Advisory Committee Review (E.O. 13875)

Summary

Orders government agencies to review their advisory groups, end at least one-third of them, and limits the total number of these groups to 350.

What problem does this solve?

The government has many advisory groups, and some may no longer be needed or may cost too much. This order makes agencies get rid of unnecessary groups to save money and make the government work better.

What does this order do?

Mandates termination of committees

Requires each federal agency to end at least one-third of its advisory committees by September 30, 2019.

Sets a government-wide limit

Caps the total number of advisory committees across the entire government at 350.

Allows for waivers

Permits the Director of the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) to grant waivers to agencies from the termination requirement or the government-wide cap if it is in the public interest.

Exempts certain scientific panels

Excludes merit review panels and committees that provide scientific advice on product safety from the termination and limitation requirements.

Requires reporting and recommendations

Directs agencies to submit reports to the OMB with recommendations on whether to continue or end their existing committees.

Who does this affect?

Federal government agencies
Members of federal advisory committees
Government contractors and grant recipients

What is the real world impact?

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Could limit expert advice

Critics might argue that a broad cut to advisory committees could remove valuable sources of independent, expert advice for federal agencies, potentially leading to less informed decisions.

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Increases government efficiency

Aims to streamline government operations by removing advisory committees that are outdated, have completed their mission, or are too expensive compared to the benefits they provide.

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Reduces federal spending

Cuts costs by eliminating the operational expenses associated with maintaining a large number of advisory committees, freeing up funds for other priorities.

When does this start?

This order sets several deadlines for agencies to review and terminate committees in 2019.

Agency recommendations due

By August 1, 2019, the head of each agency must submit recommendations to the Director of OMB about which committees should be continued.

OMB recommendations to President

By September 1, 2019, the Director of OMB must make recommendations to the President about terminating committees.

Committee termination deadline

By September 30, 2019, each agency must terminate at least one-third of its advisory committees.