Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Veterans Affairs
Aug 17, 2016
Aug 17, 2016
Summary
Creates a clear list of officials who will take charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs if the top leaders are unable to serve.
What problem does this solve?
Without a clear plan, there could be confusion about who is in charge of the Department of Veterans Affairs if its leaders suddenly cannot work. This order makes a specific list of people who will step in, making sure there is always a leader to serve veterans.
What does this order do?
Establishes a new line of succession
Creates a specific list of officials, starting with the Under Secretary for Health, who will act as Secretary if both the Secretary and Deputy Secretary are unable to perform their duties.
Excludes acting officials from succession
Prevents individuals who are only serving in an acting capacity in one of the listed positions from becoming the acting Secretary through this order.
Preserves presidential authority
Allows the President to choose a different person to be the acting Secretary, even if they are not on the list established by this order.
Cancels previous succession plans
Revokes two prior executive orders and two presidential memoranda that previously outlined the VA's order of succession.
Who does this affect?
- Department of Veterans Affairs officials
- Federal government employees
What is the real world impact?
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Ensures stable leadership at the VA
Provides a clear chain of command to prevent confusion and keep the department running smoothly if the top two positions become vacant. This ensures that services for veterans are not interrupted by a leadership crisis.
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Maintains presidential control
Reinforces the President's power by stating that the President can still choose a different person to be the acting Secretary, even if they are not on the official succession list.
When does this start?
This order became effective on August 12, 2016.