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EO 13125Executive OrderClinton · D

Executive Order 13125

Increasing Participation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Federal Programs

This executive order establishes the President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders within HHS, creates a White House Initiative interagency working group, and requires federal agencies to develop plans to increase AAPI participation in federal programs where they may be underserved. The Commission will advise the President on federal efforts, data collection, and community involvement, while agencies must submit measurable plans with annual performance assessments.

Federal Register Open PDF 64 FR 31105

Impact dates

  1. Each agency plan submitted (date to be established by Secretary)

  2. Commission terminates unless renewed by President

  3. First annual performance assessment due (after first year of plans)

Key directives

  • Establish President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in HHS (not more than 15 members)
  • Secretary appoints Executive Director for Commission
  • HHS establishes White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders as interagency working group
  • Executive Director serves as Director of Initiative, reporting to Secretary
  • Each executive department and designated agency appoints senior federal official as liaison to Initiative
  • Each agency prepares plan with measurable objectives for improving AAPI participation in federal programs
  • After first year, each agency assesses performance on previous year's goals
  • Secretary reviews agency plans and develops integrated Federal Plan for submission to President
  • Working group given opportunity to comment on Federal Plan before submission
  • Secretary disseminates Federal Plan to executive branch; agencies must consider findings in policies
  • HHS provides administrative support and funding for Commission
  • Commission terminates 2 years after June 7, 1999 unless renewed

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Commission established in HHS
  • White House Initiative working group established
  • Executive Director appointed by Secretary

Near term (90d)

  • Agency heads appoint senior federal officials as liaisons
  • agencies begin developing participation plans

Long term

  • Agency plans submitted to Secretary (date TBD by Secretary)
  • Federal Plan developed by Secretary and submitted to President
  • Commission terminates June 7, 2001 unless renewed

Risks & tensions

  • No binding enforcement mechanism for agency compliance beyond plan submission requirement
  • Secretary-controlled timeline for agency plan submission creates uncertainty about pace of implementation
  • Commission's advisory-only role limits direct policy leverage; effectiveness depends on presidential attention
  • Data collection mandate faces 'where adequate data are not available' qualifier, potentially weakening accountability
  • Interagency coordination historically challenging; working group authority limited to advising Secretary, not directing agencies
  • Termination clause creates structural pressure for early renewal negotiations or risk of institutional discontinuity
Executive Order 13125: Increasing Participation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Federal Programs · Executive Orders