The US is considering visa and trade liberalization for Georgia if Tbilisi “stops its anti-democratic moves”, according to Politico. The US is exploring a comprehensive package of economic and security support for Georgia if the government abandons its growing anti-Western rhetoric and halts its regression on human rights, said the media outlet this week.

This initiative was detailed in a bill submitted to Congress this week by South Carolina Republican Congressman Joe Wilson. 

Under the bill, the US would initiate negotiations with Georgia to establish a "strong preferential trade regime" provided the country meets key political criteria.

Additionally, the bill requires the liberalization of the visa regime for Georgian citizens. It mandates officials to develop a military aid package for Georgia, including "the provision of security and defense equipment suitable for territorial defense against Russian aggression, along with appropriate training, maintenance, and support elements."

However, the program will only be activated if the US certifies that "Georgia has demonstrated significant and sustainable progress in revitalizing its democracy, evidenced by at least substantially fair and free elections and a balanced pre-election environment," writes Politico.

Furthermore, a bill will be submitted to the US Congress to freeze assets and impose visa bans on Georgian government officials who supported the Russian-style "foreign agents" law.

The text of the draft law, which Politico reviewed, warns the ruling party, noting that "Tbilisi openly attacks the US and other Western pro-democracy organizations, as well as local and international civil society organizations, while strengthening ties with Russia and China".

According to sources, Congressman Joe Wilson will present the bill to Congress on Monday. On May 18,  President Salome Zourabichvili vetoed what she branded a Russian law, stating that it was not subject to any form of amendment or improvement.

The US has openly declared that if the law goes into effect, it will impose sanctions on those who support the law and their families, as well as those who abuse activists opposing the law.

Western partners have warned that adopting this law will close the door to a European future for Georgia, stating, "There is no place for such legislation in Europe".

Protests against the bill have been ongoing for several weeks. Such a law in Russia has become a repressive tool, leading to the disappearance of independent media and civil organizations, and it is used to restrict and pressure individuals.

The ruling party plans to override the President's veto in the next session week, according to Speaker of Parliament Shalva Papuashvili, who made this announcement on Monday.