Biden Administration Suspends $95 Million Aid to Georgia Over Controversial Foreign Agents Legislation

The Biden administration has suspended $95 million in aid to Georgia following the country's adoption of a controversial 'foreign agents' law. Critics argue the legislation, modeled after a Russian law, stifles political dissent. Secretary of State Antony Blinken imposed visa bans on Georgian officials and emphasized U.S. support for Georgian democracy.

The Biden administration on Wednesday suspended USD 95 million in US assistance to Georgia after its parliament adopted legislation related to foreign agents that critics say was inspired by a Russian law used to crack down on political dissent and that sparked weeks of mass protests.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken announced the aid pause following a review of the legislation, which he termed 'anti-democratic.' In May, the Georgian parliament passed the law requiring media and NGOs with over 20% foreign funding to register as 'pursuing the interests of a foreign power', overruling a presidential veto.

The US has also imposed visa bans on several Georgian politicians and law enforcement officials for suppressing free speech and hindering Georgia's Western integration. Blinken reaffirmed the US commitment to supporting Georgia's democratic ambitions, despite the aid suspension. Over the past three decades, the US has provided more than USD 6.2 billion in aid to Georgia.