IGIA (E.O. 13537)

Summary

Creates a group of government agencies to advise the President on policies for Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

What problem does this solve?

The U.S. government needed a better way to create and manage policies for its territories. This order creates a special group to focus on these areas, talk with their leaders, and give advice to the President.

What does this order do?

Establishes the Interagency Group on Insular Areas (IGIA)

Creates a new group within the Department of the Interior to handle policies for Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands.

Advises the President on territorial policy

Tasks the group with advising the President on policies for the Insular Areas and providing annual reports with recommendations.

Requires consultation with territorial leaders

Mandates the group to seek information and advice from the governors and other elected officials of the Insular Areas.

Defines group membership and leadership

Specifies that the group includes heads of executive departments and is co-chaired by the Secretary of the Interior and a presidential advisor.

Replaces a previous executive order

Explicitly supersedes Executive Order 13299, which previously governed interagency coordination for these areas.

Who does this affect?

Residents and governments of Guam, American Samoa, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and the Northern Mariana Islands
Federal government agencies

What is the real world impact?

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Improves federal policy for U.S. territories

Creates a single group to focus on the unique needs of Insular Areas. This ensures that federal policies are consistent and well-informed by local leaders.

When does this start?

This order became effective on April 14, 2010, and sets annual deadlines for reports and meetings.

Annual Report to the President

The group must submit a report with policy recommendations to the President every year.

Annual Meeting with Governors

The group must meet at least once each year with any governors of the Insular Areas who wish to attend.