Initiative, 
     launched in October 2021.
       (8) The United States supports the sovereignty and 
     territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally 
     recognized borders and condemns the continued occupation by 
     Russia of the Georgian regions of South Ossetia and Abkhazia.
       (9) The United States has continuously supported the 
     democratic wishes of the Georgian people, who have long 
     maintained their aspirations to join the European Union and 
     NATO.
       (10) During and following her tenure as United States 
     Ambassador and Plenipotentiary to Georgia between 2020 and 
     2023, Kelly Degnan has been the subject of slander and verbal 
     abuse from members of the Government of Georgia.
       (11) As recently as October 2023, reputable polling 
     indicates that 86 percent of the Georgian public support 
     Georgia becoming a member of the European Union.
       (12) Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 
     February 2022, Georgia--
       (A) has not imposed its own sanctions on Russia; and
       (B) has increased economic ties, including initiating many 
     direct flights to and from Russia;
       (C) has eased visa requirements for Russians visiting 
     Georgia; and
       (D) is perceived as a conduit of Russia's sanctions evasion 
     endeavors.
       (13) Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 
     February 2022, and the subsequent rounds of international 
     sanctions placed on Russia as a result of such invasion, 
     Georgia saw its trade with Russia grow by 34 percent between 
     January and June 2023.
       (14) Georgia's geographic position as both a Black Sea 
     littoral nation and its proximity to the Caspian Sea could 
     further strengthen Georgia's economy by transporting natural 
     gas through the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline Project.
       (15) In June 2022, when the Governments of Ukraine and 
     Moldova received candidate status for membership in the 
     European Union, the European Council stated it would only be 
     ready to grant Georgia candidate status once the country has 
     addressed the 12 priorities outlined by the European 
     Commission.
       (16) In December 2023, the European Union granted Georgia 
     the status of candidate country, with the understanding that 
     Georgia would act consistent with the recommendations of the 
     European Commission by continuing to advance the outlined 
     reform priorities and increasing its alignment with the 
     European Union's foreign and security policy positions.
       (17) On February 24, 2023, a foreign agents bill was 
     introduced in the Parliament of Georgia--
       (A) to impose restrictions on civil society organizations, 
     nongovernmental organizations, and independent media 
     organizations; and
       (B) to stigmatize such organizations as ``foreign agents''.
       (18) On March 7, 2023, the Parliament of Georgia 
     accelerated the passage of that bill, which led to--
       (A) large-scale protests that Georgian authorities 
     confronted by deploying tear gas and water cannons; and
       (B) the withdrawal of the bill by the Parliament.
       (19) On April 15, 2024, the foreign agents bill, which was 
     renamed ``the Law on Transparency of Foreign Influence'', was 
     reintroduced in the Parliament of Georgia with minor changes 
     that did not reflect the express wishes of the Georgian 
     people, which provoked--
       (A) large-scale protests in Tbilisi and around the country; 
     and
       (B) the ejection of opposition parliamentarians from 
     parliamentary hearings.
       (20) On April 29, 2024, former Georgian Prime Minister 
     Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is currently the Honorary Chairman 
     of the ruling Georgian Dream Party, gave a speech in which 
     he--
       (A) harshly attacked American and European partners;
       (B) alleged that the goal of foreign funding of civil 
     society and nongovernmental organizations in Georgia is to 
     deprive Georgia of its state sovereignty; and
       (C) promised to punish opposition political groups.
       (21) In the face of massive, nation-wide protests against 
     the foreign agents bill, Georgian authorities have, in some 
     cases, deployed disproportionate force against largely 
     peaceful protestors, including--
       (A) reportedly attacking journalists covering the protests 
     and members of the political opposition; and
       (B) threatening civil society leaders and family members of 
     protestors at their homes.
       (22) On May 14, 2024, the Parliament of Georgia passed the 
     foreign agents bill against the wishes of the Georgian 
     people.
       (23) On May 21, 2024, the Venice Commission issued an 
     opinion regarding Georgia's foreign influence law in which it 
     ``strongly recommend[ed] repealing the Law in its current 
     form, as its fundamental flaws will involve significant 
     negative consequences for the freedoms of association and 
     expression, the right to privacy, the right to participate in 
     public affairs as well as the prohibition of 
     discrimination.''.

