KBR required witnesses in certain internal investigation interviews to sign confidentiality statements with language warning that they could face discipline if they discussed the substance of the interview with outside parties without the prior approval of KBR's legal department. The SEC found that the statements violated Rule 21F-17, which prohibits companies from taking any action to impede whistleblowers from reporting possible securities violations to the SEC. KBR agreed to pay a $130,000 penalty to settle the SEC's charges, and the company amended its confidentiality statement by adding language making clear that employees are free to report possible violations to the SEC and other federal agencies without KBR approval or fear of retaliation. KBR agreed to the penalty and amendment notwithstanding the fact that there were no apparent instances in which KBR specifically prevented employees from communicating with the SEC about specific securities law violations.