[Congressional Bills 117th Congress]
[From the U.S. Government Publishing Office]
[H.R. 923 Referred in Senate (RFS)]
<DOC>
117th CONGRESS
2d Session
H. R. 923
_______________________________________________________________________
IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES
April 28, 2022
Received; read twice and referred to the Committee on Foreign Relations
_______________________________________________________________________
AN ACT
To support the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of
the Republic of Georgia, and for other purposes.
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the
United States of America in Congress assembled,
SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE AND TABLE OF CONTENTS.
(a) Short Title.--This Act may be cited as the ``Georgia Support
Act''.
(b) Table of Contents.--The table of contents for this Act is as
follows:
Sec. 1. Short title and table of contents.
Sec. 2. United States policy.
TITLE I--ASSISTANCE PROVISIONS
Sec. 101. United States-Georgia security assistance.
Sec. 102. Report on United States democracy and governance assistance
to Georgia.
Sec. 103. United States cybersecurity cooperation with Georgia.
Sec. 104. Enhanced assistance to combat Russian disinformation and
propaganda.
TITLE II--SANCTIONS PROVISIONS
Sec. 201. Imposition of sanctions on persons complicit in or
responsible for serious human rights
abuses, including right to life in Georgian
regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/
South Ossetia occupied by Russia.
TITLE III--DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS
Sec. 301. Determination of budgetary effects.
SEC. 2. UNITED STATES POLICY.
It is the policy of the United States to--
(1) support continued development of democratic values in
the Republic of Georgia, including free and fair elections, an
independent and accountable judiciary, public sector
transparency and accountability, the rule of law, and
anticorruption efforts;
(2) support Georgia's sovereignty, independence, and
territorial integrity within its internationally recognized
borders;
(3) support Georgia's capacity to protect its sovereignty
and territorial integrity from further Russian aggression or
encroachment on Georgian territory in light of Russia's full-
scale invasion of Ukraine;
(4) support the right of the people of Georgia to freely
determine their future and make independent and sovereign
choices on foreign and security policy, including regarding
their country's relationship with other nations and
international organizations, without interference,
intimidation, or coercion by other countries;
(5) support Georgia's Euro-Atlantic and European
integration;
(6) not recognize territorial changes effected by force,
including the illegal invasions and occupations of Georgian
regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia by the
Russian Federation;
(7) condemn ongoing detentions, kidnappings, and other
human rights violations committed in the Georgian regions of
Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia forcibly occupied
by the Russian Federation, including the recent killings of
Georgian citizens Archil Tatunashvili, Giga Otkhozoria, Davit
Basharuli, and others in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and
Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia; and
(8) support peaceful conflict resolution in Georgia,
including by urging the Russian Federation to fully implement
the European Union-mediated ceasefire agreement of August 12,
2008, and supporting the establishment of international
security mechanisms in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and
Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia and the safe and dignified
return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees, all
of which are important for lasting peace and security on the
ground.
TITLE I--ASSISTANCE PROVISIONS
SEC. 101. UNITED STATES-GEORGIA SECURITY ASSISTANCE.
(a) Findings.--Congress finds the following:
(1) In fiscal year 2021, the United States provided Georgia
with $2,200,000 in assistance under chapter 5 of part II of the
Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (22 U.S.C. 2347 et seq.;
relating to international military education and training) and
$35,000,000 in assistance under section 23 of the Arms Export
Control Act (22 U.S.C. 2763; relating to the Foreign Military
Financing Program) and in 2021 announced the Georgia Defense
and Deterrence Enhancement Initiative (GDDEI) to enable further
modernization of the Georgian Ministry of Defense and the
Georgian Defense Forces.
(2) Georgia has been a longstanding NATO-aspirant country.
(3) Georgia has contributed substantially to Euro-Atlantic
peace and security through participation in the International
Security Assistance Force (ISAF) and Resolute Support Missions
in Afghanistan as one of the largest troop contributors.
(b) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that United
States assistance to the Republic of Georgia under chapter 5 of part II
of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and section 23 of the Arms Export
Control Act should be increased.
(c) Statement of Policy.--It shall be the policy of the United
States, in consultation with the Republic of Georgia, to enhance
Georgia's deterrence, resilience, and self-defense, including through
appropriate assistance to improve the capabilities of Georgia's armed
forces.
(d) Review of Security Assistance to Georgia.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 120 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in
consultation with the heads of other appropriate United States
departments and agencies, shall submit to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report reviewing
United States security assistance to the Republic of Georgia.