     SEC. 1293. STATEMENT OF POLICY.

       It is the policy of the United States--
       (1) to call on all political parties and elected Members of 
     the Parliament of Georgia to continue working on addressing 
     the reform plan outlined by the European Commission to 
     advance Georgia's recently granted candidate status, which 
     the people of Georgia have freely elected to pursue;
       (2) to call on the Government of Georgia to institute the 
     required reforms, which are to be developed through an 
     inclusive and transparent consultation process with 
     opposition parties and civil society organizations;
       (3) to express serious concern that impediments to 
     strengthening the democratic institutions and processes of 
     Georgia, including the foreign agents bill, will slow or halt 
     Georgia's progress toward achieving its Euro-Atlantic 
     aspirations, be perceived as stagnating the democratic 
     trajectory of Georgia, and result in negative domestic and 
     international consequences for the Government of Georgia;
       (4) to impose swift consequences on individuals who are 
     directly responsible for leading or have directly and 
     knowingly engaged in leading, actions or policies that 
     significantly undermine the peace, security, stability, 
     sovereignty, or territorial integrity of Georgia;
       (5) to emphasize the importance of contributing to 
     international efforts--
       (A) to combat Russian aggression, including through 
     sanctions on trade with Russia and the implementation and 
     enforcement of worldwide sanctions on Russia; and
       (B) to reduce, rather than increase, trade ties between 
     Georgia and Russia;
       (6) to call on all political parties, elected Members of 
     the Parliament of Georgia, and officers of the Ministry of 
     Internal Affairs of Georgia to respect the freedoms of 
     peaceful assembly, association, and expression, including for 
     the press, and the rule of law, and encourage a vibrant and 
     inclusive civil society;
       (7) to call on the Government of Georgia to release all 
     persons detained or imprisoned on politically motivated 
     grounds and drop any pending charges against them;
       (8) to call on the Government of Georgia to ensure that the 
     national elections scheduled for October 2024 are free, fair, 
     and reflective of the will of the Georgian people; and
       (9) to continue impressing upon the Government of Georgia 
     that the United States is committed to sustaining and 
     deepening bilateral relations and supporting Georgia's Euro-
     Atlantic aspirations.

     SEC. 1294. DEFINITIONS.

       In this subtitle:
       (1) Appropriate congressional committees.--The term 
     ``appropriate congressional committees'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate;
       (B) the Committee on Appropriations of the Senate;
       (C) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (D) the Committee on Appropriations of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (2) Foreign agents bill.--The term ``foreign agents bill'' 
     means the ``On Transparency of Foreign Influence'' bill, 
     which was reintroduced in the Parliament of Georgia in April 
     2024.
       (3) Georgia.--The term ``Georgia'' means the Republic of 
     Georgia.
       (4) NATO.--The term ``NATO'' means the North Atlantic 
     Treaty Organization.
       (5) Secretary.--The term ``Secretary'' means the Secretary 
     of State.

     CHAPTER 1--CONDITIONS ON ENGAGEMENT WITH GOVERNMENT OF GEORGIA

                        Subchapter A--Sanctions

     SEC. 1295. DEFINITIONS.

       In this chapter:

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       (1) Admission; admitted; alien.--The terms ``admission'', 
     ``admitted'', and ``alien'' have the meanings given such 
     terms in section 101 of the Immigration and Nationality Act 
     (8 U.S.C. 1101).
       (2) Appropriate committees of congress.--The term 
     ``appropriate committees of Congress'' means--
       (A) the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate;
       (B) the Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs of 
     the Senate;
       (C) the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives; and
       (D) the Committee on Financial Services of the House of 
     Representatives.
       (3) Foreign person.--The term ``foreign person'' means any 
     individual or entity that is not a United States person.
       (4) Immediate family members.--The term ``immediate family 
     members'' has the meaning given the term ``immediate 
     relatives'' in section 201(b)(2)(A)(i) of the Immigration and 
     Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1201(b)(2)(A)(i)).
       (5) Knowingly.--The term ``knowingly'', with respect to 
     conduct, a circumstance, or a result, means that a person has 
     actual knowledge, or should have known, of the conduct, the 
     circumstance, or the result.
       (6) United states person.--The term ``United States 
     person'' means--
       (A) a United States citizen or an alien lawfully admitted 
     for permanent residence to the United States;
       (B) an entity organized under the laws of the United States 
     or any jurisdiction within the United States, including a 
     foreign branch of such an entity; or
       (C) any person within the United States.

