FIRST ON FOX – A new bill, the “Georgian Nightmare Non-Recognition Act,” will be introduced by Rep. Joe Wilson (R-S.C.) and Rep. Steve Cohen (D-Tenn.). This legislation aims to prevent the United States from recognizing the Georgian Dream government, citing ongoing anti-government protests and alleged human rights abuses.

The bill explicitly prohibits any federal action or funding that would acknowledge or normalize relations with any Georgian government controlled by or associated with the Ivanishvili regime. It specifically targets Bidzina Ivanishvili and his administration.

Rep. Cohen stated that the Georgian Dream party, under Ivanishvili’s leadership, has become an instrument of Russian influence, accusing them of election falsification and installing a compliant president. He emphasized that the U.S. will not endorse this illegitimate government.

While the Georgian Dream party didn’t respond to requests for comment, they issued a statement condemning the recent sanctions as “anti-Georgian” actions orchestrated by a “Global War Party” and “deep state” networks, labeling Rep. Wilson as a “degraded politician” and a key figure within the “deep state.”

The “Georgian Nightmare Non-Recognition Act” is modeled after the 2023 “Assad Regime Anti-Normalization Act,” which was passed into law last month and prohibits the recognition of the Bashar al-Assad regime.

Although the President ultimately decides on government recognition, the bill cites historical precedents. The U.S. Congress has consistently refused to acknowledge illegitimate regimes, such as the Russian occupation of Ukrainian Crimea and Georgian territories, and the Soviet annexation of the Baltic States.

Rep. Wilson expressed confidence that the Georgian Dream regime will eventually fall, and free and fair elections will be held in Georgia, mirroring the outcome with the Assad regime.

Luke Coffey of the Hudson Institute noted that the bill reflects growing frustration among U.S. lawmakers with the Georgian Dream government’s actions and underscored Congress’s significant role in shaping U.S. foreign policy.

The bill designates Salome Zourabichvili, the President before the October 2024 elections, as the legitimate leader of Georgia, with this policy nullified should free and fair elections be held.

Despite strained U.S.-Georgian relations, Coffey believes that effective policies can repair the relationship, suggesting the need for support for Georgia’s legitimate political opposition.

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