(2) Components.--The report required under paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
(A) An assessment of needed security assistance to
improve Georgia's capacity to defend its sovereignty
and territorial integrity from further invasion of
Georgian territory by Russian forces, including an
assessment of need for anti-armor, anti-air, and anti-
tank weapons, as well as intelligence, surveillance,
and reconnaissance capabilities.
(B) A detailed review of all United States security
assistance to Georgia from fiscal year 2008 to the date
of the submission of such report.
(C) An assessment of threats to Georgian
independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity,
including an assessment of changes to the force posture
or intent of Russian forces occupying Georgian
territory.
(D) An assessment of Georgia's capabilities to
defend itself, including a five-year strategy to
enhance Georgia's deterrence, resilience, and self-
defense capabilities that incorporates plans to address
the capability gaps subject to the assessment described
in subparagraph (A).
(3) Form.--The report required under paragraph (1) shall be
submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified
annex.
SEC. 102. REPORT ON UNITED STATES DEMOCRACY AND GOVERNANCE ASSISTANCE
TO GEORGIA.
(a) In General.--Not later than 180 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in consultation with the
heads of other appropriate Federal departments and agencies as
appropriate, shall submit to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the
House of Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate a report on United States democracy and governance assistance to
the Republic of Georgia.
(b) Components.--The report required by subsection (a) shall
include the following:
(1) A description of goals for United States democracy and
governance assistance to Georgia and its democratic
institutions, including how such assistance is supporting
Georgia's stated goals for European integration.
(2) An assessment of the impact of United States democracy
and governance assistance to Georgia since fiscal year 2008,
including challenges to achieving the goals described in
paragraph (1).
(3) An assessment of Georgia's progress relating to freedom
of the press and support for independent media, including steps
to hold accountable those responsible for attacks on
independent media and on LGBTQ rights activists on July 5,
2021, in Tbilisi.
(4) An assessment of Georgia's progress on strengthening
its democratic institutions, including through electoral and
judicial reforms necessary to build public confidence.
(5) A description of barriers and challenges to United
States investment in the Georgian economy, as well as an
assessment of how support from the United States International
Development Finance Corporation in Georgia could help create a
better developed and more transparent investment climate.
(c) Form.--The report required by subsection (a) shall be submitted
in unclassified form but may contain a classified annex.
SEC. 103. UNITED STATES CYBERSECURITY COOPERATION WITH GEORGIA.
(a) Sense of Congress.--It is the sense of Congress that the
Secretary of State should take the following actions, commensurate with
United States interests, to assist the Repubic of Georgia to improve
its cybersecurity:
(1) Provide Georgia such support as may be necessary to
secure government computer networks from malicious cyber
intrusions, particularly such networks that defend the critical
infrastructure of Georgia.
(2) Provide Georgia support in reducing reliance on Russian
information and communications technology.
(3) Assist Georgia to build its capacity, expand
cybersecurity information sharing, and cooperate on
international cyberspace efforts.
(b) Report.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit
to the Committee on Foreign Affairs of the House of
Representatives and the Committee on Foreign Relations of the
Senate a report on United States cybersecurity cooperation with
the Republic of Georgia.
(2) Matters to be included.--The report required by
paragraph (1) shall include information relating to the
following:
(A) United States efforts to strengthen Georgia's
ability to prevent, mitigate, and respond to cyber
incidents, including through training, education,
technical assistance, capacity building, and
cybersecurity risk management strategies.
(B) The potential for new areas of collaboration
and mutual assistance between the United States and
Georgia to address shared cyber challenges, including
cybercrime, critical infrastructure protection, and
resilience against automated, distributed threats.
(C) NATO's efforts to help Georgia develop
technical capabilities to counter cyber threats.
SEC. 104. ENHANCED ASSISTANCE TO COMBAT RUSSIAN DISINFORMATION AND
PROPAGANDA.
(a) Statement of Policy.--It shall be the policy of the United
States to enhance the capabilities of the Republic of Georgia to combat
Russian disinformation and propaganda campaigns intended to undermine
the sovereignty and democratic institutions of Georgia, while promoting
the freedom of the press.
(b) Required Strategy.--
(1) In general.--Not later than 180 days after the date of
the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State, in
consultation with the heads of other appropriate United States
departments and agencies, shall submit to the Committee on
Foreign Affairs of the House of Representatives and the
Committee on Foreign Relations of the Senate a report outlining
a strategy to implement the policy described in subsection (a).
