Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies
Executive orders directing the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies · 138 in Search.
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Withdrawing the United States From International Organizations, Conventions, and Treaties That Are Contrary to the Interests of the United States
This memorandum directs the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations—35 non-UN entities and 31 UN organizations—deemed contrary to U.S. interests, based on a review conducted under Executive Order 14199. All executive agencies must take immediate steps to cease participation, membership, and funding to these organizations as soon as possible, with the Secretary of State providing implementation guidance.
Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on December 24, 2025, and December 26, 2025
This executive order closes all federal executive departments and agencies on December 24 and December 26, 2025, excusing employees from duty on those days, while allowing agency heads to keep certain offices open for national security, defense, or other public need. It treats those dates as holidays for pay and leave purposes under existing statutes and delegates implementation to the OPM Director.
Use of Appropriated Funds for Illegal Lobbying and Partisan Political Activity by Federal Grantees
This memorandum directs the Attorney General to investigate whether federal grant funds are being illegally used for lobbying and partisan political activities by grantees, citing potential violations of 31 U.S.C. 1352. The Attorney General must report progress to the President within 180 days and coordinate with agency heads on enforcement actions.
Strengthening and Unleashing America's Law Enforcement To Pursue Criminals and Protect Innocent Citizens
This executive order directs the Attorney General and other officials to expand legal protections and resources for state and local law enforcement, including creating an indemnification mechanism for officers, reviewing federal consent decrees within 60 days, increasing military asset transfers to local police within 90 days, and prioritizing prosecution of state/local officials who obstruct criminal law enforcement or implement DEI initiatives that restrict policing. It also mandates using Homeland Security Task Forces established under EO 14159 to advance these objectives.
White House Initiative To Promote Excellence and Innovation at Historically Black Colleges and Universities
This executive order re-establishes the White House Initiative on Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) in the Executive Office of the President, creates a new President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs in the Department of Education, and revokes the Biden administration's EO 14041 on HBCUs. It directs federal agencies to assist the Initiative and tasks it with increasing private-sector engagement, improving HBCU infrastructure and research competitiveness, and implementing the HBCU PARTNERS Act.
Addressing Risks From WilmerHale
This executive order targets the law firm WilmerHale, directing federal agencies to suspend security clearances held by its personnel, cease provision of government facilities and services, require contractor disclosure of business with the firm, review and terminate contracts where legally permissible, limit official access to federal buildings, and restrict hiring of WilmerHale employees without waivers. The order cites the firm's pro bono work, its hiring of former Mueller investigation prosecutors, and alleged racial discrimination as justifications.
Addressing Risks From Jenner & Block
This executive order targets Jenner & Block LLP, a major law firm, by suspending security clearances for its personnel, restricting federal contracts with the firm and its business partners, limiting its employees' access to federal buildings and officials, and barring agency hiring of Jenner employees without waivers. The order cites the firm's alleged partisan "lawfare," pro bono activities, racial discrimination in hiring, and its employment of former Mueller prosecutor Andrew Weissmann as justifications.
Ending Procurement and Forced Use of Paper Straws
This executive order ends federal procurement and use of paper straws, eliminates policies disfavoring plastic straws within the executive branch, and requires a national strategy within 45 days to end paper straw use nationwide. It explicitly references the prior revocation of EO 14057, which had promoted federal sustainability measures including discouragement of plastic straws.
Limiting Lame-Duck Collective Bargaining Agreements That Improperly Attempt To Constrain the New President
This memorandum blocks federal agencies from approving collective bargaining agreements executed in the 30 days before a presidential transition that create new obligations, make substantive changes, or extend existing agreements. It specifically targets a Department of Education CBA from January 17, 2025, and directs agency heads to disapprove any such pending agreements, with an exemption for law enforcement officer CBAs.
Council To Assess the Federal Emergency Management Agency
This executive order establishes a 20-member council co-chaired by the Secretaries of Homeland Security and Defense to review FEMA's disaster response performance, staffing, political impartiality, and structural role in federal-state disaster relief. The council must hold its first public meeting within 90 days and submit recommendations to the President within 180 days after that meeting, with the council terminating after one year unless extended.
President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
This executive order establishes a new President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) with up to 24 members, co-chaired by the Assistant to the President for Science and Technology and the Special Advisor for AI & Crypto. It revokes the Biden administration's prior PCAST order (EO 14007) and tasks the council with advising the President on science, technology, and innovation policy, including AI, quantum computing, and biotechnology, while explicitly framing the mission around achieving "unquestioned and unchallenged global technological dominance" and countering perceived ideological influences in science.
Removing Barriers to American Leadership in Artificial Intelligence
This executive order revokes Biden-era AI safety policies, particularly EO 14110, and directs development of a new AI action plan within 180 days. It mandates review and suspension of agency actions deemed inconsistent with promoting American AI dominance, and requires OMB to revise two memoranda within 60 days.
Delivering Emergency Price Relief for American Families and Defeating the Cost-of-Living Crisis
This January 20, 2025 memorandum directs all executive department and agency heads to deliver emergency price relief to American families by lowering housing costs, reducing healthcare administrative expenses, eliminating appliance regulations, creating jobs, and rolling back climate policies affecting food and fuel prices. The Assistant to the President for Economic Policy must report on implementation status every 30 days starting 30 days from signing.
Hiring Freeze
This memorandum imposes an immediate freeze on hiring federal civilian employees across the executive branch, with exemptions for military personnel, immigration enforcement, national security, public safety, and certain political appointees. Within 90 days, OMB must submit a plan to reduce the federal workforce through efficiency and attrition; the freeze expires for most agencies upon that plan's issuance but remains for the IRS until the Treasury Secretary determines it should lift.
Regulatory Freeze Pending Review
This memorandum freezes new federal rulemaking and withdraws pending rules until political appointees appointed after January 20, 2025 review and approve them. It also postpones effective dates of recently published rules for 60 days to allow review, with OMB oversight and emergency exceptions.
