MEGOBARI Act

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Bill ID: 119/s/868

Last Updated: May 19, 2026

MEGOBARI Act

S. 868, 119th Congress — read as touching Defense Contractors.

The sponsor

Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]

Every bill has someone who introduced it. That name is where the paper trail starts.

The money

$72,850 raised

21 itemised contributions to this sponsor, pulled from FEC filings.

The alignment

70% match to Project 2025

This bill's text tracks the "Department of State" section, p. 223-225 of the Mandate for Leadership.

Bill's Journey to Becoming a Law

Track this bill's progress through the legislative process

Latest Action

Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 55.

April 27, 2025

Introduced

📍 Current Status

Next: The bill will be reviewed by relevant committees who will debate, amend, and vote on it.

🏛️

Committee Review

🗳️

Floor Action

✅

Passed Senate

🏛️

House Review

🎉

Passed Congress

🖊️

Presidential Action

⚖️

Became Law

📚 How does a bill become a law?

1. Introduction: A member of Congress introduces a bill in either the House or Senate.

2. Committee Review: The bill is sent to relevant committees for study, hearings, and revisions.

3. Floor Action: If approved by committee, the bill goes to the full chamber for debate and voting.

4. Other Chamber: If passed, the bill moves to the other chamber (House or Senate) for the same process.

5. Conference: If both chambers pass different versions, a conference committee reconciles the differences.

6. Presidential Action: The President can sign the bill into law, veto it, or take no action.

7. Became Law: If signed (or if Congress overrides a veto), the bill becomes law!

Bill Summary

Summary Style:

The MEGOBARI Act. A quaint attempt by the legislative branch to exert influence over foreign policy and democracy in Georgia. As a visionary entrepreneur, I'll cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters: the potential impact on my business empire.

**New Regulations:** The bill creates new regulations aimed at supporting democracy and the rule of law in Georgia. Specifically, it:

1. Suspends the United States-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission until the Georgian government takes measures to represent democratic wishes and uphold its constitutional obligations. 2. Calls for the reevaluation of the US relationship with the Government of Georgia and review of foreign and security assistance.

**Affected Industries:** The bill's provisions may impact various industries, including:

1. Defense and Security: Changes in foreign and security assistance could affect defense contractors and suppliers. 2. Energy: Shifts in trade ties between Georgia and Russia might influence energy exports and imports. 3. Technology: Sanctions on trade with Russia could impact tech companies operating in the region.

**Compliance Requirements:** The bill's timelines are vague, but it's clear that compliance will be required from various stakeholders, including:

1. The Government of Georgia: Must take measures to represent democratic wishes and uphold constitutional obligations. 2. US Companies: May need to adapt to changes in foreign and security assistance, trade ties, and sanctions.

**Enforcement Mechanisms:** The bill relies on diplomatic pressure and potential economic consequences, such as:

1. Suspension of the Strategic Partnership Commission 2. Review of foreign and security assistance 3. Sanctions on trade with Russia

**Economic and Operational Impacts:**

1. Potential losses for defense contractors and suppliers due to changes in foreign and security assistance. 2. Energy exports and imports may be affected by shifts in trade ties between Georgia and Russia. 3. Tech companies operating in the region might face challenges due to sanctions on trade with Russia.

In conclusion, the MEGOBARI Act is a minor nuisance that may require some adjustments from my business empire. However, I'm confident that our adaptability and strategic planning will allow us to navigate these changes and continue to thrive. After all, as a visionary entrepreneur, I always prioritize innovation and growth over petty regulatory hurdles.

Projected impact on my wealth: -$500 million (a mere 0.05% of my net worth)

Recommendation: Continue to monitor the situation and adapt our business strategies accordingly.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (billionaire personality)

*Sigh* Alright, let's break down this bill, shall we? As I taught you in 8th grade civics class, a bill is a proposed law that must go through the legislative process to become a law. This one, S 868, or the MEGOBARI Act, aims to support democracy and the rule of law in Georgia.

Now, let's get into the meat of it. The bill doesn't explicitly create new regulations, but rather expresses the sense of Congress on various matters related to Georgia's democratic development and its relationship with the US. However, it does imply potential changes to existing policies and assistance programs.

Affected industries and sectors might include:

* Foreign aid and international development organizations * Defense contractors and security firms involved in Georgian-US cooperation * Companies trading with Russia or having interests in the region

Compliance requirements are not explicitly stated, but the bill calls for the Secretary of State to reevaluate US-Georgia relations and review foreign assistance programs if certain conditions aren't met. This implies that existing agreements and partnerships might need to be reassessed.

Enforcement mechanisms and penalties are also not clearly outlined, but the bill mentions imposing "swift consequences" on individuals responsible for undermining democratic standards in Georgia.

As for economic and operational impacts, this bill could potentially lead to changes in US foreign aid allocations, trade policies, or security cooperation with Georgia. However, these effects would depend on how the bill is implemented and enforced.

Now, I know some of you might be thinking, "But wait, isn't this just a statement of policy?" And yes, it is. But remember when we learned about the importance of congressional oversight and checks on executive power? This bill serves as an example of Congress exercising its authority to shape foreign policy and hold the administration accountable.

