US Defense Authorization Act instructs State Secretary to prepare a report on Georgian government's support for democratic reforms

The US National Defense Authorization Act for fiscal fear 2021 includes a sub-chapter named as "Report on support for democratic reforms by the governmnet of the republic of Georgia".

The chapter reads as follows:

"It is the sense of Congress that the United States should:

(1) support the Government of the Republic of Georgia’s continued development of democratic values, path to electoral reform, commitment to combating corruption, and efforts to ensure the Georgian private sector upholds internationally recognized standards, including welcoming and protecting foreign direct investment; and

(2) continue to work closely with the Government of Georgia on defense and security cooperation19 to include increasing Georgia’s defense capabilities, interoperability with partner nations, adherence to the rules of war, and strengthening of defense institutions.

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary of State shall submit to the appropriate congressional committees a report that contains:

(1) an analysis of whether or not the Govern4 ment of Georgia is taking effective steps to strengthen democratic institutions in Georgia; and

(2) an analysis of whether or not the Government of Georgia is: (A) effectively implementing electoral reform; (B) respecting the independence of the judiciary, including independence from legislative or executive interference; (C) effectively implementing the necessary policies to ensure accountability and transparency, including unfettered access to public information; (D) protecting the rights of civil society, opposition political parties, and the independence of the media; and (E) any other matters the Secretary determines to be appropriate".

The document was adopted by 295 votes on July 21. The decument's required to go through additional legislative procedures before coming into force as a law.