In response to ongoing anti-government protests in Georgia, senior US Representatives are introducing legislation to prevent the recognition of the Georgian Dream government. Republican Representative Joe Wilson and Democratic Representative Steve Cohen are spearheading the "Georgian Nightmare Non-Recognition Act," which aims to block any US recognition of a Georgian government led by Bidzina Ivanishvili or his associates. The bill cites the Ivanishvili regime’s alleged offenses against the Georgian people as the reason for this action. It would restrict federal officials from taking any actions or allocating funds that would imply US recognition of Ivanishvili or his government.
Rep. Cohen criticized the Georgian Dream party, stating that it has become a tool of Russian President Vladimir Putin and that the October elections were manipulated. He emphasized that the US will not acknowledge this government and that the proposed act will solidify this stance until free and fair elections are held. The Georgian Dream party, however, has labeled the sanctions and the bill as "anti-Georgian" measures orchestrated by a "deep state" network, specifically targeting Rep. Wilson.
This bill mirrors the "Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act" passed in 2023, which similarly aimed to prevent US recognition of the Syrian government under Bashar al-Assad. The US Congress has historically refused to recognize illegitimate regimes, including Russia's occupation of Crimea and Georgian territories. Rep. Wilson expressed confidence that the Ivanishvili regime will eventually fall and that Georgia will hold democratic elections. The bill designates Salome Zourabichvili, the president before the October 2024 elections, as the legitimate leader of Georgia. This policy could be reversed if free and fair elections are conducted.
Luke Coffey, a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute, noted that this legislation reflects growing US frustration with the Georgian Dream party. He highlighted the significant role of the US Congress in foreign policy and suggested that Georgian Dream officials should take note of Congressional actions, particularly those by members close to Donald Trump. Coffey believes that while US-Georgian relations are currently strained, they can be improved with appropriate policies. In the meantime, he advocates for US support of the political opposition in Georgia against the current government.