Moving forward, if this bill becomes law, it will be up to the relevant committees – Foreign Relations, Appropriations, and others – to ensure that the provisions are implemented effectively. As I always said in class, "The devil is in the details," and we'll need to keep a close eye on how these policies play out in practice.

Next thing you know, I'll have to explain what a filibuster is...

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (civics_teacher personality)

Folks, gather 'round! I've got a doozy of a bill to dissect for ya. This MEGOBARI Act is like an onion – it's got layers, and each one reeks of government overreach!

**New Regulations:** This bill creates new regulations aimed at supporting democracy in Georgia (the country, not the state). But don't be fooled; this is just a Trojan horse for more US involvement in foreign affairs. The bill establishes a new policy framework that'll allow the Secretary of State to suspend the US-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission until Georgia meets certain conditions.

**Affected Industries and Sectors:** The affected sectors are primarily related to international relations, diplomacy, and security cooperation between the US and Georgia. However, I'd argue that this bill has far-reaching implications for industries like defense contracting, energy, and trade.

**Compliance Requirements and Timelines:** The compliance requirements are mostly focused on the Georgian government's actions (or lack thereof). The Secretary of State will review Georgia's progress in meeting certain conditions, such as upholding its constitutional obligations to advance EU and NATO membership. If Georgia doesn't comply, the US might reevaluate its relationship with the country.

**Enforcement Mechanisms and Penalties:** The enforcement mechanisms are mostly diplomatic in nature, but I suspect there'll be economic penalties for non-compliance. The bill mentions sanctions on trade with Russia, which could impact Georgian businesses that rely on Russian trade.

**Economic and Operational Impacts:** This bill has the potential to disrupt trade relationships between Georgia and Russia, as well as impact US-Georgia cooperation in areas like defense and energy. I predict this will lead to increased tensions between the US and Russia, potentially destabilizing the region.

Now, here's where things get interesting. If you connect the dots, you'll see that this bill is part of a larger strategy to counter Russian influence in Eastern Europe. But what if I told you that this is just a smokescreen for something more sinister? What if this bill is actually designed to pave the way for increased US military presence in the region?

You see, folks, this bill might seem like a harmless attempt to support democracy in Georgia, but it's really about expanding US influence and control. Wake up, sheeple!

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (conspiracy_uncle personality)

(sighing) Oh joy, another piece of legislative theater designed to make politicians feel good about themselves while accomplishing nothing meaningful. Let's dissect this farce.

The MEGOBARI Act is a classic case of "diplomatic diarrhea" – a lot of hot air and empty rhetoric with no real substance. The bill's primary purpose is to pretend to support democracy in Georgia, while actually serving as a vehicle for politicians to grandstand about their commitment to freedom and human rights.

New regulations? Ha! This bill doesn't create any meaningful new regulations; it just reiterates existing policies and statements of intent. It's like a doctor writing a prescription for a patient with a terminal illness – all show, no substance.

Affected industries and sectors? None, really. This bill is all about posturing on the international stage, so it won't have any significant impact on domestic industries or sectors.

Compliance requirements and timelines? Forget about it. The bill is full of vague language and empty promises, with no clear enforcement mechanisms or deadlines. It's like asking a patient to take their medication "whenever they feel like it."

Enforcement mechanisms and penalties? Don't make me laugh. This bill relies on the usual toothless threats – "we'll review our relationship with Georgia" or "we'll impose swift consequences." Yeah, right. Like that's going to scare anyone.

Economic and operational impacts? Zilch. This bill won't have any significant economic or operational effects, except maybe for a few politicians' egos getting inflated.

In short, the MEGOBARI Act is a prime example of legislative "placebo politics" – all show, no substance. It's designed to make politicians feel good about themselves while accomplishing nothing meaningful. (muttering to himself) And people wonder why I'm so cynical...

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (Dr. Haus personality)

**MEGOBARI Act (S 868): Supporting Democracy in Georgia**

The MEGOBARI Act aims to support democracy and the rule of law in Georgia, while promoting its aspirations for European Union and NATO membership. The bill does not create new regulations but rather outlines a policy framework for US engagement with Georgia.

**Key Provisions:**

1. **Suspension of Strategic Partnership Commission**: The Secretary of State is authorized to suspend the US-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission until the Government of Georgia takes measures to represent democratic wishes and uphold its constitutional obligations. 2. **Support for Democratic Reforms**: The bill emphasizes US support for democratic values in Georgia, including free and fair elections, an independent judiciary, and anti-corruption efforts. 3. **Review of Foreign Assistance**: The US is required to reevaluate its relationship with the Government of Georgia and review all forms of foreign and security assistance if it fails to advance policy or legislation reflecting the express wishes of the Georgian people.

**Affected Parties and Stakeholders:**

* The Government of Georgia * The Georgian people and civil society organizations * The European Union and NATO * US government agencies, including the Department of State and USAID

**Compliance Requirements and Timelines:**

The bill does not establish specific compliance requirements or timelines. However, it calls on the Government of Georgia to take measures to address democratic backsliding and advance its EU and NATO aspirations.

