Which law governs the behavior of U.S. businesses in foreign countries and restricts bribing foreign officials?

The Foreign Corrupt Practices Act (FCPA) is the correct answer because it specifically targets the conduct of U.S. businesses operating in foreign markets, prohibiting them from bribing foreign officials to secure or retain business. The primary aim of this law is to maintain fair competition and uphold ethical standards in international business dealings. It establishes clear guidelines and penalties for acts of corruption, reinforcing that bribery is detrimental not only to fair trade practices but also to the integrity of the U.S. economic system abroad.

The other laws listed do not address the specific issue of bribery of foreign officials. The Employee Retirement Income Security Act focuses on protecting employee benefits, while the Sarbanes-Oxley Act is concerned with corporate governance and financial disclosures to protect investors. The Fair Trade Act deals with unfair competition and trade practices but does not specifically address the bribing of foreign officials. Therefore, the FCPA stands out as the relevant legislation regarding ethical behavior for U.S. businesses in global markets.