Return to In-Person Work
This memorandum directs all executive branch department and agency heads to terminate remote work arrangements and require full-time in-person work at employees' duty stations, while allowing agency heads discretion to make exemptions they deem necessary. Implementation must be consistent with applicable law.
Restoring Accountability for Career Senior Executives
This memorandum directs federal agencies to strengthen presidential accountability over career Senior Executive Service (SES) officials by requiring new performance plans, reinvigorating performance evaluation systems, reassigning SES members to align with the President's agenda, and empowering agency heads to remove underperforming SES officials. It restructures Executive Resources Boards and Performance Review Boards to give noncareer political appointees majority control.
Restoring Freedom of Speech and Ending Federal Censorship
This executive order prohibits federal agencies from using resources to censor constitutionally protected speech or pressure third parties to suppress speech. It directs the Attorney General to investigate federal government censorship activities over the prior four years and submit a report with remedial recommendations.
Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on January 9, 2025
This executive order closes all federal executive departments and agencies on January 9, 2025, as a mark of respect for former President Jimmy Carter following his death. Agency heads may exempt certain offices and employees for national security, defense, or other public needs, and the closure will be treated as a paid holiday for federal employees under existing statutes.
Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on December 24, 2024
This executive order closes all executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government on December 24, 2024, excusing federal employees from duty, while allowing agency heads to keep essential operations open for national security, defense, or other public need. It ensures affected employees receive appropriate pay and leave treatment under existing statutes.
Modernizing United States Spectrum Policy and Establishing a National Spectrum Strategy
This memorandum directs the Department of Commerce and NTIA to modernize U.S. spectrum policy by establishing an Interagency Spectrum Advisory Council, developing a National Spectrum Strategy by December 31, 2023, and creating an Implementation Plan within 120 days of Strategy submission. It revokes a 2018 Trump-era spectrum memorandum and establishes new coordination requirements between NTIA, FCC, and federal agencies on spectrum allocation and management decisions.
Restoring Healthy and Abundant Salmon, Steelhead, and Other Native Fish Populations in the Columbia River Basin
This memorandum directs federal agencies to prioritize restoring salmon, steelhead, and other native fish populations in the Columbia River Basin, honoring tribal treaty rights and balancing energy, agriculture, and environmental needs. It requires agency program reviews, budget assessments, and development of an intergovernmental partnership with states and tribal nations within specified timeframes.
Certification Regarding Disclosure of Information in Certain Records Related to the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy
President Biden issued the final required certification under the 1992 JFK Assassination Records Collection Act, authorizing continued withholding of a small number of redacted records where release would harm military defense, intelligence, law enforcement, or foreign relations. All other previously withheld information not covered by this certification must be released by June 30, 2023, and the National Declassification Center must continue using agency Transparency Plans for future phased disclosures as harms dissipate.
Moving Beyond COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements for Federal Workers
This executive order revokes the federal COVID-19 vaccination requirements for federal employees (EO 14043) and federal contractors (EO 14042), effective May 12, 2023. Agencies must stop enforcing and rescind policies premised on those earlier orders.
Modernizing Regulatory Review
This executive order updates the framework for federal regulatory review by raising the economic threshold for "significant regulatory actions" from $100 million to $200 million, requiring regulatory analysis to consider distributive impacts and equity, expanding public participation requirements to include underserved communities, and mandating OMB revise its key cost-benefit analysis guidance (Circular A-4) within one year.
Supporting Access to Leave for Federal Employees
This memorandum directs federal agencies to expand access to unpaid leave for employees, particularly during their first year of service, for bonding with new children, caregiving, serious health conditions, military family needs, and bereavement. It also requires OPM to recommend within 180 days how to provide paid or unpaid leave for employees seeking safety from domestic violence, sexual assault, or stalking.
Certifications Regarding Disclosure of Information in Certain Records Related to the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy
This memorandum certifies continued postponement of some JFK assassination records while ordering release of others. It sets a June 30, 2023 deadline for temporary withholding of certain redacted records, requires review completion by May 1, 2023, and mandates release of non-postponed information by December 15, 2022.
Promoting Accountability for Conflict-Related Sexual Violence
This memorandum directs federal agencies to use existing sanctions, visa restrictions, security assistance, and diplomatic tools to promote accountability for conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV) worldwide. It establishes that CRSV may constitute 'serious human rights abuse' under Executive Order 13818 (Global Magnitsky) and other sanctions programs, and directs the Secretaries of State and Treasury, Attorney General, and DNI to strengthen information collection and target perpetrators.
Addressing the Long-Term Effects of COVID-19
This memorandum directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to coordinate a government-wide response to long COVID, requiring a public report and a National Research Action Plan within 120 days. It mandates interagency collaboration to address health services, research, and disparities for those affected by long-term COVID-19 effects, including mental health and substance use impacts.
Temporary Certification Regarding Disclosure of Information in Certain Records Related to the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy
This memorandum temporarily certifies continued withholding of JFK assassination records until December 15, 2022, while directing an intensive 1-year review to maximize transparency. It mandates interim releases, requires agencies to justify any continued redactions with unclassified explanations, and orders NARA to digitize and publish its entire collection online.
White House Initiative on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity Through Historically Black Colleges and Universities
This executive order establishes a new White House Initiative within the Department of Education to advance educational equity and economic opportunity for Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). It creates a new President's Board of Advisors on HBCUs, mandates annual agency plans from federal agencies on HBCU participation in federal programs, and establishes an interagency working group to coordinate government-wide efforts.
Protecting Americans' Sensitive Data From Foreign Adversaries
This executive order revokes Trump-era bans on TikTok, WeChat, and other Chinese apps (EOs 13942, 13943, 13971) and replaces them with a broader, evidence-based framework for evaluating risks from foreign adversary-connected software applications. It directs the Commerce Secretary to produce two reports with recommendations for protecting Americans' sensitive data and addressing risks from connected software applications.
Revocation of Certain Presidential Actions and Technical Amendment
This executive order revokes six Trump-era executive orders concerning online censorship, monument protection, foreign aid branding, and regulatory reform. It also formally codifies the elimination of Schedule F in the federal civil service through a technical amendment to Civil Service Rule VI, updating 5 CFR 6.2 and 6.4 to remove Schedule F from the excepted service schedules.
