Federal Mission Resilience (E.O. 13961)

Summary

Makes sure the government can always do its most important jobs, no matter what happens, by creating better backup and preparedness plans.

What problem does this solve?

The government's old emergency plans relied too much on moving people after a disaster, which could be slow and risky. This order creates a new strategy to be prepared ahead of time, spreading out important tasks to keep the government running smoothly.

What does this order do?

Establishes the Federal Mission Resilience Strategy

Directs the executive branch to follow a new strategy to increase its ability to withstand and operate through any threat or condition.

Creates the Federal Mission Resilience Executive Committee

Forms a new committee of top officials, including the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security, to oversee the government's continuity plans.

Changes the National Continuity Coordinator

Amends Presidential Policy Directive-40 to designate the Assistant to the President for National Security Affairs as the new National Continuity Coordinator.

Transfers emergency communication responsibilities

Revokes a previous committee from Executive Order 13618 and gives its duties for national security and emergency communications to the new Executive Committee.

Requires a new implementation plan

Orders the new Executive Committee to create and submit a detailed plan within 90 days explaining how the executive branch will implement the new resilience strategy.

Who does this affect?

Federal executive departments and agencies
Federal employees involved in National Essential Functions
National security officials

What is the real world impact?

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Ensures government can function during a crisis

Creates a clear strategy and leadership group to make sure the government's most important work continues without interruption, even during a major disaster or attack.

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Shifts from reactive to proactive planning

Moves away from last-minute relocation of staff during an emergency. Instead, it focuses on building a system that is always ready and can handle disruptions without major changes.

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Centralizes oversight of continuity plans

Establishes a new high-level Executive Committee to oversee all federal emergency continuity plans. This could streamline decision-making but also concentrates authority within a small group of officials.

When does this start?

This order took effect on December 7, 2020, and sets several deadlines for actions to be completed within 120 days.

Executive Committee Charter submission

Within 90 days of the order (by March 7, 2021), the Executive Committee must submit its charter to the President.

Implementation plan submission

Within 90 days of the order (by March 7, 2021), the Executive Committee must submit a plan to implement the Federal Mission Resilience Strategy.

Policy review and recommendations

Within 120 days of the order (by April 6, 2021), the Executive Committee must review existing policies and recommend changes to the President.