Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States: Treasury Should Coordinate Assessments of Resources Needed to Address Increased Workload
Abstract
The United States economy has historically been the largest recipient of foreign direct investment in the world receiving $373 billion in 2016, according to U.S. government statistics. Ensuring that these foreign investments do not harm national security can be a challenge. CFIUS is an interagency group that reviews transactions under its authority certain foreign acquisitions or mergers of U.S. businessesto determine their effects on U.S. national security, while maintaining an open investment climate. If CFIUS identifies concerns, it may work with parties to the transaction to mitigate them. In rare cases, CFIUS may recommend that the President block or suspend a transaction. GAO was asked to review the CFIUS process and possible changes to that process. This report (1) examines changes in CFIUSs workload and staffing from 2011 through 2016, and (2) provides information on stakeholder views on potential changes to CFIUS. GAO analyzed CFIUS information on staffing levels and transactions reviewed, and interviewed officials from member agencies, selected nonmember agencies that have CFIUS-related expertise, and knowledgeable. Treasury, as CFIUS lead, should coordinate member agencies efforts to better understand the staffing levels needed to address the current and projected CFIUS workload associated with core committee functions. Treasury concurred.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Feb 01, 2018
- Accession Number
- AD1170411
Entities
People
- Anthony Costulas
- Christina Werth
- Christine Broderick
- Grace Lui
- Justin Fisher
- Kendal Robinson
- Kimberly M. Gianopoulos
- Lynn Cothern
- Marie A. Mak
- Neil Doherty
- Scott Purdy
Organizations
- United States Government Accountability Office