(2) Components.--The report required under paragraph (1)
shall include the following:
(A) A detailed assessment of Russian disinformation
and propaganda efforts across all media platforms
targeting the Republic of Georgia.
(B) An assessment of Georgia's capabilities to
deter and combat such Russian efforts and to support
the freedom of the press.
(C) A detailed strategy coordinated across all
relevant United States departments and agencies to
enhance Georgia's capabilities to deter and combat such
Russian efforts.
(3) Form.--The report required by paragraph (1) shall be
submitted in unclassified form but may contain a classified
annex.
TITLE II--SANCTIONS PROVISIONS
SEC. 201. IMPOSITION OF SANCTIONS ON PERSONS COMPLICIT IN OR
RESPONSIBLE FOR SERIOUS HUMAN RIGHTS ABUSES, INCLUDING
RIGHT TO LIFE IN GEORGIAN REGIONS OF ABKHAZIA AND
TSKHINVALI REGION/SOUTH OSSETIA OCCUPIED BY RUSSIA.
(a) In General.--The President shall impose on a foreign person the
sanctions described in subsection (b) if the President determines that
such foreign person, on or after the date of the enactment of this
Act--
(1) is responsible for, complicit in, or responsible for
ordering, controlling, or otherwise directing the commission of
serious human rights abuses in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia
and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia forcibly occupied by the
Russian Federation;
(2) is materially assisting, sponsoring, or providing
significant financial, material, or technological support for,
or goods or services to, a foreign person described in
paragraph (1); or
(3) is owned or controlled by a foreign person, or is
acting on behalf of a foreign person, described in paragraph
(1).
(b) Sanctions Described.--The sanctions described in this
subsection are the following:
(1) Asset blocking.--The exercise of all powers granted to
the President by the International Emergency Economic Powers
Act (50 U.S.C. 1701 et seq.) to the extent necessary to block
and prohibit all transactions in all property and interests in
property of a person determined by the President to be a person
described in 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, including by taking any of the actions
described in paragraph (1) of section 203(a) of such Act (50
U.S.C. 1702(a)).
(2) Inadmissibility of certain individuals.--
(A) Ineligibility for visas and admission to the
united states.--A person determined by the President to
be a person described in subsection (a) is--
(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.--A person determined by
the President to be a person described in subsection
(a) is subject to the following:
(i) Revocation of any visa or other entry
documentation regardless of when the visa or
other entry documentation is or was issued.
(ii) A revocation under clause (i) shall--
(I) take effect immediately; and
(II) automatically cancel any other
valid visa or entry documentation that
is in the foreign person's possession.
(C) Exception to comply with united nations
headquarters agreement and law enforcement
objectives.--Sanctions under subparagraph (A) shall not
apply to an individual if admitting such individual
into the United States would further important law
enforcement objectives or is necessary 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.
(c) Waiver.--The President may waive the application of sanctions
under subsection (b) with respect to a person if the President
determines that such a waiver is important to the national interests of
the United States.
(d) Implementation; Penalties.--
(1) Implementation.--The President may exercise all
authorities provided to the President under sections 203 and
205 of the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (50
U.S.C. 1702 and 1704) to carry out subsection (b)(1).
(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
to carry out such subsection shall be subject to the penalties
specified in subsections (b) and (c) of section 206 of the
International Emergency 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 such section.
(e) Report Required.--Not later than 60 days after the date of the
enactment of this Act and at least once every 180 days thereafter for a
period not to exceed two years, the President, in consultation with the
Secretary of the Treasury, shall transmit to Congress a detailed report
with respect to persons that have been determined to have engaged in
activities described in subsection (a).
(f) Exception Relating to Importation of Goods.--
(1) In general.--The authorities and requirements to impose
sanctions under this title shall not include the authority or
requirement to impose sanctions on the importation of goods.
(2) Good defined.--In this subsection, 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.
TITLE III--DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS
SEC. 301. DETERMINATION OF BUDGETARY EFFECTS.
The budgetary effects of this Act, for the purpose of complying
with the Statutory Pay-As-You-Go Act of 2010, shall be determined by
reference to the latest statement titled ``Budgetary Effects of PAYGO
Legislation'' for this Act, submitted for printing in the Congressional
Record by the Chairman of the House Budget Committee, provided that
such statement has been submitted prior to the vote on passage.
Passed the House of Representatives April 27, 2022.
Attest:
CHERYL L. JOHNSON,
Clerk.