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HR 4353 105th Congress House

International Anti-Bribery and Fair Competition Act of 1998

Official title: To amend the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 to improve the competitiveness of American business and promote foreign commerce, and for other purposes.

Introduced: July 30, 1998 See on congress.gov
Finance and Financial Sector American investmentsAmericans in foreign countriesBriberyCampaign funds
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CommerceCommunication satellitesCongressCongress and foreign policyCongressional oversightCongressional reporting requirementsCorporate corruptionCrime and Law EnforcementElection candidatesElection fraudExtraterritorialityFines (Penalties)Foreign Trade and International FinanceForeign leadersGifts
This bill died when the 105th Congress ended
It never became law before the 105th Congress (1997–1998) adjourned, and bills don't carry over to the next Congress. It would have to be reintroduced. You can still save it for reference, but it won't receive updates.
 Everywhere this bill has been 18 steps
Introduced
In committee
Reported out
Passed House
Passed Senate
To President
Became law
Oct 9, 1998
Laid on the table. See S. 2375 for further action. (consideration: CR H10309)
Oct 9, 1998
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
Oct 9, 1998
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
Oct 9, 1998
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.
Oct 9, 1998
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.
Oct 9, 1998
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H10302-10309)
Oct 9, 1998
Mr. Bliley moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.
Oct 8, 1998
Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 449.
Oct 8, 1998
Reported by the Committee on Commerce. H. Rept. 105-802.
Sep 24, 1998
Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Sep 24, 1998
Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Sep 16, 1998
Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee (Amended) by Voice Vote.
Sep 16, 1998
Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.
Sep 10, 1998
Subcommittee Hearings Held.
Aug 17, 1998
Referred to the Subcommittee on Finance and Hazardous Materials.
Aug 3, 1998
Sponsor introductory remarks on measure. (CR E1524)
Jul 30, 1998
Referred to the House Committee on Commerce.
Jul 30, 1998
Introduced in House
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 Latest action October 9, 1998

Laid on the table. See S. 2375 for further action. (consideration: CR H10309)

 Plain-English summary Congressional Research Service

International Anti-Bribery and Fair Competition Act of 1998 - Revises the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 to prohibit conduct intended to secure improper advantages from foreign officials by: (1) issuers of securities; (2) officials of international organizations; and (3) domestic concerns.

Redefines "foreign official" to include an official of a public international organization.

Declares that it is unlawful for any issuer organized under the laws of the United States (or any officer, director, employee, agent, or stockholder thereof who is a U.S. person acting on the issuer's behalf) to corruptly do specified prohibited acts outside of the United States.

Amends the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act of 1977 to proscribe specified foreign trade practices by a covered person (or any officer, director, employee, agent, or stockholder thereof) while in United States territory. Sets forth affirmative defenses to enforcement actions.

Authorizes the Attorney General to bring a civil action in Federal district court to enjoin such proscribed actions.

Prescribes civil and criminal penalties for both juridical and natural persons for violations of such Act.

Denies immunity from suit or legal process to an international organization providing commercial communications services, its officials, and its records for any act or omission taken in connection with the organization's capacity as a provider, directly or indirectly, of commercial telecommunications services to, from, or within the United States. Directs the President to take all actions necessary to eliminate or limit substantially any exceptions to such denial.

Directs the Secretary of Commerce to report to certain congressional committees on specified aspects of the implementation of the Convention on Combating Bribery on Foreign Public Officials in International Business Transactions.

 Related & companion bills 1
 Bill text 2 versions

Source documents hosted by congress.gov.

 Committees of jurisdiction 2
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APA
U.S. Congress. (2026). H.R. 4353: International Anti-Bribery and Fair Competition Act of 1998. 105th Congress. Open America. https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-4353/
MLA
"H.R. 4353: International Anti-Bribery and Fair Competition Act of 1998." 105th Congress, 2026, Open America, https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-4353/.
Bluebook (legal)
H.R. 4353, 105th Cong. (2026), https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-4353/.
Markdown link
[H.R. 4353: International Anti-Bribery and Fair Competition Act of 1998](https://openamerica.io/bill/105-HR-4353/)
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