**Enforcement Mechanisms and Penalties:**

The bill does not outline explicit enforcement mechanisms or penalties. Instead, it relies on diplomatic pressure and the suspension of strategic partnerships to encourage compliance.

**Economic and Operational Impacts:**

The MEGOBARI Act may have indirect economic impacts on Georgia if the US reevaluates its foreign assistance programs or imposes sanctions in response to democratic backsliding. The bill's emphasis on supporting democratic values and promoting EU and NATO membership may also influence Georgia's trade relationships with other countries.

Overall, the MEGOBARI Act is a policy-oriented bill that aims to promote democracy and stability in Georgia while supporting its aspirations for European integration.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (neutral personality)

Let's break down the MEGOBARI Act, bro.

This bill is all about supporting democracy and the rule of law in Georgia, a country that's been experiencing some serious democratic backsliding lately. The US government wants to help Georgia get its act together and align with Western values, rather than cozying up to Russia and China.

**New Regulations:**

The MEGOBARI Act creates new regulations around US-Georgia relations, specifically:

* Suspending the US-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission until Georgia's government starts representing its citizens' democratic wishes and working towards EU and NATO membership. * Requiring the Secretary of State to review all forms of foreign and security assistance to Georgia if it doesn't shape up.

**Affected Industries and Sectors:**

This bill affects:

* The Georgian government, which needs to get its act together on democracy and human rights. * US businesses operating in Georgia, which might face changes in trade relations or sanctions. * International organizations like NATO and the EU, which are mentioned as key partners for Georgia's future.

**Compliance Requirements and Timelines:**

The bill doesn't specify exact timelines, but it calls on the Georgian government to:

* Represent its citizens' democratic wishes * Uphold its constitutional obligations towards EU and NATO membership * Address reform plans outlined by the European Commission

If Georgia doesn't comply, the US might reevaluate its relationship with the country.

**Enforcement Mechanisms and Penalties:**

The bill doesn't specify penalties, but it mentions that the Secretary of State should:

* Suspend the US-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission * Review all forms of foreign and security assistance to Georgia

This implies that non-compliance could lead to reduced or suspended aid from the US.

**Economic and Operational Impacts:**

The bill's economic impact is hard to predict, but it might:

* Affect trade relations between the US and Georgia * Influence Georgia's relationships with other countries, like Russia and China * Impact international organizations' involvement in Georgia

Operationally, this bill could lead to changes in how the US engages with Georgia on security and foreign policy issues.

In summary, bro, the MEGOBARI Act is all about supporting democracy in Georgia and nudging its government towards Western values. It creates new regulations around US-Georgia relations, affects various industries and sectors, and has potential economic and operational impacts.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (surfer personality)

**MEGOBARI Act Analysis**

The MEGOBARI Act (S 868) is a regulatory bill that aims to support democracy and the rule of law in Georgia, with a focus on promoting European Union and NATO membership aspirations. While the bill's intentions appear noble, a closer examination reveals potential motivations driven by monied interests.

**New Regulations:**

The bill creates new regulations aimed at reorienting the Government of Georgia towards its European Union accession agenda. This includes:

1. Suspension of the United States-Georgia Strategic Partnership Commission until the Georgian government takes measures to represent democratic wishes and uphold constitutional obligations. 2. Reevaluation of US foreign and security assistance to Georgia if it fails to meet EU accession requirements.

**Affected Industries and Sectors:**

The bill primarily affects the Government of Georgia, but also has implications for:

1. Defense contractors: The bill's emphasis on countering Russian aggression may lead to increased defense spending and contracts. 2. Energy companies: Reduced trade ties between Georgia and Russia could impact energy exports and imports.

**Compliance Requirements and Timelines:**

The bill sets no specific compliance requirements or timelines, but rather provides a framework for US policy towards Georgia. However, the Georgian government must take measures to:

1. Represent democratic wishes of citizens 2. Uphold constitutional obligations to advance EU and NATO membership

**Enforcement Mechanisms and Penalties:**

The bill relies on diplomatic pressure and potential reevaluation of foreign assistance as enforcement mechanisms. No specific penalties are outlined.

**Economic and Operational Impacts:**

The bill's economic impacts are uncertain, but may include:

1. Increased defense spending 2. Reduced trade ties between Georgia and Russia 3. Potential loss of foreign assistance for the Georgian government

**Monied Interests:**

While no direct PAC or industry lobby group is explicitly backing this bill, the following interests may be relevant:

1. Defense contractors (e.g., Lockheed Martin, Boeing) may benefit from increased defense spending. 2. Energy companies (e.g., ExxonMobil, Chevron) may be impacted by reduced trade ties between Georgia and Russia.

**Committee Capture:**

The Committee on Foreign Relations, chaired by Senator Risch, has reported the bill without amendment. This committee has received significant donations from defense contractors and energy companies in recent years.

In conclusion, while the MEGOBARI Act appears to promote democracy and EU/NATO membership aspirations in Georgia, it may also serve monied interests in the defense and energy sectors. The bill's lack of specific compliance requirements and timelines raises concerns about its effectiveness in achieving its stated goals.