     SEC. 1295A. STATEMENT OF POLICY.

       (a) In General.--It shall be the policy of the United 
     States to support the constitutionally stated aspirations of 
     Georgia to become a member of the European Union and the 
     North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which--
       (1) is made clear under Article 78 of the Constitution of 
     Georgia; and
       (2) is supported by 86 percent of the citizens of Georgia.
       (b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that--
       (1) acts of blocking Euro-Atlantic integration in Georgia, 
     due to undue influence from corrupt or oligarchic forces, 
     constitute a form of corruption;
       (2) the United States should consider travel restrictions 
     or sanctions on individuals responsible for any actions 
     preventing Georgia from moving toward Euro-Atlantic 
     integration, which include acts of violence or intimidation 
     against Georgian citizens, members of civil society, and 
     members of an opposition political party;
       (3) the United States, in response to recent events in 
     Georgia, should reassess whether recent actions undertaken by 
     individuals in Georgia should result in the imposition of 
     sanctions by the United States for acts of significant 
     corruption and human rights abuses; and
       (4) the United States should consider revoking the visas of 
     nationals of Georgia and their family members who--
       (A) live in the United States; and
       (B) are determined to meet the criteria described in 
     section 103(a).

     SEC. 1295B. INADMISSIBILITY OF OFFICIALS OF GOVERNMENT OF 
                   GEORGIA AND CERTAIN OTHER INDIVIDUALS INVOLVED 
                   IN BLOCKING EURO-ATLANTIC INTEGRATION.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 90 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall identify and 
     make a determination as to whether any of the following 
     foreign persons has knowingly engaged in significant acts of 
     corruption, or acts of violence or intimidation in relation 
     to the blocking of Euro-Atlantic integration in Georgia:
       (1) Any individual who, on or after January 1, 2012, has 
     served as a member of the Parliament of the Government of 
     Georgia, as a senior staff member of the Parliament of the 
     Government of Georgia, or as a current or former senior 
     official of a Georgian political party.
       (2) Any individual who is serving as an official in a 
     leadership position working on behalf of the Government of 
     Georgia, including law enforcement, intelligence, judicial, 
     or local or municipal government.
       (3) An immediate family member of an official described in 
     paragraph (1) or a person described in paragraph (2).
       (b) Current Visas Revoked.--
       (1) In general.--The visa or other entry documentation of 
     any alien described in subsection (a) is subject to immediate 
     revocation regardless of the issue date of such visa or 
     documentation.
       (2) Immediate effect.--A revocation of a visa or other 
     entry documentation of any alien pursuant to paragraph (1) 
     shall, in accordance with section 221(i) of the Immigration 
     and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1201(i))--
       (A) take effect immediately; and
       (B) cancel any other valid visa or entry documentation that 
     is in the possession of such alien.
       (c) Report.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit a written 
     report to the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate 
     and the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of 
     Representatives that--
       (1) lists any foreign person for whom the Secretary has 
     determined has knowingly engaged in an activity described in 
     subsection (a); and
       (2) a detailed justification for each such positive 
     determination.
       (d) Form.--The report required under subsection (c) shall 
     be submitted in accordance with the reporting requirements 
     outlined in 7031(c) of the Department of State, Foreign 
     Operations, and Related Appropriations Act, 2024 (division F 
     of Public Law 118-47; 8 U.S.C. 1182 note).
       (e) Waiver.--The Secretary may waive the application of 
     subsection (a) if the Secretary determines that--
       (1) such waiver would serve a compelling national interest; 
     or
       (2) the circumstances which caused the individual to be 
     ineligible have sufficiently changed.

