ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumG.W. Bush · R

Presidential Memorandum

Designation of Officers of the Social Security Administration to Act as the Commissioner of Social Security

Federal WorkforceFederal WorkforceDemocracy & GovernanceDemocracy & Governance

In simple terms

This memorandum establishes a formal order of succession for the Social Security Administration, specifying which officials will act as Commissioner if both the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner are unable to serve. It supersedes a 2006 memorandum on the same topic and includes standard exceptions and disclaimers about presidential discretion and legal enforceability.

Federal Register Open PDF 73 FR 62845

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 73 FR 62845

    Federal Register PDF

  3. Publication in Federal Register

Key directives

  • Establish order of succession for SSA Commissioner position
  • Supersede April 17, 2006 memorandum
  • Publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Prior policy

  • supersedePresident's Memorandum of April 17, 2006 (Designation of Officers of the Social Security Administration)

What to expect

Immediate

  • Order of succession takes effect upon publication

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Maintains continuity of SSA operations during leadership vacancies

Risks & tensions

  • Document filed 10-20-08, three days after signing date, suggesting routine administrative processing
  • Standard disclaimer in Sec. 4 limits legal enforceability of succession order
Presidential Memorandum: Designation of Officers of the Social Security Administration to Act as the Commissioner of Social Security · Executive Orders