Bill Overview
Title: To support the independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity of the Republic of Georgia, and for other purposes.
Description: This bill requires sanctions and reports related to Georgia. The President shall impose entry and property-blocking sanctions against foreign persons responsible for or complicit in serious human rights abuses in the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and Tskhinvali Region/South Ossetia that are occupied by Russia. The President shall also report to Congress every 180 days on such foreign persons. The Department of State shall report to Congress on various topics related to Georgia. The reports shall cover (1) U.S. security assistance to Georgia and an assessment of threats to the country's independence and its ability to defend itself, (2) cybersecurity cooperation between the United States and Georgia, (3) a strategy to help Georgia expand its capabilities to combat Russian disinformation and propaganda, and (4) U.S. democracy and governance assistance to Georgia.
Sponsors: Rep. Connolly, Gerald E. [D-VA-11]
Target Audience
Population: People in the Republic of Georgia and impacted foreign individuals
Estimated Size: 5000
- The bill focuses on supporting Georgia's independence and sovereignty, particularly in regions occupied by Russia.
- It includes imposing sanctions on foreign individuals responsible for human rights abuses in Abkhazia and South Ossetia.
- Reports on U.S. security assistance, cybersecurity cooperation, counter-disinformation strategies, and democracy support for Georgia are mentioned.
- This implies effects on Georgian citizens, particularly those in conflict regions, as well as the foreign individuals targeted by sanctions.
Reasoning
- The policy primarily affects individuals related to international policy, security, and foreign relations. These are likely to be diplomatic workers, defense strategists, and some in nonprofit roles focusing on international human rights and democracy initiatives.
- Given the budget constraints, the direct reach to Americans is limited. The budget focuses more on supporting Georgia through cybersecurity and defense, implying American involvement is more strategic and policy-oriented rather than widespread.
- Individuals in international business might be indirectly affected if they have dealings in regions or with entities under sanctions.
- Georgia's diaspora in the US might show interest, but unless involved in mentioned sectors, they wouldn’t feel immediate effects.
Simulated Interviews
Foreign Policy Analyst (Washington, DC)
Age: 42 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy emphasizes security and democracy assistance, which aligns with strategic interests in the region.
- It enhances focus on countering Russian disinformation, crucial for our allies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cybersecurity Specialist (New York, NY)
Age: 30 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased cooperation with Georgia could create new opportunities for cybersecurity work.
- However, the policy might only modestly benefit those not directly involved with government contracts.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
NGO Worker (Atlanta, GA)
Age: 36 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 4/20
Statement of Opinion:
- This bill supports the causes we advocate for by strengthening democratic processes in Georgia.
- Sanctions could deter human rights abuses.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 9 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 6 |
International Business Consultant (Chicago, IL)
Age: 47 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 5
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Sanctions might lead to complexities in international business dealings.
- Potential impacts on companies I advise.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 2 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 3 | 5 | 5 |
| Year 5 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 10 | 4 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 4 | 5 |
Journalist (Los Angeles, CA)
Age: 55 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy provides material for analysis and reporting.
- Broadens the geopolitical focus of media coverage.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Graduate Student (Boston, MA)
Age: 29 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Provides new material for my research.
- May enhance scholarly discourse on regional policies.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Defense Contractor (Miami, FL)
Age: 38 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 6/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Increased emphasis on security assistance aligns with defense interests.
- Potential for new contracts concerning Georgia.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 7 | 5 |
Oil and Gas Executive (Houston, TX)
Age: 53 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 7
Duration of Impact: 3.0 years
Commonness: 8/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Sanctions could affect energy markets temporarily, especially in relation to Russia.
- Long-term impacts might include shifts in resource distribution.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 7 |
| Year 5 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 10 | 6 | 7 |
| Year 20 | 5 | 7 |
Human Rights Advocate (Seattle, WA)
Age: 41 | Gender: female
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 10.0 years
Commonness: 5/20
Statement of Opinion:
- The policy strengthens human rights advocacy.
- Provides momentum for promoting justice in contested regions.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 8 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Technology Consultant (San Francisco, CA)
Age: 50 | Gender: male
Wellbeing Before Policy: 6
Duration of Impact: 5.0 years
Commonness: 7/20
Statement of Opinion:
- Cybersecurity cooperation underscores growing tech importance.
- New opportunities to improve international tech practices.
Wellbeing Over Time (With vs Without Policy)
| Year | With Policy | Without Policy |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 6 | 6 |
| Year 2 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 3 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 5 | 7 | 6 |
| Year 10 | 7 | 5 |
| Year 20 | 6 | 5 |
Cost Estimates
Year 1: $3500000 (Low: $3000000, High: $4000000)
Year 2: $3600000 (Low: $3100000, High: $4100000)
Year 3: $3700000 (Low: $3200000, High: $4200000)
Year 5: $3900000 (Low: $3400000, High: $4400000)
Year 10: $4400000 (Low: $3900000, High: $4900000)
Year 100: $12800000 (Low: $10400000, High: $15200000)
Key Considerations
- Continuation of sanctions will require continuous monitoring and updates to lists of sanctioned individuals.
- Cybersecurity cooperation and disinformation strategy development with Georgia require active engagement and resources from U.S. agencies.
- Geopolitical stability in the region may influence long-term strategic interests of the U.S.