Articles Published 11th February 2025
Pausing Foreign Corrupt Practices Act Enforcement to Further American Economic and National Security
This presidential order temporarily suspends enforcement of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) for 180 days.
The order directs the Attorney General to review current FCPA guidelines and policies, aiming to curb what the President views as excessive and counterproductive enforcement that harms American economic competitiveness and national security.
The review will lead to updated guidelines prioritizing American interests, and the Attorney General is tasked with potentially taking remedial action regarding previous enforcement actions.
President's order eliminates the Federal Executive Institute, citing a need to responsibly manage taxpayer dollars and prioritize programs directly benefiting the American people.
The order directs the Office of Personnel Management to eliminate the Institute, revokes related prior executive documents, and emphasizes the Administration's policy of eliminating programs that don't serve national interests.
This Presidential Order aims to restructure the federal workforce to enhance efficiency and reduce government size. It mandates a hiring ratio of 1:4 (one new hire for every four departures), requires agencies to develop data-driven hiring plans, authorizes large-scale reductions in force, initiates rulemaking to revise suitability criteria for federal employment, and directs agencies to submit reorganization plans.
Exemptions are allowed for national security and public safety roles, and the order clarifies that it does not create any new legal rights.
Adjusting Imports of Steel into The United States
The proclamation terminates existing steel import agreements with multiple countries and implements a uniform 25% tariff on all steel imports effective March 12, 2025.
It eliminates the product exclusion process, expands derivative steel product coverage, and strengthens enforcement measures.
The changes aim to address rising import levels, global excess capacity, and perceived shortcomings in current arrangements that have prevented domestic steel industry from maintaining targeted capacity utilization rates.