February 11, 2025 •
Executive Order Pauses Enforcement for FCPA

On February 10, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The FCPA is a federal law aimed at preventing the bribery of governmental officials of foreign nations by individuals and […]
On February 10, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order pausing enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA).
The FCPA is a federal law aimed at preventing the bribery of governmental officials of foreign nations by individuals and entities under the jurisdiction of the United States. The act is unique because its goal is not to curtail unethical and illegal behavior of U.S. governmental officials, but to govern the ethical and legal behavior of corporations and individuals doing business overseas.
In his Executive Order, President Trump states the reason for the pause is “FCPA enforcement impedes the United States’ foreign policy objectives and therefore implicates the President’s Article II authority over foreign affairs.” The order states there is “overexpansive and unpredictable” enforcement “for routine business practices in other nations.”
The order requires the U.S. Attorney General to cease initiating new investigations unless they are determined necessary. It also calls for a review by the Attorney General of current FCPA guidelines and policies within the next 180 days, with new guidelines and policies issued if the Attorney General sees fit.
April 18, 2017 •
Free White Paper on the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act
State and Federal Communications has released a new white paper on The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). To obtain your free copy, visit stateandfed.com to download a PDF.
April 13, 2017 •
New White Paper on The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA), First Enacted 40 Years Ago
State and Federal Communications, Inc. has released a new white paper on The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) authored by Research Associate George Ticoras. Legal compliance with all the rules and regulations is always important to the broad network of government […]
State and Federal Communications, Inc. has released a new white paper on The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) authored by Research Associate George Ticoras.
Legal compliance with all the rules and regulations is always important to the broad network of government relations professionals, companies, and organizations we serve. We prepared this white paper to explain the purpose of the FCPA as an anti-bribery statute, and to provide background on preventing the bribery of governmental officials of foreign nations by individuals and entities under the jurisdiction of the United States.
The purpose of the FCPA is to prohibit giving a payment of any money or other thing of value to a foreign official for purposes of influencing the official to act in a corrupt manner in order to obtain or retain business. The corrupt action could be an unlawful act or behavior made to secure an unfair advantage for the donor. The FCPA was enacted in 1977 and is enforced by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
FCPA enforcement continues to be a high priority area for the SEC. Violations can lead to substantial punitive actions including civil and criminal enforcement actions against issuers and their officers, directors, employees, stockholders, and agents. The growing frequency of settlements, non-prosecution agreements, oversight, and self-reporting make understanding the depth of the FCPA’s impact on corporate business increasingly apparent and important.
The State and Federal Communications white paper of the FCPA is useful for all practitioners and government relations professionals involved in international business and compliance.
To obtain a free copy of the white paper, visit State and Federal Communications to access a PDF.
State and Federal Communications, Inc. provides research and consulting services for government relations professionals on lobbying laws, procurement lobbying laws, political contribution laws in the United States and Canada. Learn more by visiting stateandfed.com.