Senator Mark Wayne Mullin (R-Okla.) is impeding a bipartisan effort aimed at intensifying sanctions against Georgia. Advocates argue that these measures are crucial for supporting democratic forces and countering the influence of countries like Russia, China, and Iran.
Mullin has effectively halted the Megobari Act, which seeks to codify sanctions related to human rights abuses, corruption, and the erosion of democracy by officials in Georgia’s ruling party, the Georgian Dream (GD), thereby fostering closer ties with adversarial nations.
In late August, Mullin successfully removed the bill from the Defense Authorization Act, according to two congressional sources confirming with Hill.
Earlier this year, he blocked unanimous consent requests to advance the bill. This legislation is generally considered uncontroversial, having been approved by the Senate Foreign Relations Committee in March, while a version passed through the House with a vote of 349 to 42 in May.
Senator Rand Paul (R-Ky.) shares similar reservations about the bill, but Mullin’s extended efforts to prevent its hearing on the Senate floor stand out.
“There are many who support this legislation,” said a congressional source who requested anonymity to discuss the matter.
“It was essentially included in last year’s NDAA. It cleared the House, and this time it passed through committee. The fact that one senator can derail it is unfortunate.”
Mullin’s stance surprises many, given the marked reversal from his position five years ago.
Back in 2020, he criticized the ruling GD for working with “hostile adversaries,” claiming that American firms faced increasing risks and difficulties in the country.
In a recent brief interview with Hill, Mullin highlighted the “better relationships” he now sees with Georgian Premier Irakli Kobakhidze and the governing party’s chairman.
“I understand where they stand. [Georgian Dream] appears to be reaching a turning point. I also grasp the implications of Russia’s softer approach, which creates turmoil within the government,” Mullin stated.
“I want to collaborate with them before imposing sanctions. I hope to see how they can assert true sovereignty and avoid Russia’s overwhelming influence.”
Mullin previously pointed to two U.S. companies facing challenges in Georgia’s market. He referred to Conti Group’s $600 million investment in a Black Sea port back in 2019, which fell through due to lack of government approval. He also mentioned that Frontera Resources, a Texas-based oil and gas company, faced oppressive regulations.
After enduring pressure, Frontera managed to regain its footing with the Georgian government, overturning a decision to terminate its contract.
Mullin clarified that his resistance to the Megobari Act isn’t influenced by any improvements in Frontera’s circumstances.
He indicated he hasn’t engaged with the Texas company in about a year and a half. Donor records reveal that Frontera’s founder, Steve Nicandros, has contributed nearly $6,000 to Mullin’s campaigns since 2020.
“It’s just business,” Mullin noted regarding his support for Frontera and Conti. “If U.S. investments are made, they should have protection and a stable environment to see their projects realized without threats of takeover.”
The Hill reached out to Frontera Resources for comment.
Mullin’s optimism for Georgia’s leadership raises concern among democratic activists and congressional insiders. They argue that corruption has deepened, democracy has weakened, and ties with adversarial nations have strengthened over the past five years.
“It’s perplexing that these senators would go to such lengths to support a government in Georgia that continues to align itself with countries like China and Iran,” remarked a Republican aide.
Eka Gigauri, of Transparency International Georgia, testified that Megobari represents a significant issue with the ruling party.
“They perceive this as a potential disaster for them,” she added.
“Everyone should have the right to speak their mind. I struggle to understand how anyone in the U.S. could support this administration,” she emphasized.
Recently, the GD has adopted laws reminiscent of Russia’s tactics to suppress civil society. Measures have included arrests of political opponents, stifling media, and obstructing EU membership efforts, violating constitutional rights.
Protests have erupted almost daily since last October’s parliamentary elections, which were widely criticized as neither free nor fair.
The influence of Russia, China, and Iran appears to be on the rise. In 2024, a China-led consortium stepped in to bid on a deep-sea port after U.S.-based Conti withdrew from the project.
The Georgian Dream has accused the country of engaging in international sanctions against Russia, aiming to mend ties with Moscow while simultaneously stoking tensions.
Georgia resumed direct flights with Russia in May 2023, and while trade relations have waxed and waned, Russia still stands as Georgia’s fourth-largest export market and third-largest source of imports.
Relations with Iran have also strengthened, with reports indicating a fivefold increase in Iranian companies in Georgia over the last decade and trade escalating significantly.
In 2024, Georgian leaders attended both the funeral of a former Iranian president and the inauguration of his successor.
Despite past sanctions from the Trump administration against Georgian Dream officials, the Megobari Act escalates calls for investigations into corruption among party members and their families.
Mullin expressed uncertainty about the legitimacy of Georgia’s recent elections, which an opposition group rendered “not free and unfair.” The European Union has echoed calls for re-elections.
“I think there were observers, but I still feel that way. Perhaps I’m just old-fashioned. I want to be hands-on,” Mullin shared.
When asked about trusting international observers, he replied, “It’s not about trust; I just want to verify.”
The Oklahoma senator mentioned he last visited Georgia in 2021 but was uncertain when he would return.
Mullin criticized colleagues for lacking direct engagement with the on-ground realities.
“We just need a connection,” he said. “When was the last time you were there? When did you last speak with them? Actual visits would help clarify their direction.
Senator Jeanne Shaheen (D-N.H.), a co-sponsor of the Megobari Act, visited Georgia in August 2024 and left feeling “disappointed” by the Prime Minister’s lack of offers to improve U.S. relations.
In July, the U.S. ambassador to Georgia criticized the GD for disregarding overtures from the Trump administration, noting that leadership refused to accept a letter from the president due to ongoing sanctions.
Subsequently, the GD leadership sent a controversial letter to Trump, which was met with critical reactions in Washington.
The Prime Minister has publicly branded the Megobari Act as “deeply hostile” while suggesting conspiratorial motives behind its introduction.
In a follow-up letter, the Georgian President echoed these sentiments, criticizing U.S. officials for perpetuating a so-called “deep state.”
Supporters of the Megobari Act in the Senate are determined to push for its passage despite the hurdles posed by Mullin and Paul’s opposition. Senator Roger Wicker (R-Miss.) told Hill that they may reintroduce Megobari as an amendment to the NDAA.
Senator Shaheen emphasized that, given the deteriorating political climate in Georgia, there is strong bipartisan support for the Megobari Act, driven by a shared commitment to maintaining democratic integrity and fostering Euro-Atlantic ties.