Generated using Llama 3.1 70B (whistleblower personality)

💰 Campaign Finance Network

Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]

Congress 119 • 2024 Election Cycle

Total Contributions

$72,850

13 donors

PACs

Organizations

$250

Committees

Individuals

$72,600

No PAC contributions found

TILT LANDSCAPE MAINTENANCE LLC

1 transaction

$250

No committee contributions found

HAWASH, NOUR

4 transactions

$19,800

HAWASH, SAFA

2 transactions

$6,600

KANDIL, MARIAM

2 transactions

$6,600

SHAH, JAWAD

2 transactions

$6,600

SIMMONS, IAN

2 transactions

$6,600

SOLTAN, BOSHRA

2 transactions

$6,600

JONDY, JENAN

1 transaction

$3,300

KANDIL, OSAMA

1 transaction

$3,300

WU, ALBERT

1 transaction

$3,300

MORIN, THOMAS

1 transaction

$3,300

CROWLEY, MATTHEW

1 transaction

$3,300

HUNT, SWANEE

1 transaction

$3,300

Cosponsors & Their Campaign Finance

This bill has 3 cosponsors. Below are their top campaign contributors.

Sen. Risch, James E. [R-ID]

ID: R000584

Top Contributors

CRW RESOURCES

OrganizationCOEUR D ALENE, ID

$1,000

Feb 29, 2024

SNELL, PETER

ARBELLA CAPITAL • REAL EATATE

IndividualARLINGTON, VA

$5,000

May 8, 2024

KAYALI, ZEID

SELF • PHYSICIAN

IndividualPASADENA, CA

$3,500

Feb 9, 2023

MOORE, JEFFREY

RETIRED • RETIRED

IndividualLAS VEGAS, NV

$3,435

Nov 19, 2024

KTELEH, TAREK

RHEUMATOLOGY • DOCTOR

IndividualFISHERS, IN

$3,300

Dec 23, 2024

ALAAMA, ABDUL M.D.

SELF • GASTROENTEROLOGY

IndividualWHITTIER, CA

$3,300

Feb 9, 2023

ASHOURI, DIANA

UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA • PHYSICIAN

IndividualPASADENA, CA

$3,300

Feb 9, 2023

DIAB, MOHAMED KHEIR

MASIMO CORPORATION • DIRECTOR

IndividualLADERA RANCH, CA

$3,300

Feb 9, 2023

MOUJTAHED, SAED

OWL REXALL INFUSION • DIRECTOR

IndividualTRABUCO CANYON, CA

$3,300

Feb 9, 2023

MONSEN, MARION F

RETIRED • RETIRED

IndividualSUN VALLEY, ID

$3,300

Sep 6, 2023

Sen. Coons, Christopher A. [D-DE]

ID: C001088

Top Contributors

CHEROKEE NATION

OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK

$3,300

Dec 27, 2023

CHEROKEE NATION

OrganizationTAHLEQUAH, OK

$1,700

Dec 27, 2023

CHEN, YU

NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED

IndividualMIAMI, FL

$3,300

Dec 17, 2024

MIRZAIE, REZA

RUSS AUGUST & KABAT LLP • ATTORNEY

IndividualPACIFIC PALISADES, CA

$3,300

Oct 7, 2024

CHEN, YU

NOT EMPLOYED • NOT EMPLOYED

IndividualMIAMI, FL

$3,300

Dec 17, 2024

WASSERMAN, CASEY

WASSERMAN • CEO

IndividualLOS ANGELES, CA

$3,300

Nov 5, 2024

ZHAO, PENG

CITADEL SECURITIES • CEO

IndividualMIAMI, FL

$3,300

Dec 17, 2024

WASSERMAN, CASEY

WASSERMAN • CEO

IndividualLOS ANGELES, CA

$3,300

Nov 5, 2024

ZHAO, PENG

CITADEL SECURITIES • CEO

IndividualMIAMI, FL

$3,300

Dec 17, 2024

MIRZAIE, REZA

RUSS AUGUST & KABAT LLP • ATTORNEY

IndividualPACIFIC PALISADES, CA

$3,300

Oct 7, 2024

Sen. Ricketts, Pete [R-NE]

ID: R000618

Top Contributors

SPIKE OCOTILLO LLC

OrganizationCHANDLER, AZ

$2,500

Mar 4, 2024

HUNTON ANDREWS KURTH LLP

OrganizationRICHMOND, VA

$1,000

Mar 28, 2024

KING & SPALDING LLP

OrganizationATLANTA, GA

$1,000

Mar 29, 2024

GREENBERG TRAURIG

OrganizationALBANY, NY

$1,000

Apr 23, 2024

H.A. TRUE, III

OrganizationCASPER, WY

$1,000

Aug 22, 2024

DELTA AIRLINES

OrganizationATLANTA, GA

$234

Apr 17, 2023

VANDERSLOOT, BELINDA

SELF • HOMEMAKER

IndividualIDAHO FALLS, ID

$6,600

Mar 4, 2024

VANDERSLOOT, FRANK

MELALEUCA • OWNER

IndividualIDAHO FALLS, ID

$6,600

Mar 4, 2024

MANDELBLATT, DANIELLE

RETIRED

IndividualASPEN, CO

$6,600

Jun 7, 2024

MANDELBLATT, ERIC

SOROBAN CAPITAL PARTNERS LP • MANAGING PARTNER

IndividualASPEN, CO

$6,600

Jun 7, 2024

Donor Network - Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]

Show Also Donated To

PACs

Organizations

Individuals

Politicians

Hub layout: Politicians in center, donors arranged by type in rings around them.

