(a) The Attorney General is required by 31 U.S.C. 3803(b) to respond to the Reviewing Official's written notice described in §273.6 within 90 days. The Reviewing Official may refer allegations of liability to the Judicial Officer only if the Attorney General or his designee approves such action in a written statement which specifies:

(1) That the Attorney General or his designee approves the referral to the Judicial Officer of the allegations of liability set forth in the notice described in §273.6; and

(2) That the initiation of a proceeding under the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act is appropriate.

(b) If at any time after the Attorney General approves the referral of a case to the Judicial Officer, the Attorney General or his designee transmits to the Postmaster General a written finding that the continuation of any proceeding under the Program Fraud Civil Remedies Act with respect to a claim or statement may adversely affect any pending or potential criminal or civil action related to such claim or statement, such proceeding shall be immediately stayed and may be resumed only upon written authorization of the Attorney General.