Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Agriculture
Jan 13, 2025
Jan 13, 2025
Summary
Creates a list of officials who will take over as the head of the Department of Agriculture if the Secretary and Deputy Secretary cannot do their jobs.
What problem does this solve?
If the top two leaders of the Department of Agriculture are suddenly unable to work, there would be no clear leader. This order makes a clear list of who takes over next, making sure the department can keep running smoothly.
What does this order do?
Establishes the line of succession
Lists 17 officials, starting with the Under Secretary for Farm Production and Conservation, who will act as Secretary if the top two leaders are unavailable.
Excludes acting officials from succession
States that an official serving in an 'acting' role cannot become the acting Secretary through this order of succession.
Preserves presidential discretion
Allows the President to choose a different person to be the acting Secretary, as long as it is permitted by law.
Revokes a previous order
Cancels and replaces Executive Order 13612 from 2012, which previously set the order of succession for the department.
Specifies tie-breaker rules
Provides a rule for deciding who is first in line if multiple State Executive Directors of the Farm Service Agency started on the same day, based on the alphabetical order of their state.
Who does this affect?
- Department of Agriculture officials
- Federal government employees
What is the real world impact?
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Ensures continuity of government
Prevents a leadership gap at the Department of Agriculture if the Secretary and Deputy Secretary are unable to serve. This ensures that the department's important functions can continue without interruption.
When does this start?
This order takes effect on January 3, 2025, the date it was signed.