     SEC. 1295C. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO 
                   UNDERMINING PEACE, SECURITY, STABILITY, 
                   SOVEREIGNTY, OR TERRITORIAL INTEGRITY OF 
                   GEORGIA.

       (a) In General.--The sanctions described in subsection (b) 
     shall be applied to any foreign person the President 
     determines, on or after the date of the enactment of this 
     Act--
       (1) is responsible for, complicit in, or has directly or 
     indirectly engaged in or attempted to engage in, actions or 
     policies, including ordering, controlling, or otherwise 
     directing acts that are intended to undermine the peace, 
     security, stability, sovereignty, or territorial integrity of 
     Georgia;
       (2) is or has been a leader or official of an entity that 
     has, or whose members have, engaged in any activity described 
     in paragraph (1); or
       (3) is an immediate family member of a person subject to 
     sanctions for conduct described in paragraph (1) or (2) who 
     benefitted from such conduct.
       (b) Sanctions Described.--The sanctions described in this 
     subsection are the following:
       (1) Blocking of property.--Notwithstanding the requirements 
     under section 202 of the International Emergency Economic 
     Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701), the President shall exercise all 
     authorities granted under the International Emergency 
     Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to the extent 
     necessary to block and prohibit all transactions in property 
     and interests in property of a foreign person subject to 
     subsection (a) if such property and interests in property are 
     in the United States, come within the United States, or are 
     or come within the possession or control of a United States 
     person.
       (2) Ineligibility for visas, admission, or parole.--
       (A) Visas, admission, or parole.--An alien described in 
     subsection (a) shall be--
       (i) inadmissible to the United States;
       (ii) ineligible to receive a visa or other documentation to 
     enter the United States; and
       (iii) otherwise ineligible to be admitted or paroled into 
     the United States or to receive any other benefit under the 
     Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1101 et seq.).
       (B) Current visas revoked.--
       (i) In general.--The visa or other entry documentation of 
     any alien described in subsection (a) is subject to 
     revocation regardless of the issue date of the visa or other 
     entry documentation.
       (ii) Immediate effect.--A revocation under clause (i) 
     shall, in accordance with section 221(i) of the Immigration 
     and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. 1201(i))--

       (I) take effect immediately; and
       (II) cancel any other valid visa or entry documentation 
     that is in the possession of the alien.

       (c) Waiver.--The President may waive the application of 
     sanctions under this section with respect to a foreign person 
     for renewable periods not to exceed 180 days if, not later 
     than 15 days before the date on which such waiver is to take 
     effect, the President submits to the appropriate committees 
     of Congress a written determination and justification that 
     the waiver is in the national security interests of the 
     United States.
       (d) Implementation; Penalties.--
       (1) Implementation.--The President may exercise all 
     authorities provided under sections 203 and 205 of the 
     International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1702 
     and 1704) to carry out this section.
       (2) Penalties.--A person that violates, attempts to 
     violate, conspires to violate, or causes a violation of 
     subsection (b)(1) or any regulation, license, or order issued 
     under that subsection shall be subject to the penalties set 
     forth in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the 
     International Economic Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1705) to the 
     same extent as a person that commits an unlawful act 
     described in subsection (a) of that section.
       (3) Rule of construction.--Nothing in this subtitle, or in 
     any amendment made by this subtitle, may be construed to 
     limit the authority of the President to designate or sanction 
     persons pursuant to an applicable Executive order or 
     otherwise pursuant to the International Emergency Economic 
     Powers Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.).
       (e) Rulemaking.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the President shall prescribe such 
     regulations as are necessary for the implementation of this 
     section.
       (2) Notification to congress.--Not later than 10 days 
     before prescribing regulations pursuant to paragraph (1), the 
     President shall notify the appropriate committees of Congress 
     of the proposed regulations and the provisions of this 
     section that the regulations are implementing.
       (f) Termination of Sanctions.--Any sanctions imposed on a 
     foreign person pursuant

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     to this section shall terminate on the earlier of--
       (1) the date on which the President certifies to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress that the conditions 
     requiring such sanctions no longer apply; or
       (2) December 31, 2029.
       (g) Sunset.--This section shall cease to be effective on 
     December 31, 2029.

