ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13431Executive OrderG.W. Bush · R

Executive Order 13431

Establishment of Temporary Organization To Facilitate United States Government Assistance for Transition in Iraq

This executive order creates the Iraq Transition Assistance Office (ITAO) within the Department of State as a temporary organization to replace the Iraq Reconstruction Management Office (IRMO). The ITAO is tasked with completing remaining large infrastructure projects in Iraq, facilitating Iraq's transition to self-sufficiency, and maintaining diplomatic presence, with authority to oversee remaining Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund monies.

Federal Register Open PDF 72 FR 26709

Impact dates

  1. ITAO termination at end of maximum period permitted by 5 U.S.C. 3161(a)(1)

Key directives

  • Establish ITAO within Department of State per 5 U.S.C. 3161
  • Support executive departments and agencies in concluding remaining large infrastructure projects expeditiously in Iraq
  • Facilitate Iraq's transition to self-sufficiency
  • Maintain effective diplomatic presence in Iraq
  • Continue coordination, oversight, and reporting concerning remaining IRRF monies
  • Assume functions assigned to IRMO as of May 8, 2007
  • Transfer IRMO personnel, assets, liabilities, and records to ITAO
  • ITAO headed by Director selected by Secretary of State

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • ITAO established within Department of State
  • IRMO functions, personnel, assets, liabilities, and records transferred to ITAO

Near term (90d)

  • Director selected by Secretary of State
  • Coordination and oversight of remaining IRRF monies begins

Long term

  • Completion of remaining large infrastructure projects
  • Iraq's transition to self-sufficiency
  • ITAO termination at maximum period permitted by 5 U.S.C. 3161(a)(1) (up to 3 years, or sooner by Secretary)

Risks & tensions

  • Duration uncertainty: 5 U.S.C. 3161(a)(1) allows temporary organizations up to 3 years, but Secretary may terminate sooner—exact termination date not fixed
  • Funding constraint: implementation explicitly 'subject to availability of appropriations'
  • Scope tension between 'expeditious' project completion and long-term transition to self-sufficiency goals
  • Potential bureaucratic friction from IRMO-to-ITAO personnel transfer
Executive Order 13431: Establishment of Temporary Organization To Facilitate United States Government Assistance for Transition in Iraq · Executive Orders