Number: RL34254
Title: Executive Order 13438: Blocking Property of Certain Persons Who Threaten Stabilization Efforts in Iraq
Authors: M. Maureen Murphy, American Law Division 
Abstract: This report provides a history of the development of presidential powers in peacetime. It discusses some of the issues that might be raised in light of the contrast between the executive order's broad language and its narrow aim-supplementation of sanctions applicable to Al-Queda and former Iraq regime officials to cover terrorists operating in Iraq. It examines the reach of the executive order and provides legal analyses of some of the constitutional questions raised in the courts by similar sanctions programs, noting that the broad language of the executive order is not unprecedented. In view of the fact that there is an expectation that the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) will publish names of persons designated under the executive order and issue regulations further refining its terms and applicability, the report examines some of the procedures available to challenge OFAC sanction regulations and briefly discusses OFAC's rules, which may be of concern to attorneys representing individuals and entities subjected to sanctions or involved in transactions with sanctioned persons.
Pages: 22
Date: December 15, 2008