     SEC. 1295D. SANCTIONS WITH RESPECT TO BROADER CORRUPTION IN 
                   GEORGIA.

       (a) Determination and Report Required.--
       (1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the President shall submit to the 
     appropriate committees of Congress a report that includes--
       (A) a list of all foreign persons about whom the Secretary 
     has made a positive determination pursuant to section 103(a); 
     and
       (B) a determination as to whether any foreign person on the 
     list described in subparagraph (A) qualifies under existing 
     sanctions authorities described in subsection (b).
       (2) Form of report.--The report required under paragraph 
     (1) shall be provided in unclassified form, but a classified 
     annex may be provided separately containing additional 
     contextual information pertaining to the justification for 
     the issuance of any waiver, as described in paragraph 
     (1)(B)(iii).
       (b) Sanctions Described.--The sanctions described in this 
     subsection are sanctions applicable with respect to a person 
     for acts of significant corruption, involvement in human 
     rights abuses, or harmful foreign activities in Georgia 
     under--
       (1) Executive Order 14024 (50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to 
     blocking property of certain persons with respect to 
     specified harmful foreign activities of the Government of the 
     Russian Federation); or
       (2) Executive Order 13818 (50 U.S.C. 1701 note; relating to 
     blocking the property of persons involved in serious human 
     rights abuse or corruption).
       (c) Congressional Oversight.--Not later than 120 days after 
     receiving a request from the chairman and ranking member of 
     the Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate or of the 
     Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives 
     with respect to whether a foreign person meets meet the 
     criteria for the imposition of sanctions described in 
     subsection (b), the President shall--
       (1) determine if the person meets such criteria; and
       (2) submit a written justification to such chairman and 
     ranking member detailing whether the President imposed or 
     intends to impose sanctions described in this section with 
     respect to such person.

     SEC. 1295E. EXCEPTIONS.

       (a) Definitions.--In this section:
       (1) Agricultural commodity.--The term ``agricultural 
     commodity'' has the meaning given such term in section 102 of 
     the Agricultural Trade Act of 1978 (7 U.S.C. 5602).
       (2) Good.--The term ``good'' means any article, natural or 
     man-made substance, material, supply, or manufactured 
     product, including inspection and test equipment and 
     excluding technical data.
       (3) Medical device.--The term ``medical device'' has the 
     meaning given the term ``device'' in section 201 of the 
     Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321).
       (4) Medicine.--The term ``medicine'' has the meaning given 
     the term ``drug'' in section 201 of the Federal Food, Drug, 
     and Cosmetic Act (21 U.S.C. 321).
       (b) Exceptions.--
       (1) Exception relating to intelligence activities.--
     Sanctions under this subtitle shall not apply to--
       (A) any activity subject to the reporting requirements 
     under title V of the National Security Act of 1947 (50 U.S.C. 
     3091 et seq.); or
       (B) any authorized intelligence activities of the United 
     States.
       (2) Exception to comply with international obligations and 
     law enforcement activities.--Sanctions under this subtitle 
     shall not apply with respect to an alien if admitting or 
     paroling such alien into the United States is necessary--
       (A) to permit the United States to comply with the 
     Agreement regarding the Headquarters of the United Nations, 
     signed at Lake Success June 26, 1947, and entered into force 
     November 21, 1947, between the United Nations and the United 
     States, or other applicable international obligations of the 
     United States; or
       (B) to carry out or assist authorized law enforcement 
     activity in the United States.
       (3) Exception relating to importation of goods.--The 
     requirement to block and prohibit all transactions in all 
     property and interests in property under this subtitle shall 
     not include the authority or a requirement to impose 
     sanctions on the importation of goods.
       (4) Humanitarian assistance.--Sanctions under this subtitle 
     shall not apply to--
       (A) the conduct or facilitation of a transaction for the 
     provision of agricultural commodities, food, medicine, 
     medical devices, or humanitarian assistance, or for 
     humanitarian purposes; or
       (B) transactions that are necessary for, or related to, the 
     activities described in subparagraph (A).