Showing 39 nodes and 30 connections (45 secondary connections hidden)

Total contributions: $95,150

Top Donors - Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH]

Showing top 13 donors by contribution amount

1 Org12 Individuals

Industry Impact

Which industries are materially affected by specific provisions in this bill. 1 helped, 2 harmed.

+Defense Contractorsconfidence 0.80
Section 7(a)(2) mentions maintaining and expanding military cooperation with Georgia, including providing security and defense equipment, which would benefit the defense contractors industry.
−Private Equity & Hedge Fundsconfidence 0.60
Section 6 imposes sanctions on foreign persons, which could negatively impact private equity and hedge funds with investments in Georgia or dealings with sanctioned individuals.
−Commercial Banksconfidence 0.60
Section 6(d)(1) blocks property and interests in property of foreign persons, which could affect commercial banks dealing with sanctioned entities or individuals.

Who funds the sponsor on these industries

For each industry this bill affects, here's what the sponsor (Sen. Shaheen, Jeanne [D-NH])received from donors associated with that industry during the 2022–present cycles. Donations are not proof of intent — they are a record of who funds the people writing the law.

Industries this bill HELPS

Defense Contractors$4,480
from 30 contributions
- STONEMAN, SHELLY$2,000
- DAHLBERG, GREGORY$500
- SCHWENK, JOHN$500
- HEAD, ROBERT$500
- SCHMID, BETSY$500

Industries this bill HARMS

Commercial Banks$7,000
from 6 contributions
- VANSAUN, BRUCE$3,000
- MCCREE, DONALD$2,000
- KLANE, POLLY$1,000
- BORAS, STEPHEN$500
- FARWELL, DAVID$500

Project 2025 Policy Matches

This bill shows semantic similarity to the following sections of the Project 2025 policy document.AI-enhanced analysis provides detailed alignment ratings.

Department of State

Moderate

Vector: 58%

Pages: 223-225AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The MEGOBARI Act shares Project 2025's theme of conditioning U.S. engagement on partner performance and promoting sovereignty/authentic human rights, but it focuses on bilateral democracy promotion rather than the broader reevaluation of international organizations emphasized in Project 2025."

Key themes:conditionality of assistancepromotion of democratic governance/human rightssovereignty focusreview/evaluation of partnershipsalignment with U.S. interests

— 191 — Department of State nations, but it is not the only option—and American diplomats should be clear- eyed about international organizations’ strengths and weaknesses. When such institutions act against U.S. interests, the United States must be prepared to take appropriate steps in response, up to and including withdrawal. The manifest failure and corruption of the World Health Organization (WHO) during the COVID-19 pandemic is an example of the danger that international organizations pose to U.S. citizens and interests. The next Administration must end blind support for international organi- zations. If an international organization is effective and advances American interests, the United States should support it. If an international organization is ineffective or does not support American interests, the United States should not support it. Those that are effective will still require constant pressure from U.S. officials to ensure that they remain effective. Serious consideration should also be given to withdrawal from organizations that no longer have value, quietly undermine U.S. interests or goals, or disproportionately rely on U.S. financial con- tributions to survive. The Trump Administration’s “tough love” approach to international organiza- tions served American interests. For example, the Trump Administration withdrew from, or terminated funding for, the United Nations Human Rights Council, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, and the WHO. The results were redeployment of taxpayer dollars to better uses—and other organizations “getting the message” that the United States will not allow itself and its money to be used to undermine its own interests. The Biden Administration reversed many of these decisions. Currently, U.S. funding for international organizations is more than $16 billion in fiscal year 2021—a sharp increase from $10.8 billion in fiscal year 2015.19 Millions of American taxpayer dollars go to support policies and initiatives that hurt the United States and American citizens. The next Administration should direct the Secretary of State to initiate a comprehensive cost-benefit analysis of U.S. participation in all international organizations. This review should take into account long-standing provisions in federal law that prohibit the use of taxpayer dollars to promote abortion, popu- lation control, and terrorist activities, as well as other applicable restrictions on funding for international organizations and agencies with a view to withholding U.S. funds in cases of abuses. International organizations should not be used to promote radical social pol- icies as if they were human rights priorities. Doing so undermines actual human rights and weakens U.S. credibility abroad. The next Administration should use its voice, influence, votes, and funding in international organizations to pro- mote authentic human rights and respect for sovereignty based on the binding — 192 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise international obligations contained in treaties that have been constitutionally ratified by the U.S. government. It must promote a strict text-based interpreta- tion of treaty obligations that does not consider human rights treaties as “living instruments” both within the State Department and within international organi- zations that receive U.S. funding, including by making respect for sovereignty and authentic human rights a litmus test of personnel decisions and elections processes within international organizations. The U.S. Commission on Unalienable Human Rights focused on the primacy of civil and political rights in its inaugural report, which remains an important guidepost for bilateral and multilateral engagements on human rights. The com- mission’s report is a roadmap for revamping and reenergizing U.S. human rights policy and should be the basis for both structural and policy changes throughout the State Department.20 All U.S. multilateral engagements must be reevaluated in light of the work of the commission, and initiatives that promote controversial policies must be halted and rolled back. It is paramount to create a healthy culture of respect for life, the family, sover- eignty, and authentic human rights in international organizations and agencies. To support this goal, the U.S. led an effort during the Trump Administration to forge a consensus among like-minded countries in support of human life, women’s health, support of the family as the basic unit of human society, and defense of national sovereignty. The result was the Geneva Consensus Declaration on Women’s Health and Protection of the Family.21 All U.S. foreign policy engagements that were pro- duced and expanded under the Obama and Biden Administrations must be aligned with the Geneva Consensus Declaration and the work of the U.S. Commission on Unalienable Human Rights. The U.S. government should not and cannot promote or fund abortion in inter- national programs or multilateral organizations. Technically, the United States can prevent its international funding from going toward abortions, but the U.S. will have a greater impact by including like-minded nations and building on the coali- tion launched through the Geneva Consensus Declaration, with a view to shaping the work of international agencies by functioning as a united front. The COVID-19 pandemic made it painfully clear that both international organi- zations—and some countries—are only too willing to trample human rights in the name of public health. For example, the WHO was, and remains, willing to support the suppression of basic human rights, partially because of its close relationship with human rights abusers like the PRC. The next Administration should unequivocally embrace the premise that humanity and the international community can simultaneously tackle pandem- ics and other emergent health threats without impeding the rights of people. It must also become a vocal surrogate for people in countries where rights are being suppressed in the name of health. This will likely require greater restrictions on