Revocation of Certain Presidential Actions
This executive order revokes seven Trump-era executive orders and memoranda covering financial regulation, poverty programs, labor-management relations, regulatory relief, federal funding to cities, federal architecture, and agency rulemaking accountability. It directs OMB and agency heads to rescind implementing rules and abolish related entities as appropriate under law.
Revocation of Executive Order 13801
This executive order revokes Executive Order 13801 (2017), which had established a task force and framework to expand industry-recognized apprenticeship programs. It directs agencies to rescind implementing rules and abolish related entities, while preserving compliance with the Administrative Procedure Act and other applicable law.
Restoring Trust in Government Through Scientific Integrity and Evidence-Based Policymaking
This memorandum directs federal agencies to strengthen scientific integrity policies, prevent political interference in research, and ensure evidence-based policymaking. It creates a Task Force to review existing policies, mandates new agency scientific integrity officials, requires updates to inconsistent materials from the prior administration, and directs OMB to improve evidence-building plans.
President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
This executive order re-establishes the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), an external advisory body of up to 26 members to counsel the President on science, technology, and innovation policy. It replaces a Trump-era version and assigns administrative support to the Department of Energy with a two-year sunset unless extended.
Condemning and Combating Racism, Xenophobia, and Intolerance Against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the United States
This memorandum condemns racism and xenophobia against Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPI) during the COVID-19 pandemic, directing federal agencies to avoid discriminatory language in official communications. It tasks HHS with issuing cultural competency guidance, requires agencies to ensure their actions and statements don't contribute to anti-AAPI bias, and directs the Attorney General to support state/local efforts and expand hate incident data collection.
Protecting the Federal Workforce and Requiring Mask-Wearing
This executive order mandates that on-duty or on-site federal employees, contractors, and visitors wear masks and follow CDC public health guidelines in federal buildings and on federal lands. It also establishes the Safer Federal Workforce Task Force to provide ongoing guidance on COVID-19 workplace safety and requires federal agencies to report on their implementation progress.
Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on December 24, 2020
This executive order closes all federal executive departments and agencies on December 24, 2020, excusing employees from duty, while allowing agency heads to keep essential operations open for national security or public need. It treats the day as a holiday for pay and leave purposes under existing statutes.
Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on December 24, 2019
This executive order grants federal employees a day off on December 24, 2019, by closing all executive departments and agencies the day before Christmas. Agency heads may exempt certain offices and employees for national security, defense, or other public needs.
Improving Federal Contractor Operations by Revoking Executive Order 13495
This executive order revokes Executive Order 13495 (2009), which had required successor federal contractors to offer existing service contract employees a right of first refusal for jobs. It directs immediate termination of related enforcement actions and rescission of implementing regulations.
Commission on Law Enforcement and the Administration of Justice
This executive order establishes a presidential commission to study law enforcement and criminal justice issues, with a mandate to produce recommendations on crime reduction, officer safety and training, police-community relations, and the role of social services in addressing factors like mental illness and homelessness. The commission is directed to deliver its report within one year, after which it will terminate within 90 days unless extended.
President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
This executive order re-establishes the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), revoking the 2010 Obama-era version. The council will advise the President on science, technology, education, and innovation policy, with up to 16 outside members plus the OSTP Director as chair, and will automatically terminate after 2 years unless extended.
America's Cybersecurity Workforce
This executive order establishes programs to grow and strengthen the federal and national cybersecurity workforce through rotational assignments, skills assessments, competitions, and education awards. It mandates adoption of the NICE Framework for cybersecurity skills standards across government contracts and encourages its voluntary use in private-sector and academic training. The order also creates reporting mechanisms and deadlines for multiple agencies to assess workforce gaps and implement workforce development initiatives.
Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on December 24, 2018
This executive order designates Monday, December 24, 2018 as a federal holiday, closing all executive departments and agencies and excusing employees from duty. Agency heads may exempt certain offices and employees for national security, defense, or other public needs.
Providing for the Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on December 5, 2018
This executive order closes all federal executive departments and agencies on December 5, 2018, as a mark of respect for former President George H.W. Bush following his death. Agency heads may exempt certain offices and employees for national security, defense, or other public need, and the closure is treated as a federal holiday for pay and leave purposes.
Affording Congress an Opportunity To Address Family Separation
This executive order ended the practice of separating migrant families at the border by directing that families be detained together during immigration and criminal proceedings, while requesting court modification of the Flores settlement to allow longer family detention. It shifted responsibility to DHS for family custody and directed DOD and other agencies to provide housing facilities.
Certification for Certain Records Related to the Assassination of President John F. Kennedy
President Trump certified continued withholding of certain JFK assassination records until October 26, 2021, citing national security, law enforcement, and foreign affairs concerns. Agencies must re-review redactions over 3 years and disclose information that no longer warrants withholding. Any agency seeking further postponement beyond 2021 must justify this to the Archivist by April 26, 2021, with the Archivist recommending to the President by September 26, 2021.
Combatting the National Drug Demand and Opioid Crisis
This memorandum declares combating the opioid crisis as U.S. policy and directs the Secretary of Health and Human Services to consider declaring a public health emergency under the Public Health Service Act. It also instructs agency heads to use emergency and other authorities to reduce opioid-related deaths and community devastation.
Revocation of Executive Order Creating Labor- Management Forums
This executive order revokes a 2009 Obama-era order that created the National Council on Federal Labor-Management Relations and agency-level labor-management forums, which were intended to promote collaboration between federal management and unions. The Trump administration cited inefficient use of taxpayer dollars and managerial time as justification, and directed agencies to promptly rescind all implementing rules and policies.
Establishing a Presidential Advisory Council on Infrastructure
This executive order creates a 15-member Presidential Advisory Council on Infrastructure within the Department of Commerce to study and recommend improvements to federal infrastructure funding, delivery, and public-private partnerships. The Council must submit a report to the President and will terminate by December 31, 2018 or within 60 days after submitting its report, whichever comes first.
