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The main aim of the FCPA has been to improve foreign relations with countries. The
accompanying report with the original House Bill provided enough examples showing the
bribes that were given by the US companies to help threaten significant diplomatic
relationships
95
. It is one example of showing how corporate bribes can become a significant
problem for the foreign policy of the government. It was mentioned in the House bill as well.
It stated that the identification of improper payments makes it embarrassing for the US
government to face friendly governments. Furthermore, it also raises suspicions as shown by
the foreign opponents that the American corporate giants have corrupting influence over the
political process of the country. It has been discussed in the legislative debates as well. For
instance, Senator Church argued at one time that the US corporations should not be allowed
to weaken the friendly government
96
. He was the principal proponent of the FPCA. Robert
Ingersoll, the Deputy Secretary of the Department of Defense, also agreed on this and showed
that damages had been identified against the foreign relations of the United States because of
the allegations against foreign officials. This international corruption has allowed US
corporations to interfere in international diplomatic relations as well.
During the late 1990s, after a long period of inactivity, the FCPA enforcement started
to ramp up, the idea of protection of foreign relations by FCPA was largely shadowed by the
idea of using it for the protection of the US companies. The amendments made in 1998 to the
Act were largely focused on the economic harms of corruption, and the reports showed that
the FCPA aims to promote stronger, reliable, and transparent foreign relations that
consequently helps in the development of reliable and attractive investment climates
97
.