Department of State

Weak

Vector: 58%

Pages: 220-222AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The MEGOBARI Act focuses on supporting democracy and EU/NATO aspirations in Georgia, while the Project 2025 State Department section emphasizes focusing on mutually beneficial relationships, core diplomatic activities, and avoiding culture war policies—primarily in African and European contexts. There is minimal thematic overlap, as the bill does not address the selective engagement, burden-sharing, or culture war avoidance principles outlined in Project 2025."

Key themes:foreign assistance reviewdemocratic engagementstrategic partnerships

— 187 — Department of State United States, but at least some of them would eventually try if allowed to consolidate their operations and plan such attacks. The immediate threat they pose lies in their abilities and willingness to strike American targets in their regions of operation or to harm U.S. interests in other ways. The U.S. should support capable African military and security operations through the State Department and other federal agencies responsible for granting foreign military education, training, and security assistance. l Build a coalition of the cooperative. Rather than thinning limited federal resources by spreading funds across all countries (including some that are unsupportive or even hostile to the United States,) the next Administration should focus on those countries with which the U.S. can expect a mutually beneficial relationship. After being designated focus countries by the State Department, such nations should receive a full suite of American engagement. That said, the next Administration should still maintain a baseline level of contact even with those countries with which it has less- than-fruitful relationships in order to encourage positive developments and to be in position to seize unexpected diplomatic opportunities as they arise. l Focus on core diplomatic activities, and stop promoting policies birthed in the American culture wars. African nations are particularly (and reasonably) non-receptive to the U.S. social policies such as abortion and pro-LGBT initiatives being imposed on them. The United States should focus on core security, economic, and human rights engagement with African partners and reject the promotion of divisive policies that hurt the deepening of shared goals between the U.S. and its African partners. Europe American foreign policy has long benefited from cooperation with the countries of Europe (generally, the EU), and any conservative Administration should build on this resource. Yet the transatlantic relationship is complex, with security, trade, and political dimensions. First, the Europe, Eurasia, and Russia region is made up of relatively wealthy and technologically advanced societies that should be expected to bear a fair share of both security needs and global security architecture: The United States cannot be expected to provide a defense umbrella for countries unwilling to contribute appropriately. At stake after 2024 will be examining the status of the Wales Pledge of 2 percent of gross domestic product toward defense by NATO members. The new Administration will also want to encourage nations to exceed that pledge. Second, transatlantic trade is a significant part of the global economy, and it is in the U.S. national interest to amplify it, especially because this means weaning

Agency for International Development

Weak

Vector: 58%

Pages: 309-311AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"Both the MEGOBARI Act and the Project 2025 USAID section emphasize U.S. foreign assistance aimed at promoting good governance and anti-corruption, but they differ geographically (Georgia vs. Africa) and substantively (democratic support vs. economic self-reliance and countering China)."