Addressing Trade Agreement Violations and Abuses
This executive order directs comprehensive performance reviews of all U.S. trade and investment agreements, plus WTO trade relations with countries where the U.S. has significant goods deficits. The reviews must identify violations, abuses, unfair treatment, and failures to meet economic goals, with a report due in 180 days to guide potential renegotiation or termination of agreements deemed harmful to American workers, manufacturers, and intellectual property.
Hiring Freeze
This memorandum imposes an immediate freeze on hiring federal civilian employees across the executive branch, prohibiting filling vacant positions existing at noon on January 22, 2017, and creating new positions, with limited exemptions for national security, public safety, and other necessary positions. It requires the OMB Director, in consultation with OPM, to recommend within 90 days a long-term plan to reduce the federal workforce through attrition, after which the freeze expires. The memorandum also prohibits using contractors to circumvent the freeze and exempts military personnel, political appointees, and certain other categories of hires.
Steps for Increased Legal and Policy Transparency Concerning the United States Use of Military Force and Related National Security Operations
This December 2016 memorandum directs national security departments and agencies to prepare a public report describing legal and policy frameworks governing U.S. military force and related national security operations, with annual updates coordinated by the NSC staff. It aims to institutionalize transparency practices developed during the Obama administration regarding counterterrorism and national security operations.
Promoting Diversity and Inclusion in the National Security Workforce
This memorandum directs national security agencies to improve diversity and inclusion through data transparency, expanded demographic tracking, professional development programs, and leadership accountability measures. It requires annual public reporting on workforce demographics and inclusion metrics, with initial reports due within 90 days.
Limiting the Use of Restrictive Housing by the Federal Government
This memorandum directs the Department of Justice to revise its regulations and policies to implement recommendations from a January 2016 DOJ report on reducing restrictive housing (solitary confinement) in federal prisons. Other federal agencies that use restrictive housing must review the report and report back on planned changes.
Promoting Economic Competitiveness While Safeguarding Privacy, Civil Rights, and Civil Liberties in Domestic Use of Unmanned Aircraft Systems
This 2015 memorandum establishes privacy, civil rights, and civil liberties protections for federal use of drones (UAS) in U.S. airspace, requires agencies to review policies every 3 years, limits retention of personally identifiable information to 180 days, mandates transparency reports, and directs Commerce to launch a multi-stakeholder process for commercial drone privacy best practices.
Expanding Federal Support for Predevelopment Activities for Nonfederal Domestic Infrastructure Assets
This memorandum directs federal agencies to expand support for predevelopment activities—such as planning, feasibility studies, and environmental review—for nonfederal domestic infrastructure projects. It requires specific departments to clarify funding eligibility, develop guidance, and submit implementation plans within 60 days to encourage public-private partnerships and innovative infrastructure investment.
Modernizing Federal Leave Policies for Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care To Recruit and Retain Talent and Improve Productivity
This memorandum directs federal agencies to modernize leave policies for childbirth, adoption, and foster care by providing up to 240 hours of advanced sick leave and maximum permitted advanced annual leave, ensuring employees are aware of all available benefits, and expanding workplace flexibilities. It requires OPM to issue guidance within 90 days and agencies to implement changes by January 1, 2016, aiming to improve federal workforce recruitment, retention, and productivity.
Enhancing Workplace Flexibilities and Work-Life Programs
This 2014 memorandum directs federal agencies to expand workplace flexibilities and work-life programs for federal employees, including telework, alternative schedules, nursing mother accommodations, and various leave policies. It establishes specific deadlines for agencies to review and amend procedures, requires OPM to issue guidance and publish an annual Workplace Flexibility Index, and mandates agency reporting on barriers to these programs.
Enhancing Safeguards To Prevent the Undue Denial of Federal Employment Opportunities to the Unemployed and Those Facing Financial Difficulty Through No Fault of Their Own
This memorandum prohibits federal agencies from denying employment or taking adverse action against current employees solely because they are unemployed or facing financial difficulty through no fault of their own, provided they make good-faith efforts to meet obligations. It requires agencies to review hiring practices for such biases and report findings to OPM within 90 days.
Establishing a Quadrennial Energy Review
This memorandum establishes a Quadrennial Energy Review Task Force co-chaired by the OSTP and Domestic Policy Council directors to produce a comprehensive energy policy review every four years, with the first report due January 31, 2015 focusing on U.S. energy infrastructure challenges. The Task Force includes representatives from 23 agencies and is directed to engage stakeholders and recommend executive and legislative actions.
Expanding America's Leadership in Wireless Innovation
This 2013 memorandum directs federal agencies to accelerate shared access to spectrum bands below 6 GHz, creating a Spectrum Policy Team to oversee implementation. It mandates multiple reports and plans on spectrum sharing technologies, federal test facility access, agency spectrum usage assessments, and procurement efficiency guidelines, while encouraging the FCC to expedite commercial broadband deployment and develop receiver performance standards.
Advancing Pay Equality in the Federal Government and Learning From Successful Practices
This memorandum directs the Office of Personnel Management to develop a government-wide strategy within 180 days to address gender pay gaps in the federal workforce, and requires all agencies to submit within 90 days detailed analyses of their pay-setting, promotion, and caregiver-related compensation policies. It focuses on transparency, merit system principles, and identifying best practices rather than mandating immediate pay changes.
Federal Employee Pay Schedules and Rates That Are Set by Administrative Discretion
This memorandum extends through December 31, 2013, the existing freeze on federal employee pay increases that would otherwise result from administrative discretion, continuing policies established in 2010 and 2012. The action responds to congressional denial of statutory pay adjustments in the 2013 appropriations act.
Improving Availability of Relevant Executive Branch Records to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System
This memorandum directs federal agencies to improve sharing of relevant records with the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS) to prevent prohibited individuals from obtaining firearms. It establishes deadlines for DOJ guidance, agency reporting, and creates a working group to coordinate implementation of the 2007 NICS Improvement Amendments Act.
