Georgian Nightmare Non-Recognition Act
Georgian Nightmare Non-Recognition Act is a bill introduced in the 119th Congress that would prohibit the United States from recognizing Bidzina Ivanishvili or any Georgian government led by him, and would direct the U.S. to actively oppose recognition or normalization of relations by other governments with such a regime. The bill would also require the use of the full set of tools available under sanctions authorities (including Executive Order 14024 and the Global Magnitsky Act) to deter corruption or foreign influence operations by Georgia that the bill attributes to adversaries such as the Chinese Communist Party, the Iranian regime, and the Russian Federation. It designates the incumbent president of Georgia as the only legitimate leader prior to elections held on October 26, 2024, and it creates a mechanism by which the policy could be voided if free and fair elections are restored and certified by the U.S. Helsinki Commission. The bill is sponsored by Representatives Wilson (SC) and Cohen and referred to the Foreign Affairs and Judiciary committees. In short, the bill would codify a hardline stance against Bidzina Ivanishvili’s leadership in Georgia, tying U.S. recognition and funding to the regime’s posture and to the conduct of elections, and it would authorize broad sanctions and related diplomatic pressure to support that position.
Key Points
- 1Prohibition on recognition: The United States may not recognize or imply recognition of Bidzina Ivanishvili or any Georgia government led by him or his proxies.
- 2Active opposition by the U.S. and allies: The U.S. should oppose recognition or normalization of relations by other governments with Ivanishvili-led Georgia, including by implementing mandatory sanctions under Executive Order 14024.
- 3Sanctions authority: The bill would use the Global Magnitsky Act and EO 14024 authorities to deter corruption and foreign influence operations by Georgia related to adversaries, including China, Iran, and Russia.
- 4Recognition of Georgia’s president: The U.S. would recognize the incumbent President of Georgia prior to the 2024 elections as the only legitimate leader.
- 5Conditional restoration: If Georgia restores its constitution and holds free and fair elections certified by the Helsinki Commission’s Chairman and Co-Chair, the President could declare the policy void.