ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13260Executive OrderG.W. Bush · R

Executive Order 13260

Establishing the President's Homeland Security Advisory Council and Senior Advisory Committees for Homeland

This executive order creates the President's Homeland Security Advisory Council (PHSAC) with up to 21 appointed members plus ex officio members from existing advisory bodies, and establishes four Senior Advisory Committees representing state/local officials, academia, private sector, and emergency services/law enforcement/public health. The council advises the President on homeland security strategy, coordination, and effectiveness, and automatically terminates after two years unless extended.

Federal Register Open PDF 67 FR 13241

Impact dates

  1. PHSAC, SACs, and subcommittees terminate unless extended by President

Key directives

  • Establish PHSAC with not more than 21 appointed members plus specified ex officio members
  • Establish four SACs: State and Local Officials; Academia and Policy Research; Private Sector; Emergency Services, Law Enforcement, and Public Health and Hospitals
  • Each SAC generally not more than 17 members selected by Assistant to President for Homeland Security
  • President may establish additional SACs
  • PHSAC to meet periodically at Assistant's request to advise on national homeland security strategy
  • Executive departments and agencies shall provide information to PHSAC upon request
  • Members serve without compensation but receive travel expenses and per diem
  • Office of Administration to provide administrative support and funds subject to appropriations

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • PHSAC and four SACs established
  • Ex officio members designated from existing advisory bodies
  • Assistant to President for Homeland Security authorized to select SAC members and Executive Director

Near term (90d)

  • Chair and Vice Chair of PHSAC to be designated by President
  • SAC Chairs and Vice Chairs to be designated by Assistant
  • Potential establishment of subcommittees by SAC Chairs

Long term

  • PHSAC and SACs terminate March 19, 2004 unless extended by President
  • Ongoing advisory functions on homeland security strategy and coordination

Risks & tensions

  • Advisory-only authority with no operational control creates implementation gap between recommendations and action
  • Membership cap of 21 may limit representation breadth for comprehensive homeland security input
  • Termination clause after 2 years creates structural uncertainty; council's longevity depends entirely on presidential extension
  • Funding contingent on appropriations availability may constrain operational capacity
  • Vague 'periodically' meeting schedule lacks enforceable accountability mechanism
  • Overlapping membership structures with existing advisory bodies (NIAC, NSTAC, PCAST) may create coordination challenges or redundancy
Executive Order 13260: Establishing the President's Homeland Security Advisory Council and Senior Advisory Committees for Homeland · Executive Orders