        Subchapter B--Improving Bilateral Relations With Georgia

     SEC. 1296. UNITED STATES STRATEGY TOWARD GEORGIA.

       (a) Statement of Policy on Georgia.--It is the policy of 
     the United States--
       (1) to express that if the Government of Georgia proceeds 
     to pass the foreign agents law and other legislation further 
     inhibiting its ability to advance its accession into the 
     European Union--
       (A) the United States Government's policy toward Georgia 
     should take into consideration these updated circumstances; 
     and
       (B) the United States should review all forms of foreign 
     and security assistance made available to the Government of 
     Georgia; and
       (2) to reevaluate its policy toward the Government of 
     Georgia if the Government of Georgia takes the required 
     steps--
       (A) to reorient itself toward its European Union accession 
     agenda; and
       (B) to advance policy or legislation reflecting the express 
     wishes of the Georgian people.
       (b) 5-year United States Strategy for Bilateral Relations 
     With Georgia.--Not later than 90 days after the date of the 
     enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State and the 
     Administrator of the United States Agency for International 
     Development, in coordination with the heads of other relevant 
     Federal departments and agencies, shall submit to the 
     appropriate congressional committees a detailed strategy 
     which shall--
       (1) outline specific objectives for enhancing bilateral 
     ties which reflect the current domestic political environment 
     in Georgia;
       (2) determine what tools, resources, and funding should be 
     available and assess whether Georgia should remain the 
     second-highest recipient of United States funding in the 
     Europe and Eurasia region;
       (3) determine the extent to which the United States should 
     continue to invest in its defense partnership with Georgia;
       (4) explore how the United States can continue to support 
     civil society and independent media organizations in Georgia; 
     and
       (5) determine whether the Government of Georgia remains 
     committed to expanding trade ties with the United States and 
     Europe and whether the United States Government should 
     continue to invest in Georgian projects.

     SEC. 1296A. REPORT ON REVIEW OF FOREIGN ASSISTANCE TO 
                   GEORGIA.

       (a) Report Required.--Not later than 60 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in coordination 
     with the USAID Administrator and other relevant Federal 
     agencies, shall submit a report to the appropriate 
     congressional committees that outlines all assistance 
     provided by any United States Government agency to the 
     Government of Georgia that are not explicitly focused on 
     democracy or rule of law and shall include--
       (1) a detailed overview of each project; and
       (2) associated funding allocations, including projected 
     funding for each project.
       (b) Suspension of Projects.--Not later than 60 days after 
     the date on which the report required under subsection (a) is 
     submitted, the Secretary shall--
       (1) suspend all projects in Georgia carried out by the 
     Department of State or other United States Government 
     agencies that primarily provide material aid, reputational 
     advantage, or sustenance to state actors, officials, or their 
     proxies who undermine the democracy of Georgia and enable 
     Russian aggression within and outside of Georgia; and
       (2) consult with the appropriate congressional committees 
     before any programming actions are taken in response to such 
     review.
       (c) Use of Funds.--
       (1) Reprogramming.--The Secretary may reprogram any amounts 
     that cannot be absorbed to support democracy and rule-of-law 
     initiatives in Georgia to other initiatives taking place in 
     other countries in the Europe and Eurasia region after 
     notifying the appropriate congressional committees.
       (2) Limitation.--No amounts appropriated or otherwise made 
     available by the Act entitled ``An Act Making emergency 
     supplemental appropriations for the fiscal year ending 
     September 30, 2024, and for other purposes'', approved April 
     24, 2024 (Public Law 118-50) may be obligated or expended for 
     any assistance to Georgia unless the Secretary certifies to 
     the appropriate congressional committees that--
       (A) such obligation or expenditure is in the vital national 
     security interest of the United States; or
       (B) the Government of Georgia is taking measures--
       (i) to represent the democratic wishes of the citizens of 
     Georgia; and
       (ii) to uphold its constitutional obligation to advance 
     membership in the European Union and NATO.

