Federal Government & Administrative Affairs
What is the Presidential Action?
The President has issued an executive order to reinforce his oversight on independent regulatory agencies, which have previously operated with minimal presidential control. This order mandates that all significant regulatory actions by these agencies must be reviewed by the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs (OIRA) before publication, ensuring they align with executive policies and priorities.
Background or Context with Statistics and Source References
Historically, independent regulatory agencies in the U.S. have operated with a degree of autonomy to prevent political interference in regulation. However, this autonomy has sometimes led to a lack of accountability and alignment with elected officials’ policies. The executive order addresses these concerns by tightening the supervision loop, ensuring that even independent agencies reflect the administration’s priorities and are accountable to the electorate.
Why This Action Was Taken
The executive order was introduced to address concerns about the unchecked power of independent regulatory agencies and their alignment with the broader executive branch. By requiring these agencies to submit their regulatory actions for review, the administration aims to ensure coherence in governance and enhance accountability to the public, thus reinforcing democratic control over regulatory powers.
Short and Long-Term Impact on People
In the short term, this order may slow down the regulatory process as agencies adjust to new review requirements. In the long term, however, it could lead to more consistent policy implementation across the federal government. This alignment may enhance the effectiveness of government actions and policies, directly affecting economic, environmental, and social regulations that impact the daily lives of Americans.
Performance/Impact Parameters to Measure Success
Success of this executive order will be measured by the decrease in regulatory actions that contradict presidential policies, the speed and efficiency of the OIRA review process, and feedback from various stakeholders about the clarity and coherence of federal regulations. Periodic reviews and adjustments based on performance metrics will be crucial.
Constitutional Validity and Legal Precedents
The order’s constitutional basis lies in the vesting of executive power in the President, who is tasked with ensuring the faithful execution of laws. Previous rulings and executive orders, such as Executive Order 12866 on regulatory planning and review, provide a precedent for such supervisory actions. However, the balance between oversight and independence of regulatory agencies may be subject to legal challenges, particularly concerning the non-interference in monetary policy by the Federal Reserve. URL: [https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/ensuring-accountability-for-all-agencies](https://www.whitehouse.gov/presidential-actions/2025/02/ensuring-accountability-for-all-agencies)