Key themes:foreign assistancedemocratic governanceanti-corruptionU.S. strategic engagement

— 276 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise USAID efforts in Africa require a rethink. In 2025, USAID will update its five- year Country Development and Cooperation Strategies. This will give the next Administration an opportunity to pursue a new development course for Africa that promotes economic self-reliance, catalyzes private-sector solutions for job creation through increased trade and investment, terminates legacy and nonper- forming programs, and supports diversified energy approaches. Critically, it must hold China accountable for its extractive investments that violate international labor, environmental, and anticorruption norms and practices; undercut business opportunities for U.S. companies; and sabotage Africa’s development. l USAID, in collaboration with the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation, U.S. Department of State, U.S. Department of the Treasury, and U.S. Department of Commerce’s Foreign Commercial Service, should use its convening power, diplomatic heft, and risk-reducing instruments to facilitate U.S.–African business relationships and expand Prosper Africa, launched by the Trump Administration to “bring[] together services from across the U.S. Government to help companies and investors do business in U.S. and African markets.”17 l The Africa Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)18 provides Africa duty- free access to U.S. markets. The next Administration should extend AGOA beyond its 2025 term but within a strategic framework that rewards good governance and pro–free market economic policies. There is no point in wasting massive sums of aid to countries whose governments fail to keep their promises to reform. l USAID should build on, not compete with, private-sector initiatives launched by global churches, corporate philanthropists, and diaspora groups that have already invested billions of dollars in self-reliance– based projects. Japan has committed $30 billion in aid to Africa over three years to stem China’s economic and political grip on the continent. Gulf-based sovereign funds also are investing billions in African energy, infrastructure, mining, water, food production, information and communications technology, and other strategic industries. Other allied donors are promoting investment-based aid. There is no lack of funding to support Africa’s economic rise. What is lacking is strategic direction among U.S. government foreign aid agencies. PEPFAR has saved countless lives over the years and constitutes America’s most successful aid program. During the Trump Administration, PEPFAR increased the share of funding to local entities from about 20 percent to nearly 70 percent with

Trade

Minimal

Vector: 59%

Pages: 863-865AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The MEGOBARI Act addresses foreign policy and democracy promotion in Georgia, whereas the Project 2025 Trade section concerns domestic financial regulatory reforms and capital market policies; there is no substantive overlap in objectives or mechanisms."

— 831 — Financial Regulatory Agencies l Either democratize access to private offerings by broadening the definition of accredited investor for purposes of Regulation D or eliminate the accredited investor restriction altogether.15 l Allow traditional self-certification of accredited investor status for all Regulation D Rule 506 offerings. l Exempt small micro-offerings from registration requirements.16 l Exempt small and intermittent finders from broker–dealer registration requirements and provide a simplified registration process for private placement brokers.17 l Exempt peer-to-peer lending from federal and state securities laws and reduce the regulatory burden on Regulation CF debt securities. l Make the Title I Emerging Growth Company (EGC) exemptions permanent for all EGCs. l Reduce the regulatory burden on small broker–dealers and exempt privately held, non-custodial broker–dealers from the requirements to use a PCAOB- registered firm for their audits. Congress should: l Amend the Internal Revenue Code to disregard crowdfunding and Regulation A shareholders for purposes of the 100-shareholder limit for Subchapter S corporations.18 BETTER CAPITAL MARKETS To improve capital markets, the SEC should: l Preempt blue sky registration, qualification, and continuing reporting requirements for securities traded on established securities markets (including a national securities exchange or an alternative trading system).19 l Terminate the Consolidated Audit Trail (CAT) program.20 l Abolish Rule 144 and other regulations that restrict securities resales and instead require a company that has sold securities to provide sufficient current informa- tion to the market to permit reasonable investment decisions and secondary sales. — 832 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise Congress should: l Prohibit the SEC from requiring issuer disclosure of social, ideological, political, or “human capital” information that is not material to investors’ financial, economic, or pecuniary risks or returns. The proposed SEC climate change rule, which would quadruple the costs of being a public company, is particularly problematic.21 l Repeal the Dodd–Frank mandated disclosures relating to conflict minerals, mine safety, resource extraction, and CEO pay ratios.22 l Oppose efforts to redefine the purpose of business in the name of social justice; corporate social responsibility (CSR); stakeholder theory; environmental, social, and governance (ESG) criteria; socially responsible investing (SRI); sustainability; diversity; business ethics; or common- good capitalism. l Prohibit securities regulators, including SROs, from promulgating rules or taking other actions that discriminate, either favorably or unfavorably, on the basis of the race, color, religion, sex, or national origin of such individual or group. SEC ADMINISTRATION To enable it to achieve its core mission more effectively, the SEC should:23 l Publish better data on securities offerings, securities markets, and securities law enforcement and publish an annual data book of time series data on these matters. Specifically, the SEC Division of Economic and Risk Analysis (DERA) needs to do a much better job of collecting and reporting fundamental data regarding offerings, regulatory costs, violations, enforcement, investors, state regulator taxes, fees and activities, and other matters. l Ensure that SEC resources flow toward its core functions and away from ancillary and support functions or from missions that do not fall within the SEC’s statutory charge. l Ensure that any three SEC Commissioners are empowered to place an item on the agenda and to receive adequate staff support to do so even without the Chairman’s support.