     SEC. 1296B. SENSE OF CONGRESS REGARDING SUSPENSION OF UNITED 
                   STATES-GEORGIA STRATEGIC DIALOGUE.

       It is the sense of Congress that the Secretary should 
     suspend the United States-Georgia Strategic Partnership 
     Commission, established through the United States-Georgia 
     Charter on Strategic Partnership on January 9, 2009, until 
     after the Government of Georgia takes measures--
       (1) to represent the democratic wishes of the citizens of 
     Georgia; and
       (2) to uphold its constitutional obligation to advance the 
     country towards membership in the European Union and NATO.

     SEC. 1296C. DEFENSE COOPERATION WITH GEORGIA.

       (a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that 
     the United States--

[[Page S4297]]

       (1) is proud of the strong defense relationship between the 
     United States and Georgia, which was--
       (A) cemented in 2002 through a Defense Cooperation 
     Agreement; and
       (B) further enhanced in October 2021 by the Georgia Defense 
     and Deterrence Enhancement Initiative.
       (2) is grateful to the Georgian Defense forces for their 
     contributions to international peacekeeping missions, 
     including--
       (A) the NATO-led Kosovo Force mission;
       (B) the European Union Military Operation in the Central 
     African Republic; and
       (C) its deployment of forces in support of United States 
     forces in Iraq from 2006 to 2008;
       (3) is grateful to the Georgian Ministry of Defense's 
     contributions toward the NATO-led International Security 
     Assistance Force (referred to in this section as the 
     ``ISAF'') in Afghanistan, whereby--
       (A) Georgia was one of the largest contributors of troops 
     per capita for a non-NATO country; and
       (B) 32 Georgian soldiers died and 280 Georgian soldiers 
     were wounded in support of the ISAF mission; and
       (4) should, to the extent possible, sustain strong ties 
     between the United States military and the Georgian Ministry 
     of Defense.
       (b) Defense Review.--Not later than 120 days after the date 
     of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of Defense shall 
     conduct a defense review to determine whether the United 
     States, in response to recent political developments in 
     Georgia, should continue to support the military needs of 
     Georgia.

     CHAPTER 2--ADDITIONAL MEASURES TO SUPPORT THE GEORGIAN PEOPLE

     SEC. 1297. STATEMENT OF POLICY IN SUPPORT OF THE GEORGIAN 
                   PEOPLE.

       It is the policy of the United States--
       (1) to continue supporting the ongoing development of 
     democratic values in Georgia, including free and fair 
     elections, freedom of association, an independent and 
     accountable judiciary, an independent media, public-sector 
     transparency and accountability, the rule of law, countering 
     malign influence, and anticorruption efforts;
       (2) to support the sovereignty, independence, and 
     territorial integrity of Georgia within its internationally 
     recognized borders;
       (3) to continue to support the Georgian people and civil 
     society organizations that reflect the aspirations of the 
     Georgian people for democracy and a future with the people of 
     Europe;
       (4) to continue supporting the capacity of the Government 
     of Georgia to protect its sovereignty and territorial 
     integrity from further Russian aggression or encroachment;
       (5) to support domestic and international efforts, 
     including polling, pre-election and election-day observation 
     efforts, to support the execution of free and fair elections 
     in Georgia in October 2024;
       (6) to continue supporting the right of the Georgian people 
     to freely engage in peaceful protest, determine their future, 
     and make independent and sovereign choices on foreign and 
     security policy, including regarding Georgia's relationship 
     with other countries and international organizations, without 
     interference, intimidation, or coercion by other countries or 
     those acting on their behalf; and
       (7) to underscore the unwavering bipartisan support from 
     Congress in supporting the democratic aspirations of the 
     Georgian people.

     SEC. 1297A. DEMOCRACY AND RULE-OF-LAW PROGRAMMING.