Tracing of Firearms in Connection With Criminal Investigations
This memorandum directs all federal law enforcement agencies to trace every firearm recovered during criminal investigations through ATF's tracing system, with implementing deadlines over 90 days. It aims to improve investigative capabilities and aggregate intelligence on gun trafficking patterns by ensuring complete data submission.
Federal Employee Pay Schedules and Rates That Are Set by Administrative Discretion
President Obama extended a federal employee pay freeze through March 27, 2013, citing a continuing appropriations resolution. The original freeze, begun in 2010, had been scheduled to expire on December 31, 2012.
Building a 21st Century Digital Government
This memorandum directs federal agencies to implement a new 'Digital Government' strategy within 12 months, including creating public progress-reporting web pages within 90 days. The strategy aims to modernize government digital services, expand mobile accessibility, open government data through APIs, and improve customer experience across all .gov websites.
Implementing the Prison Rape Elimination Act
This memorandum directs all federal agencies operating confinement facilities to work with the Attorney General to propose rules implementing the Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) within 120 days, and finalize them within 240 days of proposal. It extends PREA's zero-tolerance standards beyond DOJ facilities to all federal confinement facilities, including those run by other agencies or private contractors.
Expediting Review of Pipeline Projects From Cushing, Oklahoma, to Port Arthur, Texas, and Other Domestic Pipeline Infrastructure Projects
This memorandum directs federal agencies to expedite permitting and environmental reviews for domestic oil pipeline projects, particularly a pipeline from Cushing, Oklahoma to Port Arthur, Texas, to alleviate bottlenecks in crude oil transport. It requires agencies to coordinate reviews, avoid duplicative environmental studies by using prior work, and track projects on the Federal Infrastructure Projects Dashboard.
Driving Innovation and Creating Jobs in Rural America Through Biobased and Sustainable Product Procurement
This 2012 memorandum directs federal agencies to significantly increase procurement of biobased and sustainable products to promote rural economic development and job creation. It establishes specific targets for USDA to expand product designations by 50%, mandates reporting mechanisms, requires procurement system changes, and directs training and outreach for both federal acquisition personnel and small business suppliers.
Maximizing the Effectiveness of Federal Programs and Functions Supporting Trade and Investment
This 2012 memorandum directs the Export Promotion Cabinet and Trade Promotion Coordinating Committee to better coordinate federal trade and investment programs, improve customer service for exporters through BusinessUSA, evaluate and recommend streamlining of trade-related budgets and programs, co-locate offices and cross-train staff, and develop administrative initiatives to support business competitiveness pending congressional reorganization authority. It aims to maximize efficiency of existing resources rather than create new programs, in service of doubling exports by 2014.
Establishing the President's Global Development Council
This executive order creates a 12-member advisory council within USAID to advise the President on global development policy, promote public-private partnerships, and elevate development as a pillar of U.S. foreign policy alongside diplomacy and defense. The council includes cabinet secretaries as non-voting members and outside experts from academia, philanthropy, civil society, and private industry, with a built-in 2-year sunset clause.
Making It Easier for America's Small Businesses and America's Exporters to Access Government Services to Help Them Grow and Hire
This memorandum directs executive agencies to create BusinessUSA, a unified online platform to help small businesses and exporters navigate federal programs and services. It establishes a Steering Committee co-chaired by the Federal CIO, CTO, and Chief Performance Officer to oversee development of the platform within 90 days, with agencies required to integrate their information and services into this "No Wrong Door" system.
Government Reform for Competitiveness and Innovation
President Obama directs the Chief Performance Officer to lead a 90-day review of federal agencies and programs focused on trade and competitiveness, with recommendations to restructure and streamline government functions to reduce duplication and improve efficiency.
Enhanced Collection of Relevant Data and Statistics Relating to Women
This March 4, 2011 memorandum directs federal agencies to identify and fill gaps in data collection about women across areas including families and income, health, employment, education, and violence and crime. It specifically encourages the National Center for Health Statistics to expedite adoption of improved maternal mortality data standards, the SEC Chair to collect information on women in corporate governance positions, and the Corporation for National and Community Service to include women's public service statistics in civic engagement measurement.
Regulatory Compliance
This memorandum directs executive agencies with broad regulatory compliance responsibilities to develop plans within 120 days to make their enforcement and compliance data publicly accessible, downloadable, and searchable online. It also instructs the Federal CIO and CTO to work with agencies to publish this data on centralized platforms like Data.gov and to explore cross-agency data sharing for risk-based enforcement.
Regulatory Flexibility, Small Business, and Job Creation
This memorandum directs executive agencies and requests independent agencies to give serious consideration to reducing regulatory burdens on small businesses when initiating rulemaking with significant economic impact, including through extended compliance dates, performance standards, simplified requirements, different rules by firm size, and exemptions. Agencies must explicitly justify any decision not to provide such flexibility, and the OMB Director is directed to publish the memorandum in the Federal Register.
Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies
This memorandum directs executive department and agency heads to freeze federal employee pay schedules and rates that are set by administrative discretion for calendar years 2011-2012, supplementing a statutory pay freeze enacted by Congress. The freeze covers discretionary pay system adjustments, general increases including locality pay, and requires proportional reductions in performance-based increases.
White House Council for Community Solutions
This executive order establishes the White House Council for Community Solutions within the Corporation for National and Community Service to promote innovative community solutions and civic participation. The advisory council of up to 30 non-federal members will identify best practices, recommend cross-sector collaborations, and support the "Call To Service" campaign from the Serve America Act. The council is automatically set to terminate after two years unless renewed by the President.
Freeze on Discretionary Awards, Bonuses, and Similar Payments for Federal Political Appointees
President Obama froze discretionary cash awards, bonuses, quality step increases, and similar payments for all politically appointed federal employees from August 3, 2010 through September 30, 2011 (end of Fiscal Year 2011). The Office of Personnel Management was directed to issue implementation guidance in consultation with OMB, while a broader salary freeze for senior political appointees was proposed as requiring congressional legislation.
