Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on Friday, December 26, 2014

This executive order declares Friday, December 26, 2014 a federal holiday, closing all executive branch departments and agencies with exceptions for national security, defense, and other public needs. It ensures affected employees receive appropriate pay and leave treatment under existing statutes.

Federal Register Open PDF 79 FR 73459

Impact dates

Dec 26, 2014
Federal government closure takes effect

Key directives

All executive branch departments and agencies closed December 26, 2014
Agency heads may exempt offices/employees for national security, defense, or public need
December 26, 2014 treated as holiday for pay and leave purposes under 5 U.S.C. 5546 and 6103(b)
OPM Director to implement the order

Who is ordered

OPM Director · OPM
Agency Heads · Various

Timeline

Immediate

Closure announcement and OPM implementation begins

Near term (90d)

December 26, 2014 closure takes effect

Long term

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Risks & tensions

Minimal tension; routine holiday closure with standard exemption flexibility
Potential minor public inconvenience for services on post-Christmas Friday