Foreign Interference in a United States Election Sanctions

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Frequently Asked Questions

OFAC has compiled hundreds of frequently asked questions (FAQs) about its sanctions programs and related policies. The link below sends the user to the entire list of OFAC's FAQs.  

• OFAC Frequently Asked Questions

Interpretive Guidance

OFAC issues interpretive guidance on specific issues related to the sanctions programs it administers.  These interpretations of OFAC policy are sometimes published in response to a public request for guidance or may be released proactively by OFAC in order to address a complex topic.

• Index of Interpretative Guidance

Applying for a Specific OFAC License

It may be in your and the U.S. government’s interest to authorize particular economic activity related to the Foreign Interference in a United States Election Sanctions.  Visit the link below to apply for an OFAC license.

• Apply for an OFAC License Online -  Authorization from OFAC to engage in a transaction that otherwise would be prohibited.    

Guidance on OFAC Licensing Policy

Certain activities related to the Foreign Interference in a United States Election Sanctions may be allowed if they are licensed by OFAC.  Below OFAC has issued guidance and statements on specific licensing policies as they relate to the Foreign Interference in a United States Election Sanctions.

• Licenses for Legal Fees and Costs - Guidance on the Release of Limited Amounts of Blocked Funds for Payment of Legal Fees and Costs Incurred in Challenging the Blocking of U.S. Persons in Administrative or Civil Proceedings
• Entities Owned By Blocked Persons - Guidance On Entities Owned By Persons Whose Property And Interests In Property Are Blocked

Legal Framework for the Foreign Interference in a United States Election Sanctions

The Foreign Interference in a United States Election Sanctions program represents the implementation of multiple legal authorities. Some of these authorities are in the form of an executive order issued by the President. Other authorities are public laws (statutes) passed by The Congress. These authorities are further codified by OFAC in its regulations which are published in the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR). Modifications to these regulations are posted in the Federal Register.  

Executive Orders

• 13848 - Imposing Certain Sanctions in the Event of Foreign Interference in a United States Election (September 12, 2018)

Statutes

• International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA), 50 U.S.C. §§ 1701-1706
• National Emergencies Act (NEA), 50 U.S.C. §§ 1601-1651

Code of Federal Regulations

• 31 CFR Part 579 - Foreign Interference in U.S. Elections Sanctions Regulations

Federal Register Notices

• 87 FR 78484-22 - Publication of Humanitarian Sanctions Regulations Amendment and General Licenses (Nongovernmental Organizations, Agricultural, and Medicine)
• 87 FR 78470-22 - Publication of United States Government and International Organizations Official Business Sanctions Regulations Amendment and General Licenses