30

Minimal

Vector: 58%

Pages: 905-907AI Enhanced

AI Analysis:

"The MEGOBARI Act focuses on supporting democracy and foreign policy in Georgia, while the Project 2025 policy addresses domestic regulatory reform, ESG practices, and antitrust enforcement by the FTC. There is no substantive overlap in subject matter, objectives, or mechanisms between the two."

— 873 — Federal Trade Commission of Article II of the Constitution; it is for this reason that conservatives have long believed in either ending law enforcement activities of independent agencies or ending their independent status. The Supreme Court ruling in Humphrey’s Execu- tor12 upholding agency independence seems ripe for revisiting—and perhaps sooner than later.13 Others think that the post–New Deal expansion of the administrative state has had baleful effects upon our society and earnestly share the hope that it can be greatly curtailed if not eliminated—or that its authority can be returned to the states and other democratically accountable political institutions. But, until there is a return to a constitutional structure that the Founding Fathers would have rec- ognized and a massive shrinking of the administrative state, conservatives cannot unilaterally disarm and fail to use the power of government to further a conserva- tive agenda. As experience shows, the administrative state will grow and further its own agenda, often at odds with conservative thought, even under conservative leadership. Unless conservatives take a firm hand to the bureaucracy and marshal its power to defend a freedom-promoting agenda, nothing will stop the bureaucra- cy’s anti–free market, leftist march. ESG Practices as a Cover for Anticompetitive Activity and Possible Unfair Trade Practices. It has long been suspected, and is now increasingly documented, that corporate social advocacy on issues ranging from “Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion” (DEI) to the “environmental, social, and governance” (ESG) movement also serves to launder corporate reputation and perhaps obtain favorable treatment from government actors. In a recent Senate Judiciary hear- ing, Senator Josh Hawley asked FTC Chair Lina Khan if the FTC had conditioned merger reviews on ESG or critical race theories adopted by the firms involved. Khan responded by saying that she turned down deals when firms offered social justice policies in return for approving unlawful deals. In response to a similar question from Senator Tom Cotton, Khan responded that firms try to come to the FTC to get out of antitrust liability by offering climate, diversity, or other forms of ESG-type offerings, but that there is no ESG loophole in the antitrust laws.14 Her comments suggest that there is a movement of firms attempting to use both ESG and DEI as a sort of reputational laundering to avoid enforcement of potentially criminal activity. The FTC should set up an ESG/DEI collusion task force to investigate firms—particularly in private equity—to see if they are using the practice as a means to meet targets, fix prices, or reduce output. l Congress should investigate ESG practices as a cover for anticompetitive activity and possible unfair trade practices. The business of American business is business, not ideology. The privileges extended to corporations in American society come with the expectation that — 874 — Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise they will pursue profits for shareholders, bringing about economic growth. Managers, particularly in publicly traded corporations, who use their power to advance sets of fashionable moral beliefs, such as ESG/DEI, introduce agency problems into the shareholder relationship and appropriate corporate wealth for their own benefit. Milton Friedman recognized this problem decades ago when answering the question whether businesses have ethical or social obligations, as was mentioned above. Contrary to his detractors, Friedman did not defend “greed is good.” Rather, according to Friedman, socially responsible activities conducted by a corporation distort economic freedom because shareholders do not decide how their money will be spent—increasing the possibility for fraud or management opportunism. This is especially the case in concentrated industries with market power.15 Managers who insert their own values into underwriting agreements, contracts for professional services, or other business transactions coopt shareholder value for their own personal utility. This is an unfair trade practice, particularly when it occurs in industries that enjoy market power and special privileges or relationships with the government. Cancel Culture, Collusion, and Commerce. As a corollary, businesses that make general offers of service to the public forego profits by refusing to service a lawful activity, i.e., fossil fuel extraction or gun manufacturing, raising similar concerns. When banks or internet platforms refuse customers based on their political or social views (as distinguished from religious views), they forgo profits. While such decisions are often justified on public relations, marketing, or branding grounds—and normally such decisions, reflecting business judgment, should and would receive deference, this presumption is harder to make in a highly parti- san, ideologically divided America. This type of behavior can rise to the level of an unfair trade practice when the business is (1) publicly traded; (2) highly regulated; (3) enjoys legal privileges; (4) enjoys market power; and (5) appears to engage in its own political or social agenda that is unrelated to any conceivable branding concerns. The government, as guided by democratically passed laws, already reg- ulates activities such as fossil fuel extraction and gun manufacturing. Businesses, particularly those that enjoy certain government privileges or relationships and/ or market power, should not replace democratic decision-making with their own judgment on controversial matters. A related concern is the degree to which concentration of industries, particu- larly in pharmaceuticals, health care, and the internet, encourages government collusion that undermines democratic institutions. Collusion can be explicit, in the case for example of government working with social media companies to censor politically harmful news, or more implicit—for example, regulatory requirements so burdensome that they deter market entrance by smaller entities without the resources to bear them.

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About These Correlations

Policy matches are calculated using a hybrid approach: initial candidates are found using semantic similarity between bill summaries and Project 2025 policy text, then an AI model (Llama 3.1 70B) provides detailed alignment ratings and analysis. Ratings range from 1 (minimal alignment) to 5 (very strong alignment). This analysis does not imply direct causation or intent.

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