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Executive Order Category Rationale

Title: Pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement To Further American Economic and National Security
Category: Justice & Law Enforcement
Federal Register Doc. No.: 2025-02736
Related summary: Open executive order summary

Justification

This executive order directly addresses criminal enforcement priorities and prosecutorial discretion under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA). The order instructs the Attorney General to "cease initiation of any new FCPA investigations or enforcement actions" for 180 days and to "review in detail all existing FCPA investigations or enforcement actions." The primary mechanism and subject matter is the modification of federal law enforcement practices, specifically prosecutorial policies governing anti-corruption investigations and enforcement actions. While the order references economic competitiveness and national security as justifications, its operational focus is squarely on directing Justice Department enforcement activities and prosecution priorities.

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