       (a) Statement of Policy Regarding Effect of National 
     Elections in Georgia.--It is the policy of the United States 
     to undertake efforts, in partnership with the Office for 
     Democratic Institutions and Human Rights of the Organization 
     for Security and Co-operation in Europe, to ensure that the 
     national elections in Georgia that are scheduled to be held 
     in October 2024 are conducted in a manner that is free, fair, 
     and reflective of the will of the Georgian people and show 
     evidence of a broader and sustainable democratic trajectory.
       (b) Funding.--From the amounts appropriated to the 
     Assistance for Europe, Eurasia and Central Asia account under 
     the Department of State, Foreign Operations, and Related 
     Programs Appropriations Act, 2024, or under the comparable 
     appropriations Act for fiscal year 2025, not less than 
     $50,000,000 shall be made available--
       (1) to strengthen democracy and civil society in Georgia, 
     including for transparency, independent media, rule of law, 
     anti-corruption efforts, countering malign influence, and 
     good governance initiatives; and
       (2) to support the Georgian people's efforts to advance 
     their aspirations for membership in the European Union and 
     Euro-Atlantic integration.
       (c) Review of Support.--In response to the passage of the 
     foreign agents law, the Secretary and the Administrator of 
     the United States Agency for International Development shall 
     undertake a review of efforts to determine--
       (1) how best to continue providing support to civil society 
     and independent media organizations in Georgia; and
       (2) whether additional funds should be allocated to the 
     National Endowment for Democracy for initiatives in Georgia.

     SEC. 1297B. REPORT ON DISINFORMATION AND CORRUPTION IN 
                   GEORGIA.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in coordination 
     with such agencies as the Secretary considers relevant, shall 
     submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report 
     that includes--
       (1) an assessment of efforts within and outside of Georgia 
     to spread disinformation within Georgia to mischaracterize or 
     undermine the bilateral relationships between the United 
     States and Georgia and the European Union and Georgia;
       (2) a list of--
       (A) sources that have played an active role in advancing 
     disinformation campaigns to erode public support for the 
     United States, the European Union, and NATO within Georgia; 
     and
       (B) efforts undertaken by the Government of Georgia to 
     sanction actors involved in the spread of disinformation that 
     limits its Euro-Atlantic aspirations;
       (3) an assessment of the extent to which corrupt actors are 
     undermining the ability of political parties and democratic 
     institutions in Georgia to uphold and adhere to the 
     principles of transparency and good governance;
       (4) a list of policy options to assist the Government of 
     Georgia in helping protect democracy and the rule of law by 
     punishing bad actors;
       (5) an overview of efforts in Georgia designed--
       (A) to suppress a free and independent media; or
       (B) to harass and intimidate civil society;
       (6) a list of actors responsible for--
       (A) the suppression of a free and independent media in 
     Georgia; or
       (B) harassment and intimidation of civil society in 
     Georgia;
       (7) an assessment of--
       (A) the Russian Federation's influence and information 
     operations in Georgia; and
       (B) connections between the influence and operations 
     described in subparagraph (A) and the broader agenda of the 
     Russian Federation in the region; and
       (8) an assessment of--
       (A) the People's Republic of China's influence and 
     information operations in Georgia; and
       (B) connections between the influence and operations 
     described in subparagraph (A) and the broader agenda of the 
     People's Republic of China in the region.
       (b) Form.--The report required under subsection (a) shall 
     be submitted in unclassified form, with a classified annex.

     SEC. 1297C. REPORT ON POLITICAL PRISONERS IN GEORGIA.

       (a) In General.--Not later than 120 days after the date of 
     the enactment of this Act, the Secretary, in coordination 
     with relevant Federal agencies, as determined by the 
     Secretary, shall submit a report to the Committee on Foreign 
     Relations of the Senate and the Committee on Foreign Affairs 
     of the House of Representativesa that includes--
       (1) a list of prisoners within the Georgian prison system 
     that the Department of State considers to be imprisoned for 
     political reasons or otherwise wrongfully detained, 
     especially those who have been detained since March 2024; and
       (2) a description of efforts to work with Georgian 
     authorities to advocate for the release of such prisoners.
       (b) Form.--The report required under subsection (a) shall 
     be submitted in unclassified form.

     SEC. 1297D. SUNSET.

       This subtitle, except for section 1295C, shall cease to 
     have any force or effect beginning on the date that is 5 
     years after the date of the enactment of this Act.
                                 ______