In the News

Today, Co-Chairmen of the Georgia Caucus, U.S. Congressmen Ted Poe (R-TX) and Gerald Connolly (D-VA) released the following statements after the introduction of H.R. 6129, the bi-partisan Georgia Support Act. The legislation reasserts the United States’ support for Georgia’s sovereignty and opposition to the forceful and illegal Russian invasion of Abkhazia and Tskhinivali region/South Ossetia.

“Georgia is a stalwart friend of the United States and serves as a regional model for democracy and liberty in a part of the world where government repression is the norm,” said Congressman Ted Poe. “The friendship between our two nations has been forged in blood, as Georgian troops fight and die alongside American forces in Iraq and Afghanistan. There is no doubt, the United States must do more to help Tbilisi continue its democratic trajectory and defend against the very real Russian threat to its territorial integrity and democratic institutions. As Co-Chairman of the Congressional Georgia Caucus, I am pleased to introduce this important legislation reaffirming America’s bi-partisan support for our friend and partner, Georgia.”

“Georgia is a valued and strategic partner of the United States,” said Congressman Connolly. “The Georgia Support Act demonstrates the United States’ robust support of Georgia’s sovereignty, continued democratic development, and security, especially in the face of Russian aggression. In the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia, Russia has violated Georgia’s territorial integrity and committed serious human rights abuses, including ongoing detentions and killings. This bill authorizes sanctions against those responsible for or complicit in human rights violations and builds on previous efforts to bolster Georgia’s territorial integrity.”

The Georgia support Act:

• Calls for increased security assistance to Georgia to enhance the country’s deterrence, resilience, and self-defense.
• Sanctions Russian actors in the occupied Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia linked to serious human rights abuses.
• Aids Georgia in defense against Russia’s cyber-enabled warfare by increasing U.S. cybersecurity cooperation with Georgia.
• Requires the Secretary of State to develop a strategy to improve Georgia’s capabilities to combat Russian disinformation and propaganda campaigns.