• Senate Majority Leader rejected House Speaker’s push to include Megobari Act in defense bill
• Bipartisan legislation would impose sanctions on pro-Russian Georgian officials undermining democracy
• Senator Mullin’s relationship with Georgian prime minister cited as factor in blocking measure

WASHINGTON, D.C. (TDR) — Senate Majority Leader John Thune (R-S.D.) turned down a personal request from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) last month to advance a sanctions bill targeting pro-Russian officials in Georgia, marking the second time in three months that Thune blocks Georgia sanctions legislation with broad bipartisan support.

Speaker’s Surprise Intervention Falls Short

Johnson wanted to include the Megobari Act in the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), the annual must-pass defense bill. The legislation would require the president to impose sanctions on individuals undermining Georgia’s security or democratic stability. When Thune blocks Georgia sanctions despite Johnson’s last-minute intervention, it demonstrated growing fractures in Republican leadership relations between the House and Senate.

The bill passed out of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in March, and the House approved its version in May with overwhelming support in a 349-42 vote. Despite this bipartisan momentum, Thune blocks Georgia sanctions efforts at the request of Sen. Markwayne Mullin (R-Okla.), who has cited his relationship with Georgian Prime Minister Irakli Kobakhidze as reason for opposing the measure.

Mullin Defends Diplomatic Approach

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Mullin argued for using diplomatic engagement rather than punitive measures against the Georgian government. He told The Hill he wants to work with Georgian officials before imposing sanctions, believing cooperation could help the country achieve sovereignty and reduce Russian influence in the region.

“I want to be able to work with them before we throw sanctions on them. I want to work with them to see how they can have true sovereignty, to get away from the overbearing influence of Russia,” Mullin said.

However, Mullin’s position marks a dramatic reversal from 2020, when he accused the ruling Georgian Dream party of cozying up to “American hostile rivals and enemies.” His colleagues on both sides of the aisle have expressed frustration with his opposition to legislation they view as essential for supporting democracy.

Analysts Warn of Consequences

Pro-democracy activists argue the Megobari Act would impose meaningful costs on Georgian officials through asset freezes and visa restrictions. Elene Kintsurashvili of the German Marshall Fund warned that failure to pass the legislation would embolden authoritarian crackdowns and signal abandonment of Georgian protesters.

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The country has experienced over 300 days of continuous protests following disputed parliamentary elections in October 2024. The ruling Georgian Dream party suspended EU accession talks and has imprisoned opposition leaders while cracking down on civil society organizations. Human rights groups have documented torture of protesters and systematic repression of dissent.

Strategic Implications for U.S. Policy

The Trump administration has not taken new action on Georgia despite bipartisan congressional pressure. The U.S. views Georgia as strategically important given its location in the Caucasus region linking Russia and the Middle East. Critics argue that without the Megobari Act, Washington lacks leverage against democratic backsliding in the former Soviet republic.

Sen. Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.) vowed to continue working with Republicans to secure passage, noting strong bicameral support remains for holding Georgian officials accountable. Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) indicated the bill could still be added as an amendment to the NDAA despite being stripped from the managers package.

Will Republican leadership divisions continue blocking bipartisan efforts to counter Russian influence in the strategically vital Caucasus region?

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