The Presidential POWER Initiative: Protecting Our Workers and Ensuring Reemployment
This memorandum establishes the 4-year POWER Initiative (fiscal years 2011-2014) to improve federal workplace safety and health by setting aggressive performance targets for reducing injuries and illnesses, speeding workers' compensation claims, and accelerating return-to-work for injured federal civilian employees. The Secretary of Labor is directed to lead the initiative, measure government-wide and agency-level performance, and report annually to the President.
Optimizing the Security of Biological Select Agents and Toxins in the United States
This executive order directs a risk-based overhaul of how the U.S. regulates dangerous biological agents and toxins (BSAT). It mandates creating a highest-risk "Tier 1" subset of pathogens, revising security regulations, coordinating federal oversight across multiple agencies, and establishing an advisory panel to guide implementation.
Enhancing Payment Accuracy Through a "Do Not Pay List"
This memorandum directs federal agencies to check existing eligibility databases before making payments or awards to prevent improper payments to ineligible recipients. It establishes a 'Do Not Pay List' combining multiple databases and sets deadlines for OMB to develop integration plans and guidance.
Lobbyists on Agency Boards and Commissions
This memorandum establishes as official Obama Administration policy that federally registered lobbyists may not be appointed or reappointed to federal advisory committees, boards, and commissions. It directs OMB to issue proposed implementing guidance within 90 days, following public comment before finalization.
Disposing of Unneeded Federal Real Estate Increasing Sales Proceeds, Cutting Operating Costs, and Improving Energy Efficiency
This memorandum directs federal agencies to accelerate disposal of excess real estate, consolidate data centers, and improve space utilization to achieve $3 billion in cost savings by end of FY2012. It mandates a freeze on data center expansion, requires consolidation plans within 5 years, and tasks OMB with issuing guidance within 90 days.
Extension of Benefits to Same-Sex Domestic
This memorandum directs federal agencies to extend a range of employment benefits to same-sex domestic partners of federal employees and their children, including child-care subsidies, employee assistance programs, travel benefits, and family leave, to the extent permitted by existing law. It also establishes ongoing obligations for future benefits and requires annual reporting on implementation progress.
National Commission on the BP Deepwater Horizon Oil Spill and Offshore Drilling
This executive order establishes a seven-member presidential commission to investigate the causes of the Deepwater Horizon oil spill and recommend reforms to prevent future offshore drilling disasters. The commission must submit a final public report within six months of its first meeting and terminates 60 days after doing so.
Improving the Federal Recruitment and Hiring Process
This 2010 memorandum directs federal agencies to overhaul civilian hiring by eliminating essay-style initial applications, allowing resumes and simple applications, adopting category rating instead of the "rule of 3," and holding managers accountable for hiring. It tasks OPM with establishing performance tracking, developing diversity plans, evaluating internship programs, and improving USAJOBS, with most agency actions due by November 1, 2010, and OPM actions due within 90 days.
President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
This executive order establishes the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), a 21-member advisory body composed of the President's Science Advisor and 20 nonfederal experts, to advise the President on science, technology, and innovation policy. PCAST also assumes advisory roles under the High Performance Computing Act and the 21st Century Nanotechnology Research and Development Act, and will terminate automatically after two years unless extended.
Combating Noncompliance With Recovery Act Reporting Requirements
This memorandum directs federal agencies to intensify enforcement of Recovery Act reporting requirements by prime recipients, including terminating awards, suspending and debarring noncompliant recipients, reclaiming funds, and taking punitive actions. It requires agencies to report noncompliance details to OMB and directs the OMB Director to review and update guidance within 30 days.
Finding And Recapturing Improper Payments
This memorandum directs federal agencies to expand use of "Payment Recapture Audits" to identify and recover improper payments to contractors and other entities. The OMB Director must issue implementation guidance within 90 days and coordinate with the Council for Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency to review agency effectiveness.
President's Advisory Council on Financial Capability
Executive Order 13530 establishes a 22-member advisory council within the Department of the Treasury to promote financial literacy and access to financial services among Americans, with particular attention to underserved populations. The council is tasked with collecting information, advising the President and Treasury Secretary, and reporting periodically on financial capability in the United States. Unless extended by the President, the council automatically terminates two years after establishment.
Implementation of the Executive Order, "Classified National Security Information"
This memorandum directs executive departments and agencies to implement a new executive order on classified national security information, setting deadlines for agencies to issue implementing regulations, requiring a review of original classification authority delegations, mandating clearance of a 400-million-page declassification backlog by end of 2013, and directing research into new declassification technologies.
Tribal Consultation
This memorandum directs all federal agency heads to develop detailed plans for implementing Executive Order 13175 on tribal consultation, with progress reports due thereafter. It mandates OMB review and a presidential report within one year to strengthen government-to-government relationships with Indian tribes.
Increasing Participation of Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in Federal Programs
This executive order establishes a President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) housed in the Department of Education and a White House Initiative on AAPIs co-chaired by the Secretaries of Commerce and Education. The order directs federal agencies to develop plans to improve AAPI access to federal programs, increase AAPI federal workforce participation, and advance data collection and research on AAPI subpopulations.
Guidelines for Human Stem Cell Research
This memorandum directs all executive departments and agencies that conduct or fund stem cell research to adopt the NIH Guidelines for Human Stem Cell Research issued July 7, 2009. It requires these agencies to submit proposed revisions to their own stem cell research policies to OMB within 90 days for review.
Classified Information and Controlled Unclassified Information
This memorandum directs two major reviews: first, a 90-day review of Executive Order 12958 on classified national security information to recommend reforms including a National Declassification Center and measures against over-classification; second, creation of an Interagency Task Force on Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) led by the Attorney General and Secretary of Homeland Security to review procedures for sensitive but unclassified information and report recommendations within 90 days. Both initiatives aim to increase government transparency while protecting legitimate security and privacy interests.
Preemption
This memorandum establishes a policy restricting executive agencies from preempting state law through regulations unless there is explicit congressional authorization or sufficient legal basis. It directs agency heads to review regulations from the past 10 years containing preemption provisions and amend those that cannot be legally justified.
