Whereas the United States established diplomatic relations with Georgia in 1992 following its independence from the Soviet Union in 1991; Whereas the year 2017 marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of these diplomatic relations; Whereas Vice President Pence during his visit to Georgia on August 1, 2017, stated that the United States and Georgia are bound together by an oath of friendship and a shared commitment to the cause of freedom; Whereas the Georgian regions of Abkhazia and South Ossetia remain under Russian occupation, one-fifth of Georgia’s sovereign territory; Whereas Georgia has been a strong ally of the United States with thousands of Georgians and Americans serving side-by-side in Kosovo, Iraq, and Afghanistan; Whereas Georgia has provided more troops in support of combat operations in Afghanistan on a per-capita basis than any other country in the world; Whereas Georgia plays a key role in the Northern Distribution Network lines of communication that support NATO efforts in Afghanistan; Whereas investment in the exploration and development of energy to achieve independence is critical to the future stability of Georgia and all of eastern Europe; Whereas Georgia has long been a model for democratic principles and progress; Whereas the Government of Georgia has demonstrated its commitment in fighting corruption, developing modern state institutions, and developing market-economy institutions; Whereas economic reforms enacted by the Government of Georgia have resulted in strong economic growth and increased foreign investment to include investments from U.S. businesses; and Whereas Members of the United States Congress have voiced concerns about individuals in Georgia working to undermine commitments made to American companies: Now, therefore, be it