Countering China's Control of the Caucasus Act

Floor Speech

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 7668, a bipartisan bill designed to make sure the United States is clear-eyed about the threats from Russia and the PRC in Georgia as well as whether Georgia remains committed to a relationship with the United States and Europe centered around shared values and interests.

In this spirit, I thank my good friend Representative Wilson for his tireless work in support of the Georgian people and for bringing forward this legislation which builds on his work on the MEGOBARI Act.

In recent years, the current Georgian Dream Government, as well as foreign malign influence from Russia and China in Georgia, have threatened Georgia's hard-fought democratic gains, corrupted some of its State institutions, and caused a rift in the U.S.-Georgia relations and between the Georgian Government and its people.

This legislation, along with the MEGOBARI Act, that this body passed with overwhelming bipartisan support last year is a response to this deterioration. The goal is to let the Georgian people know that we stand by them in their quest for democracy, respect for their rights, and deeper integration in the Euro-Atlantic community.

This legislation ensures we are clear-eyed about what that continued support from the U.S. to Georgia will require and provides a framework for appropriate cooperation with the Georgian Government going forward.

I am pleased with the bipartisan work on this bill and look forward to its passage.

Mr. Speaker, H.R. 7668 does not seek to malign the Georgian government but, rather, demonstrate to the people of Georgia the United States remains committed to its Euro-Atlantic aspirations.

Mr. Speaker, I again thank my good friend Representative Wilson for his steadfast support of the Georgian people and hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

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