Presidential Signing Statements
This memorandum establishes principles for the use of presidential signing statements, limiting them to well-founded constitutional objections rather than policy disagreements. It directs executive agencies to seek the Attorney General's advice before relying on pre-March 9, 2009 signing statements to disregard statutory provisions.
Scientific Integrity
This March 9, 2009 memorandum directs the Director of the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop within 120 days recommendations for ensuring scientific integrity across the executive branch. It establishes principles that political officials should not suppress scientific findings, that scientific information should ordinarily be public, and that science positions should be filled based on credentials rather than politics.
Notification of Employee Rights Under Federal Labor Laws
This executive order requires federal contractors and subcontractors to post notices informing employees of their rights under federal labor laws, including the National Labor Relations Act. It revokes the prior Bush administration's Executive Order 13201 and delegates rulemaking authority to the Secretary of Labor to prescribe the specific notice requirements.
Revocation of Certain Executive Orders Concerning Regulatory Planning and Review
This executive order revokes two Bush-era executive orders (13258 and 13422) that had amended the regulatory review process established under Executive Order 12866. It directs OMB and agency heads to promptly rescind implementing rules and policies tied to the revoked orders. The action restores the pre-2002 framework for regulatory planning and review.
Freedom of Information Act
This memorandum directs executive agencies to adopt a presumption of disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act, instructing the Attorney General to issue new FOIA guidelines and the OMB Director to update public information dissemination guidance, including through new technologies.
Transparency and Open Government
This memorandum establishes principles of transparency, participation, and collaboration as core values for the Obama Administration and directs the CTO, OMB Director, and GSA Administrator to develop within 120 days recommendations for an Open Government Directive that would instruct agencies to take specific implementing actions.
Transformation of the National Air Transportation System
This executive order directs the Secretary of Transportation to lead implementation of the Next Generation Air Transportation System (NextGen), a modernized air traffic control system. It establishes interagency coordination requirements across Defense, Commerce, Homeland Security, and NASA, with specific deadlines for creating support staff and an advisory committee.
Establishing the President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy
This executive order creates a 19-member President's Advisory Council on Financial Literacy within the Department of the Treasury to advise the President on improving financial education, access to financial services, and coordination of public-private financial literacy programs. The Council is tasked with gathering information from diverse stakeholders and periodically reporting on national financial literacy status and recommendations. It will automatically terminate two years after establishment unless extended by the President.
Trial of Alien Unlawful Enemy Combatants by Military Commission
This executive order establishes military commissions to try non-citizen unlawful enemy combatants under the Military Commissions Act of 2006, replacing the 2001 military order's trial procedures while eliminating requirements for presidential determinations of 'reason to believe' and 'interest of the United States' before commission trials can proceed.
Establishment of a Coordinator of Federal Support for the Recovery and Rebuilding of the Gulf Coast Region
This executive order creates a new Coordinator position within the Department of Homeland Security to oversee and integrate federal recovery efforts for the Gulf Coast region following Hurricanes Katrina and Rita. The Coordinator reports directly to the Secretary of Homeland Security and serves as the principal point of contact for the President, Congress, state/local governments, and other stakeholders.
President's Advisory Panel on Federal Tax Reform
This executive order creates a nine-member presidential advisory panel tasked with developing revenue-neutral federal tax reform options for submission to the Treasury Secretary by July 31, 2005. The panel is designed to expire 30 days after submitting its report, making it a temporary, time-bound advisory body focused on simplifying the tax code while maintaining progressivity and promoting economic growth.
Assignment of Functions Implementing the HELP Commission Act
This memorandum delegates presidential functions under the HELP Commission Act to the Secretary of State, requiring USAID to provide support and all executive departments to furnish information for a report on foreign assistance effectiveness. The Secretary is also tasked with coordinating agency responses to HELP Commission information requests while protecting constitutionally privileged information.
Further Amendment to Executive Order 12580, as Amended, Superfund Implementation
This executive order amends Superfund implementation rules by adding Section 105(h) to presidential authorities, delegating specific CERCLA functions related to natural resource restoration and brownfields to EPA and other federal agencies, and clarifying interagency consultation requirements.
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.
Creation of the President's Council on Bioethics
This executive order creates the President's Council on Bioethics, an advisory body of up to 18 non-governmental experts to counsel the President on ethical issues arising from biomedical and technological advances. The Council is explicitly designed to explore multiple viewpoints rather than seek consensus, and is prohibited from reviewing specific projects or overseeing agency regulations.
President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology
This executive order establishes the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST), a 25-member advisory committee (one federal official and 24 nonfederal experts) to advise the President on science and technology policy and assist the National Science and Technology Council in engaging the private sector. The council is set to terminate automatically after two years unless extended by the President, and it revokes three previous executive orders related to presidential science advisory committees.
Implementing Government Reform
This memorandum establishes Chief Operating Officers in federal agencies, creates the President's Management Council to coordinate government reform, and revokes a 1993 Clinton administration management reform memorandum. It directs agencies to implement citizen-centered, results-oriented, market-based management reforms.
Notification of Employee Rights Concerning Payment of Union Dues or Fees
This executive order requires federal contractors to post notices informing employees of their rights regarding union dues and fees, including the right to object to paying for non-collective-bargaining activities. It revokes a prior Clinton-era order and empowers the Secretary of Labor to enforce compliance through contract cancellations, debarment, and public naming of noncomplying contractors.
Preservation of Open Competition and Government Neutrality Towards Government Contractors'Labor Relations on Federal and Federally Funded Construction Projects
This executive order prohibits federal agencies from requiring or prohibiting project labor agreements (PLAs) on federal and federally funded construction projects, effectively banning mandatory PLAs while allowing voluntary ones. It revokes the Clinton-era policy encouraging PLAs on federal projects and directs regulatory changes within 60 days.
The President's Disability Employment Partnership Board
This executive order establishes the President's Disability Employment Partnership Board, a 15-member advisory body to promote employment of people with disabilities through public-private partnerships. It replaces the President's Committee on Employment of People with Disabilities (revoking EO 12640) and tasks the new Board with developing employment strategies, coordinating with federal agencies, and submitting annual reports.
National Commission on the Use of Offsets in Defense Trade and President's Council on the Use of Offsets in Commercial Trade
This executive order establishes two advisory bodies to study offsets in international trade: an 11-member National Commission on the Use of Offsets in Defense Trade (mandated by Public Law 106-113) and a parallel President's Council on the Use of Offsets in Commercial Trade. The Commission must report to Congress within 12 months of establishment on foreign offset practices, their impact on U.S. industry and national security, and proposals to reduce detrimental effects; both bodies terminate after the report is transmitted.
President's Commission on Improving Economic Opportunity in Communities Dependent on Tobacco Production While Protecting Public Health
This executive order creates a 10-member presidential commission to study economic challenges facing tobacco-dependent communities and recommend solutions that also protect public health, particularly youth. The commission must submit a preliminary report by December 31, 2000, and a final report six months after its first meeting, with automatic termination 30 days after the final report or within two years.
White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy
This executive order establishes a 15-member White House Commission on Complementary and Alternative Medicine Policy within the Department of Health and Human Services. The Commission is tasked with providing recommendations to the President on how public policy can maximize benefits of complementary and alternative medicine through education, research, information dissemination, and access. The Commission will automatically terminate two years from the signing date unless extended by the President.
Half-Day Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on Thursday, December 24, 1998
This executive order closes all federal executive departments and agencies for the last half of the workday on December 24, 1998 (Christmas Eve), with exceptions for national security, defense, or other essential public reasons. It ensures affected employees receive appropriate pay and leave treatment under existing statutes.
President's Commission on the Celebration of Women in American History
This executive order establishes a presidential commission of up to 11 members to recommend ways to celebrate women's roles in American history, including potential for a women's history focal point in Washington, D.C. and technology connections between history sites. The commission must submit its final report by March 1, 1999, and terminates 60 days thereafter.
Plain Language in Government Writing
This presidential memorandum directs all executive department and agency heads to use plain language in government documents that explain benefits, services, or compliance requirements, with phased deadlines through 2002. It also requests independent agencies to comply and tasks the National Partnership for Reinventing Government with issuing guidance.
Closing of Government Departments and Agencies on Friday, December 26, 1997
Executive Order 13068 declares Friday, December 26, 1997 a federal holiday, closing all executive departments and agencies and excusing employees from duty, with exceptions for national security, defense, or other public needs. The day is treated as a legal holiday for federal employee pay and leave purposes under existing statutes.
White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security
This executive order establishes a 25-member White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security, chaired by the Vice President, to advise the President and develop a strategy for improving aviation safety and security. The Commission is supported by the Department of Transportation and has a 6-month lifespan unless extended by the President.
Agency Procurement Protests
This executive order requires federal agencies to establish internal administrative procedures for resolving procurement contract protests as an alternative to external forums. It mandates that the Federal Acquisition Regulation be amended within 180 days to support these goals, and requires a report to the President within 2 years on agency implementation.
Federal Employee Domestic Violence Awareness Campaign
This memorandum directs all executive departments and agencies to implement employee awareness campaigns on domestic violence within 6 months. It references the Violence Against Women Act and supports Justice Department plans for a resource manual, poster, and information fair on October 30, 1995.
Expediting Community Right-to-Know Initiatives
President Clinton directed the EPA Administrator to expedite rulemaking to expand Toxics Release Inventory reporting to additional industrial facilities (SIC codes 20-39) and to develop a process for collecting toxic chemical use information, with a progress report due by October 1, 1995. The memorandum reinforces implementation of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act of 1986 and the Pollution Prevention Act of 1990.
Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS
This executive order establishes the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS (PACHA) as a Federal Advisory Committee Act-compliant body of up to 30 members within the Department of Health and Human Services. The Council provides non-binding advice to the Secretary of HHS on HIV/AIDS prevention, research, and patient services, with the Secretary forwarding all written reports to the President.
Continued Commitment to Small, Small Disadvantaged, and Small Women-Owned Businesses in Federal Procurement
This 1994 presidential memorandum reaffirms the federal government's commitment to directing a fair proportion of contracts to small, small disadvantaged, and small women-owned businesses. It encourages agency heads to use set-asides, price preferences, and Section 8(a) of the Small Business Act, while noting new authorities from the recently enacted Federal Acquisition Streamlining Act of 1994.
Expanding Family-Friendly Work Arrangements in the Executive Branch
This 1994 presidential memorandum directs all executive department and agency heads to establish programs expanding flexible, family-friendly work arrangements for federal employees—including job sharing, part-time work, alternative schedules, and telecommuting. It tasks OPM and GSA with reviewing and revising regulatory barriers, and requests independent agencies comply to the extent permitted by law.
Policy Concerning Distribution of Eagle Feathers for Native American Religious Purposes
This 1994 presidential memorandum directs all federal land-managing agencies to recover and transfer eagle carcasses and parts to the National Eagle Repository for distribution to Native Americans for religious purposes. It prioritizes Native American religious use in permit allocation, streamlines application processes, and tasks the Department of the Interior with coordinating interagency efforts and issuing implementation guidelines.
Advisory Committee on Human Radiation Experiments
This executive order creates a temporary Advisory Committee on Human Radiation Experiments to investigate and evaluate U.S. government-sponsored human radiation experiments conducted from 1944 to 1974, and to provide recommendations on ethical and scientific standards to an interagency working group. The committee of up to 15 members will review specific Cold War-era experiments including the 'Green Run test' and various radiation warfare tests, with authority to recommend notification of affected individuals or descendants about health risks.
Superfund Implementation
This executive order delegates presidential authorities under the Superfund law (CERCLA and SARA) to specific federal agencies, establishing the National Response Team structure with EPA and Coast Guard leadership, and assigning responsibilities for hazardous waste cleanup, enforcement, liability, litigation, and Superfund budget management across the executive branch.