Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Agriculture
- Executive Order Number
- 14134
- President
- Joseph R. Biden Jr.
- Signed
- January 3, 2025
- Published
- January 13, 2025
- Source
- Federal Register
- Original Document
- https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2025-01-13/pdf/2025-00595.pdf
AI-Generated Summary
Executive Order 14134: Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of Agriculture
Purpose
The purpose of Executive Order 14134 is to establish a clear order of succession within the Department of Agriculture to ensure continuity of leadership and functions in the event that both the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Agriculture are unable to perform their duties.
Key Actions or Directives
- Order of Succession: The order lists 17 officials, starting with the Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm Production and Conservation and ending with the Chief of the United States Forest Service, who will act as Secretary in the absence of both the Secretary and Deputy Secretary.
- Precedence for State Executive Directors: In the event of simultaneous appointment, the precedence among State Executive Directors of the Farm Service Agency for Kansas, Missouri, and Iowa is determined by the alphabetical order of the state.
- Exceptions: Individuals serving in an acting capacity or not otherwise eligible under the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998 are excluded from acting as Secretary.
- Presidential Discretion: The President retains the authority to depart from this order when designating an acting Secretary.
Significant Changes to Policy or Law
- Revocation of Previous Order: Executive Order 13612 from May 21, 2012, which previously established the order of succession within the Department of Agriculture, is revoked and replaced by this new order.
Potential Impacts
- Government Agencies: The Department of Agriculture will have a clear and updated succession plan, which could enhance operational continuity and stability in leadership transitions.
- Citizens: The impact on citizens would be indirect, primarily through the continuity of agricultural policy and program administration.
- International Relations: Minimal impact, as the order is internal to U.S. government structure.
Main Stakeholders Affected
- Department of Agriculture: Directly affected by the new succession order.
- Agricultural Sector: Indirectly affected through the continuity of leadership and policy implementation.
- Federal Government: The order aligns with broader federal guidelines on succession and continuity of government.
Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications
- Legal: The order is grounded in the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, ensuring compliance with federal law regarding the filling of vacant executive positions.
- Constitutional: The order is authorized by the President's constitutional powers and statutory authority, reinforcing the executive's role in ensuring government continuity.
- Political: The revocation of the previous order and establishment of a new succession list could reflect changes in administration priorities or personnel, though the impact is primarily administrative.
This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.