Obama’s order directs Ralls to divest its interest in the companies, a move recommended by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) , which reviews potential impact on national security from overseas investment in US companies or operations.

CFIUS is chaired by Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, and includes six other presidential cabinet secretaries including defense, energy and state, the US trade representative and the president’s chief science advisor.

Ralls