Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Agriculture
May 24, 2012
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: May 21, 2012
Published on: May 24, 2012
May 24, 2012
Signed by: Barack Obama
Signed on: May 21, 2012
Published on: May 24, 2012
Summary
Creates a list of officials who will take over as the Secretary of Agriculture if the Secretary and Deputy Secretary cannot do their jobs.
What problem does this solve?
Without a clear plan, the Department of Agriculture could be left without a leader if the Secretary and Deputy Secretary suddenly can't work. This order makes a specific list of people, in order, who will step in to lead the department, making sure work continues smoothly.
What does this order do?
Establishes the order of succession
Lists 15 officials, starting with the Under Secretary for Farm and Foreign Agricultural Services, who will act as Secretary if the top two positions are empty.
Excludes acting officials
Prevents individuals serving in an acting capacity in one of the listed positions from becoming the acting Secretary.
President retains discretion
Allows the President to choose a different person to be the acting Secretary, even if they are not on the list, as long as it is permitted by law.
Revokes previous succession order
Cancels the previous Executive Order 13542 from 2010, which also dealt with the order of succession for the Department of Agriculture.
Who does this affect?
- Department of Agriculture officials
- Federal government employees
What is the real world impact?
•
Ensures leadership continuity
Provides a clear and stable plan for who takes charge of the Department of Agriculture if the top leaders are unavailable. This prevents confusion and keeps the department running during an emergency.
When does this start?
This order takes effect on May 21, 2012.