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GIFTS FROM FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS AND CORPORATIONS Presented by the USPS Law Department Ethics Section, Civil Practice July 2007. TOPICS FOR TODAY. GIFTS FROM PROHIBITED SOURCES GIFTS FROM FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS -gifts of minimal value -gifts of more than minimal value - PowerPoint PPT Presentation
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GIFTS FROM FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS AND
CORPORATIONS
Presented by the USPS Law Department
Ethics Section, Civil Practice
July 2007
TOPICS FOR TODAY
1. GIFTS FROM PROHIBITED SOURCES
2. GIFTS FROM FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS
-gifts of minimal value
-gifts of more than minimal value
-gifts of travel expenses (food, lodging, transportation)
3. GIFTS FROM FOREIGN CORPORATIONS AND ENTITIES
-meals and entertainment
-tangible gifts
GIFTS FROM OUTSIDE SOURCES
General rule:General rule:
A postal employee may not A postal employee may not accept gifts from prohibited accept gifts from prohibited sources, sources, oror those given those given because of the employee’s because of the employee’s official position.official position.
GIFTS FROM OUTSIDE SOURCES
WHAT IS A GIFT?WHAT IS A GIFT?
Almost anything of monetary value.
MEALS EVENT TICKETS PARTIES, RECEPTIONS MERCHANDISE TRANSPORTATION CASH LODGING APPAREL
GIFTS FROM OUTSIDE SOURCES
EXCEPTIONS TO THE GIFTS RULE:EXCEPTIONS TO THE GIFTS RULE: Personal relationship (almost always) $20 or less value/$50 per source per year
(the “$20 exception”) Perishable items, if shared with office
(fruit baskets, flowers, etc.) Widely-attended gatherings
GIFTS FROM FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS
General Rules Under Foreign Gifts and Decorations Act:
• No solicitation of gifts• Individual may accept gift of “minimal value”
(retail value in US at time of acceptance is $305 or less)
• Should aggregate in determining value:• Multiple gifts from donor at single presentation• Gifts to spouse given along with your gift
GIFTS FROM FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS
Gifts that obviously exceed minimal value:• Attempt to refuse (explain law)• May accept if refusal would:
(1) result in embarrassment; or
(2) affect US foreign relations
FOREIGN GIFTS AND DECORATIONS ACT
When an individual must accept a gift of more than minimal value:
• Individual accepts it on behalf of the United States and
• Must report and deposit it with General Counsel or Chief Counsel of Ethics within 60 days, along with a statement of the circumstances surrounding its acceptance (who, what, where, when, why and how)
GIFTS FROM FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS
Gifts of Travel (transportation, meals & lodging):
• If minimal value, may accept as long as not solicited or encouraged
GIFTS FROM FOREIGN GOVERNMENTS
May accept travel gifts of more than minimal value on behalf of the US if:• Travel activity is entirely outside of US• Approved by GC or Chief Counsel of Ethics
as appropriate and in the best interest of the USPS and the United States
• Reporting requirements are met by the individual
GIFTS FROM FOREIGN CORPORATIONS OR ENTITIES
Another exception to the Gifts Rules in the Standards of Ethical Conduct:
-while on official travel in a foreign country, an employee may accept food, refreshments, or entertainment in the course of breakfast, lunch, dinner, a meeting, or event.
GIFTS FROM FOREIGN CORPORATIONS OR ENTITIES
-Non-U.S. citizens must be present
-The market value of the meal or entertainment in the locality must not exceed the per diem rate specified in Department of State regulations for that area
www.state.gov/m/a/als/prdm/1502.htm
GIFTS FROM FOREIGN CORPORATIONS OR ENTITIES
For items other than food or entertainment from non-government, foreign sources, Standards of Ethical Conduct apply.
If no other exception, the $20/$50 rule will apply.
RESOURCES
Ethics Helpline: 202-268-6346Ethics e-mail:
““ETHICS HELP” ETHICS HELP”
or or [email protected]@usps.gov