Ensuring Lawful Governance and Implementing the 'DOGE' Initiative
Feb 25, 2025
Feb 25, 2025
Summary
Orders government agencies to find and get rid of rules that are unconstitutional, costly, or not clearly allowed by law to reduce federal overreach.
What problem does this solve?
Some claim that the government has too many complex and costly rules that go beyond what the Constitution allows. This order makes agencies review all their rules and remove any that are unlawful or create unnecessary burdens on people and businesses.
Who does this affect?
- Federal government agencies
- Businesses and corporations
- Private citizens
What does this order do?
Reference
Text:
Section:
Header:
Rescinding Unlawful Regulations and Regulations That Undermine the National Interest
Mandates a review of all federal regulations
Requires the head of each government agency to review all of their rules to check if they are lawful and follow the administration's policy.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Header:
Rescinding Unlawful Regulations and Regulations That Undermine the National Interest
Identifies specific types of rules for removal
Directs agencies to find rules that are unconstitutional, not clearly authorized by law, too costly, harmful to the economy, or a burden on small businesses.
Creates a plan to remove regulations
Instructs the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) to work with agencies to create a single plan for getting rid of or changing the identified rules.
Reduces enforcement of certain rules
Tells agencies to stop enforcing rules that are not based on the best reading of a law or go beyond the federal government's constitutional powers.
Sets new standards for future regulations
Requires that any new rules must be checked against the same standards used to find old rules for removal, focusing on lawfulness and cost.
Exempts certain government functions
States that the order does not apply to actions related to the military, national security, foreign affairs, or immigration.
What is the real world impact?
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Reduces the size and power of the federal government
Aims to fulfill a policy goal of shrinking the "administrative state" by cutting down on the number of rules federal agencies can make and enforce.
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Lowers costs for businesses
Seeks to remove regulations that are expensive for private companies to follow, which could boost economic activity and help small businesses.
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Could weaken protections for the public
Critics might argue that removing regulations, especially those where costs are judged to be higher than public benefits, could harm public safety, environmental quality, and consumer protections.
When does this start?
This order takes effect on February 19, 2025, and sets several deadlines for government agencies to act within 60 days.
Reference
Text:
Section:
Header:
Rescinding Unlawful Regulations and Regulations That Undermine the National Interest
Identify unlawful regulations
By April 20, 2025 (60 days from the order), agency heads must identify all regulations that fall into specific classes, such as being unconstitutional or too costly.
Report regulations to OIRA
By April 20, 2025 (60 days from the order), agency heads must give a list of the identified regulations to the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA).