§ 3345. —  Acting officer.

From the U.S. Code Online via GPO Access
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[Laws in effect as of January 24, 2002]
[Document not affected by Public Laws enacted between
  January 24, 2002 and December 19, 2002]
[CITE: 5USC3345]

 
             TITLE 5--GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES
 
                           PART III--EMPLOYEES
 
                   Subpart B--Employment and Retention
 
            CHAPTER 33--EXAMINATION, SELECTION, AND PLACEMENT
 
          SUBCHAPTER III--DETAILS, VACANCIES, AND APPOINTMENTS
 
Sec. 3345. Acting officer

    (a) If an officer of an Executive agency (including the Executive 
Office of the President, and other than the General Accounting Office) 
whose appointment to office is required to be made by the President, by 
and with the advice and consent of the Senate, dies, resigns, or is 
otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of the office--
        (1) the first assistant to the office of such officer shall 
    perform the functions and duties of the office temporarily in an 
    acting capacity subject to the time limitations of section 3346;
        (2) notwithstanding paragraph (1), the President (and only the 
    President) may direct a person who serves in an office for which 
    appointment is required to be made by the President, by and with the 
    advice and consent of the Senate, to perform the functions and 
    duties of the vacant office temporarily in an acting capacity 
    subject to the time limitations of section 3346; or
        (3) notwithstanding paragraph (1), the President (and only the 
    President) may direct an officer or employee of such Executive 
    agency to perform the functions and duties of the vacant office 
    temporarily in an acting capacity, subject to the time limitations 
    of section 3346, if--
            (A) during the 365-day period preceding the date of death, 
        resignation, or beginning of inability to serve of the 
        applicable officer, the officer or employee served in a position 
        in such agency for not less than 90 days; and
            (B) the rate of pay for the position described under 
        subparagraph (A) is equal to or greater than the minimum rate of 
        pay payable for a position at GS-15 of the General Schedule.

    (b)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1), a person may not serve as 
an acting officer for an office under this section, if--
        (A) during the 365-day period preceding the date of the death, 
    resignation, or beginning of inability to serve, such person--
            (i) did not serve in the position of first assistant to the 
        office of such officer; or
            (ii) served in the position of first assistant to the office 
        of such officer for less than 90 days; and

        (B) the President submits a nomination of such person to the 
    Senate for appointment to such office.

    (2) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to any person if--
        (A) such person is serving as the first assistant to the office 
    of an officer described under subsection (a);
        (B) the office of such first assistant is an office for which 
    appointment is required to be made by the President, by and with the 
    advice and consent of the Senate; and
        (C) the Senate has approved the appointment of such person to 
    such office.

    (c)(1) Notwithstanding subsection (a)(1), the President (and only 
the President) may direct an officer who is nominated by the President 
for reappointment for an additional term to the same office in an 
Executive department without a break in service, to continue to serve in 
that office subject to the time limitations in section 3346, until such 
time as the Senate has acted to confirm or reject the nomination, 
notwithstanding adjournment sine die.
    (2) For purposes of this section and sections 3346, 3347, 3348, 
3349, 3349a, and 3349d, the expiration of a term of office is an 
inability to perform the functions and duties of such office.

(Added Pub. L. 105-277, div. C, title I, Sec. 151(b), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 
Stat. 2681-611.)

                       References in Text

    The General Schedule, referred to in subsec. (a)(3)(B), is set out 
under section 5332 of this title.


                            Prior Provisions

    A prior section 3345, Pub. L. 89-554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 425; 
Pub. L. 100-398, Sec. 7(a)(1), (2), Aug. 17, 1988, 102 Stat. 988, 
provided for details to office of head of Executive agency or military 
department, prior to repeal by Pub. L. 105-277, div. C, title I, 
Sec. 151(b), (d)(1), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681-611, 2681-616, 
effective 30 days after Oct. 21, 1998.


                             Effective Date

    Pub. L. 105-277, div. C, title I, Sec. 151(d), Oct. 21, 1998, 112 
Stat. 2681-616, provided that:
    ``(1) Effective date.--Subject to paragraph (2), this section 
[enacting this section and sections 3346 to 3349d of this title, 
repealing former sections 3345 to 3349 of this title, and enacting 
provisions set out as a note under section 3301 of this title] and the 
amendments made by this section shall take effect 30 days after the date 
of enactment of this section [Oct. 21, 1998].
    ``(2) Application.--
        ``(A) In general.--This section shall apply to any office that 
    becomes vacant after the effective date of this section.
        ``(B) Immediate application of time limitation.--Notwithstanding 
    subparagraph (A), for any office vacant on the effective date of 
    this section, the time limitations under section 3346 of title 5, 
    United States Code (as amended by this section) shall apply to such 
    office. Such time limitations shall apply as though such office 
    first became vacant on the effective date of this section.
        ``(C) Certain nominations.--If the President submits to the 
    Senate the nomination of any person after the effective date of this 
    section for an office for which such person had been nominated 
    before such date, the next nomination of such person after such date 
    shall be considered a first nomination of such person to that office 
    for purposes of sections 3345 through 3349 and section 3349d of 
    title 5, United States Code (as amended by this section).''


       Order of Succession Within Department of Homeland Security

    For order of succession within the Department of Homeland Security, 
see Ex. Ord. No. 13286, Sec. 88, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10632, set out 
as a note under section 111 of Title 6, Domestic Security.

                        Executive Order No. 10513

    Ex. Ord. No. 10513, Jan. 19, 1954, 19 F.R. 369, which designated 
certain officers of the Department of Labor to act as Secretary of Labor 
during any period of unavailability of both the Secretary and the Deputy 
Secretary of Labor, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 13245, Sec. 4, Dec. 8, 
2001, 66 F.R. 66269, set out below.

                        Executive Order No. 11274

    Ex. Ord. No. 11274, Mar. 30, 1966, 31 F.R. 5243, as amended by Pub. 
L. 101-509, title V, Sec. 529 [title I, Sec. 112(c)], Nov. 5, 1990, 104 
Stat. 1427, 1454, which designated certain officers of the Department of 
Housing and Urban Development to act as Secretary of Housing and Urban 
Development during any period of unavailability of the Secretary, was 
revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 13243, Sec. 4, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 F.R. 66263, set 
out below.

                        Executive Order No. 11487

    Ex. Ord. No. 11487, Oct. 6, 1969, 34 F.R. 15593, as amended by Pub. 
L. 101-509, title V, Sec. 529 [title I, Sec. 112(c)], Nov. 5, 1990, 104 
Stat. 1427, 1454, which designated certain officers of the Department of 
the Interior to act as Secretary of the Interior during any period of 
unavailability of both the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary of the 
Interior, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 13244, Sec. 4, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 
F.R. 66267, set out below.

                        Executive Order No. 11822

    Ex. Ord. No. 11822, Dec. 10, 1974, 39 F.R. 43275, which designated 
certain officers of the Department of the Treasury to act as Secretary 
of the Treasury during any period of unavailability of both the 
Secretary and the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury, was revoked by Ex. 
Ord. No. 13246, Sec. 4, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 F.R. 66270, set out below.

                        Executive Order No. 11880

    Ex. Ord. No. 11880, Oct. 2, 1975, 40 F.R. 46089, as amended by Ex. 
Ord. No. 12608, Sept. 9, 1987, 52 F.R. 34617; Ex. Ord. No. 12998, Apr. 
5, 1996, 61 F.R. 15873, which designated certain officers of the 
Department of Commerce to act as Secretary of Commerce during any period 
of unavailability of both the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary of 
Commerce, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 13242, Sec. 4, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 
F.R. 66261, set out below.

                        Executive Order No. 11957

    Ex. Ord. No. 11957, Jan. 13, 1977, 42 F.R. 3295, which designated 
certain officers of the Department of Agriculture to act as Secretary of 
Agriculture during any period of unavailability of both the Secretary 
and the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 
13241, Sec. 4, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 F.R. 66259, set out below.

                        Executive Order No. 12343

    Ex. Ord. No. 12343, Jan. 27, 1982, 47 F.R. 4225, which designated 
certain officers of the Department of State to act as Secretary of State 
during any period of unavailability of both the Secretary and the Deputy 
Secretary of State, was revoked by Ex. Ord. No. 13251, Sec. 4, Dec. 28, 
2001, 67 F.R. 1599, set out below.

Ex. Ord. No. 12879. Order of Succession of Officers To Act as Secretary 
                               of the Navy

    Ex. Ord. No. 12879, Nov. 8, 1993, 58 F.R. 59929, provided:
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and 
the laws of the United States of America, including [former] section 
3347 of title 5, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:
    Section 1. Succession to the Authority of the Secretary of the Navy.
    (a) In the event of the death, permanent disability, or resignation 
of the Secretary of the Navy, the incumbents holding the positions 
designated below, in the order indicated, shall act for and exercise the 
powers of the Secretary of the Navy:
    (1) The Under Secretary of the Navy.
    (2) The Assistant Secretaries and General Counsel of the Navy, in 
the order fixed by their length of services as permanent appointees in 
such positions.
    (3) The Chief of Naval Operations.
    (4) The Commandant of the Marine Corps.
    (b) In the event of the temporary absence or temporary disability of 
the Secretary of the Navy, the incumbents holding the Department of the 
Navy positions designated in paragraph (a) of this section, in the order 
indicated, shall act for and exercise the powers of the Secretary of the 
Navy.
    (1) In these instances, the designation of an Acting Secretary of 
the Navy applies only for the duration of the Secretary's absence or 
disability, and does not affect the authority of the Secretary to resume 
the powers of his office upon his return.
    (2) In the event that the Secretary of the Navy is merely absent 
from this position, the Secretary of the Navy may continue to exercise 
the powers and fulfill the duties of his office during his absence, 
notwithstanding the provisions of this order.
    (c) Precedence among those officers designated in paragraph (a) of 
this section who have the same date of appointment shall be determined 
by the Secretary of the Navy at the time that such appointments are 
made.
    (d) Notwithstanding paragraph (a) and (b) of this section, an 
officer shall not act for or exercise the powers of the Secretary of the 
Navy under this order if that officer serves only in an acting capacity 
in the position that would otherwise entitle him to do so.
    Sec. 2. Temporary Nature of Succession. Succession to act for and 
exercise the powers of the Secretary of the Navy pursuant to this order 
shall be on a temporary or interim basis and shall not have the effect 
of vacating the statutory appointment held by the successor.
                                                     William J. Clinton.

Ex. Ord. No. 12908. Order of Succession of Officers To Act as Secretary 
                               of the Army

    Ex. Ord. No. 12908, Apr. 22, 1994, 59 F.R. 21907, provided:
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and 
the laws of the United States of America, including [former] section 
3347 of title 5, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:
    Section 1. Succession To Act as the Secretary of the Army.
    (a) In the event of the death, permanent disability, or resignation 
of the Secretary of the Army, the incumbents holding the positions 
designated below, in the order indicated, shall act for and exercise the 
powers of the Secretary of the Army:
        (1) The Under Secretary of the Army.
        (2) The Assistant Secretaries and General Counsel of the Army, 
    in the order fixed by their length of service as permanent 
    appointees in such positions.
        (3) The Chief of Staff of the Army.
    (b) In the event of the absence or temporary disability of the 
Secretary of the Army, the incumbents holding the Department of the Army 
positions designated in paragraph (a) of this section, in the order 
indicated, shall act for and exercise the powers of the Secretary of the 
Army.
        (1) The designation of an Acting Secretary of the Army under 
    this subsection applies only for the duration of the Secretary's 
    absence or disability, and does not affect the authority of the 
    Secretary to resume the powers of the Secretary's office.
        (2) When the Secretary of the Army is temporarily absent from 
    the position, the Secretary of the Army may continue to exercise the 
    powers and fulfill the duties of his office during his absence, 
    notwithstanding the provisions of this order.
    (c) Precedence among those officers designated in paragraph (a) of 
this section who have the same date of appointment shall be determined 
by the Secretary of the Army at the time that such appointments are 
made.
    (d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, an 
officer shall not act for or exercise the powers of the Secretary of the 
Army under this order if that officer serves only in an acting capacity 
in the position that would otherwise entitle him to do so.
    Sec. 2. Temporary Nature of Succession. Succession to act for and 
exercise the powers of the Secretary of the Army pursuant to this order 
shall be on a temporary or interim basis and shall not have the effect 
of vacating the statutory appointment held by the successor.
                                                     William J. Clinton.

Ex. Ord. No. 12909. Order of Succession of Officers To Act as Secretary 
                            of the Air Force

    Ex. Ord. No. 12909, Apr. 22, 1994, 59 F.R. 21909, provided:
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and 
the laws of the United States of America, including [former] section 
3347 of title 5, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:
    Section 1. Succession To Act as the Secretary of the Air Force.
    (a) In the event of the death, permanent disability, or resignation 
of the Secretary of the Air Force, the incumbents holding the positions 
designated below, in the order indicated, shall act for and exercise the 
powers of the Secretary of the Air Force:
        (1) The Under Secretary of the Air Force.
        (2) The Assistant Secretaries and General Counsel of the Air 
    Force, in the order fixed by their length of service as permanent 
    appointees in such positions.
        (3) The Chief of Staff of the Air Force.
    (b) In the event of the absence or temporary disability of the 
Secretary of the Air Force, the incumbents holding the Department of the 
Air Force positions designated in paragraph (a) of this section, in the 
order indicated, shall act for and exercise the powers of the Secretary 
of the Air Force.
        (1) The designation of an Acting Secretary of the Air Force 
    applies only for the duration of the Secretary's absence or 
    disability, and does not affect the authority of the Secretary to 
    resume the powers of the Secretary's office.
        (2) In the event that the Secretary of the Air Force is 
    temporarily absent from the position, the Secretary of the Air Force 
    may continue to exercise the powers and fulfill the duties of his 
    office during the absence, notwithstanding the provisions of this 
    order.
    (c) Precedence among those officers designated in paragraph (a) of 
this section who have the same date of appointment shall be determined 
by the Secretary of the Air Force at the time that such appointments are 
made.
    (d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, an 
officer shall not act for or exercise the powers of the Secretary of the 
Air Force under this order if that officer serves only in an acting 
capacity in the position that would otherwise entitle him to do so.
    Sec. 2. Temporary Nature of Succession. Succession to act for and 
exercise the powers of the Secretary of the Air Force pursuant to this 
order shall be on a temporary or interim basis and shall not have the 
effect of vacating the statutory appointment held by the successor.
                                                     William J. Clinton.

Ex. Ord. No. 13000. Order of Succession of Officers To Act as Secretary 
                               of Defense

    Ex. Ord. No. 13000, Apr. 24, 1996, 61 F.R. 18483, provided:
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and 
the laws of the United States of America, including [former] section 
3347 of title 5, United States Code, it is hereby ordered as follows:
    Section 1. Succession to Act as the Secretary of Defense. (a) In the 
event of the death, permanent disability, or resignation of the 
Secretary of Defense, the incumbents holding the Department of Defense 
positions designated below, in the order indicated, shall act for and 
exercise the powers of the Secretary of Defense as Acting Secretary of 
Defense:
    (1) Deputy Secretary of Defense.
    (2) Secretary of the Army.
    (3) Secretary of the Navy.
    (4) Secretary of the Air Force.
    (5) Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Technology [now 
Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition, Technology, and Logistics].
    (6) Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.
    (7) Under Secretary of Defense (Comptroller).
    (8) Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness.
    (9) Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and 
Technology.
    (10) Deputy Under Secretary of Defense for Policy.
    (11) Director of Defense Research and Engineering.
    (12) The Assistant Secretaries of Defense, the Director of 
Operational Test and Evaluation, and the General Counsel of the 
Department of Defense, in the order fixed by their length of service as 
permanent appointees in such positions.
    (13) Under Secretaries of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, in 
the order fixed by their length of service as permanent appointees in 
such positions.
    (14) Assistant Secretaries of the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force 
whose appointments are vested in the President, and General Counsels of 
the Army, the Navy, and the Air Force, in the order fixed by their 
length of service as permanent appointees in such positions.
    (b) In the event of the temporary absence or temporary disability of 
the Secretary of Defense, the incumbents holding the Department of 
Defense positions designated in paragraph (a) of this section, in the 
order indicated, shall act for and exercise the powers of the Secretary 
of Defense as Acting Secretary of Defense.
    (1) In these instances, the designation of an Acting Secretary of 
Defense applies only for the duration of the Secretary's absence or 
disability, and does not affect the authority of the Secretary to resume 
the powers of his office upon his return.
    (2) In the event that the Secretary of Defense is temporarily absent 
from his position, the Secretary may continue to exercise the powers and 
fulfill the duties of this office during his absence, notwithstanding 
the provisions of this order.
    (c) Precedence among those officers designated in paragraphs 
(a)(12)-(14) of this section who have the same appointment date shall be 
determined by the Secretary of Defense at the time that such 
appointments are made.
    (d) Notwithstanding paragraphs (a) and (b) of this section, an 
officer shall not act for or exercise the powers of the Secretary of 
Defense under this order if that officer serves only in an acting 
capacity in the position that would otherwise entitle him to do so.
    Sec. 2. Temporary Nature of Succession. Succession to act for and 
exercise the powers of the Secretary of Defense pursuant to this order 
shall be on a temporary or interim basis and shall not have the effect 
of vacating the statutory appointment held by the successor.
    Sec. 3. Revocation of Prior Executive Order. Executive Order No. 
12787 of December 31, 1991, is hereby revoked.
                                                     William J. Clinton.

    Ex. Ord. No. 13241. Providing an Order of Succession Within the 
                        Department of Agriculture

    Ex. Ord. No. 13241, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 F.R. 66258, as amended by Ex. 
Ord. No. 13261, Sec. 4(a), Mar. 19, 2002, 67 F.R. 13243, provided:
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and 
the laws of the United States of America, including Subchapter III of 
Chapter 33 of title 5 of the United States Code, it is hereby ordered 
that:
    Section 1. Subject to the provisions of section 3 of this Executive 
Order, the officers named in section 2, in the order listed, shall act 
as and perform the functions and duties of the office of Secretary of 
Agriculture (Secretary) during any period when both the Secretary and 
the Deputy Secretary of Agriculture (Deputy Secretary) have died, 
resigned, or are otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of 
the office of Secretary.
    Sec. 2. Order of Succession.
    (a) Under Secretary of Agriculture for Farm and Foreign Agricultural 
Services;
    (b) Under Secretary of Agriculture for Marketing and Regulatory 
Programs;
    (c) Under Secretary of Agriculture for Rural Development;
    (d) Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food, Nutrition, and Consumer 
Services;
    (e) Under Secretary of Agriculture for Natural Resources and 
Environment;
    (f) Under Secretary of Agriculture for Research, Education, and 
Economics;
    (g) Under Secretary of Agriculture for Food Safety;
    (h) General Counsel of the Department of Agriculture;
    (i) Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Administration; and
    (j) Assistant Secretary of Agriculture for Congressional Relations.
    Sec. 3. Exceptions.
    (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 
2(a)-(j) in an acting capacity shall, by virtue of so serving, act as 
Secretary pursuant to this order.
    (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Executive Order, the 
President retains discretion, to the extent permitted by Subchapter III 
of Chapter 33 of title 5 of the United States Code, to depart from this 
Executive Order in designating an acting Secretary.
    Sec. 4. Executive Order 11957 of January 13, 1977, is hereby 
revoked.
                                                         George W. Bush.

    Ex. Ord. No. 13242. Providing an Order of Succession Within the 
                         Department of Commerce

    Ex. Ord. No. 13242, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 F.R. 66260, as amended by Ex. 
Ord. No. 13261, Sec. 4(b), Mar. 19, 2002, 67 F.R. 13243, provided:
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and 
the laws of the United States of America, including Subchapter III of 
Chapter 33 of title 5 of the United States Code, it is hereby ordered 
that:
    Section 1. Subject to the provisions of section 3 of this Executive 
Order, the officers named in section 2, in the order listed, shall act 
as and perform the functions and duties of the office of Secretary of 
Commerce (Secretary) during any period when both the Secretary and the 
Deputy Secretary of Commerce (Deputy Secretary) have died, resigned, or 
are otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of the office 
of Secretary.
    Sec. 2. Order of Succession.
    (a) General Counsel of the Department of Commerce;
    (b) Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade;
    (c) Under Secretary of Commerce for Economic Affairs;
    (d) Under Secretary of Commerce for Oceans and Atmosphere and 
Administrator of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration;
    (e) Under Secretary of Commerce for Technology;
    (f) Under Secretary of Commerce for Export Administration;
    (g) Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Commerce and 
Assistant Secretary of Commerce in charge of Administration; and
    (h) Assistant Secretary of Commerce in charge of Legislative and 
Intergovernmental Affairs.
    Sec. 3. Exceptions.
    (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 
2(a)-(h) in an acting capacity shall, by virtue of so serving, act as 
Secretary pursuant to this order.
    (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Executive Order, the 
President retains discretion, to the extent permitted by Subchapter III 
of Chapter 33 of title 5 of the United States Code, to depart from this 
Executive Order in designating an acting Secretary.
    Sec. 4. Executive Order 11880 of October 2, 1975, Executive Order 
12998 of April 5, 1996, and section 26 of Executive Order 12608 of 
September 9, 1987, are hereby revoked.
                                                         George W. Bush.

    Ex. Ord. No. 13243. Providing an Order of Succession Within the 
               Department of Housing and Urban Development

    Ex. Ord. No. 13243, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 F.R. 66262, as amended by Ex. 
Ord. No. 13261, Sec. 4(c), Mar. 19, 2002, 67 F.R. 13244, provided:
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and 
the laws of the United States of America, including Subchapter III of 
Chapter 33 of title 5 of the United States Code, it is hereby ordered 
that:
    Section 1. Subject to the provisions of section 3 of this Executive 
Order, the officers named in section 2, in the order listed, shall act 
as and perform the functions and duties of the office of Secretary of 
Housing and Urban Development (Secretary) during any period when both 
the Secretary and the Deputy Secretary of Housing and Urban Development 
(Deputy Secretary) have died, resigned, or are otherwise unable to 
perform the functions and duties of the office of Secretary.
    Sec. 2. Order of Succession.
    (a) General Counsel of the Department of Housing and Urban 
Development;
    (b) Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in charge 
of Housing-Federal Housing Commission;
    (c) Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in charge 
of Community, Planning and Development;
    (d) Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in charge 
of Public and Indian Housing;
    (e) Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in charge 
of Policy Development and Research;
    (f) Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in charge 
of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity;
    (g) Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in charge 
of Congressional and Intergovernmental Relations;
    (h) Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in charge 
of Administration; and
    (i) Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development in charge 
of Public Affairs.
    Sec. 3. Exceptions.
    (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 
2(a)-(i) in an acting capacity shall, by virtue of so serving, act as 
Secretary pursuant to this order.
    (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Executive Order, the 
President retains discretion, to the extent permitted by Subchapter III 
of Chapter 33 of title 5 of the United States Code, to depart from this 
Executive Order in designating an acting Secretary.
    Sec. 4. Executive Order 11274 of March 30, 1996, is hereby revoked.
                                                         George W. Bush.

    Ex. Ord. No. 13244. Providing an Order of Succession Within the 
                       Department of the Interior

    Ex. Ord. No. 13244, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 F.R. 66267, as amended by Ex. 
Ord. No. 13261, Sec. 4(d), Mar. 19, 2002, 67 F.R. 13244, provided:
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and 
the laws of the United States of America, including Subchapter III of 
Chapter 33 of title 5 of the United States Code, it is hereby ordered 
that:
    Section 1. Subject to the provisions of section 3 of this Executive 
Order, the officers named in section 2, in the order listed, shall act 
as and perform the functions and duties of the office of Secretary of 
the Interior (Secretary) during any period when both the Secretary and 
the Deputy Secretary of the Interior (Deputy Secretary) have died, 
resigned, or are otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of 
the office of Secretary.
    Sec. 2. Order of Succession.
    (a) Solicitor of the Department of the Interior;
    (b) Assistant Secretary of the Interior in charge of Policy, 
Management and Budget;
    (c) Assistant Secretary of the Interior in charge of Land and 
Minerals Management;
    (d) Assistant Secretary of the Interior in charge of Water and 
Science;
    (e) Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Fish and Wildlife and 
Parks; and
    (f) Assistant Secretary of the Interior for Indian Affairs.
    Sec. 3. Exceptions.
    (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 
2(a)-(f) in an acting capacity shall, by virtue of so serving, act as 
Secretary pursuant to this order.
    (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Executive Order, the 
President retains discretion, to the extent permitted by Subchapter III 
of Chapter 33 of title 5 of the United States Code, to depart from this 
Executive Order in designating an acting Secretary.
    Sec. 4. Executive Order 11487 of October 6, 1969, is hereby revoked.
                                                         George W. Bush.

    Ex. Ord. No. 13245. Providing an Order of Succession Within the 
                           Department of Labor

    Ex. Ord. No. 13245, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 F.R. 66268, as amended by Ex. 
Ord. No. 13261, Sec. 4(e), Mar. 19, 2002, 67 F.R. 13244, provided:
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and 
the laws of the United States of America, including Subchapter III of 
Chapter 33 of title 5 of the United States Code, it is hereby ordered 
that:
    Section 1. Subject to the provisions of section 3 of this Executive 
Order, the officers named in section 2, in the order listed, shall act 
as and perform the functions and duties of the office of Secretary of 
Labor (Secretary) during any period when both the Secretary and the 
Deputy Secretary of Labor (Deputy Secretary) have died, resigned, or are 
otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of the office of 
Secretary.
    Sec. 2. Order of Succession.
    (a) Solicitor of Labor;
    (b) Assistant Secretary of Labor in charge of Administration and 
Management;
    (c) Assistant Secretary of Labor in charge of Policy;
    (d) Assistant Secretary of Labor in charge of Congressional and 
Intergovernmental Affairs;
    (e) Assistant Secretary of Labor in charge of the Employment and 
Training Administration;
    (f) Assistant Secretary of Labor in charge of the Employment 
Standards Administration;
    (g) Assistant Secretary of Labor in charge of the Pension and 
Welfare Benefits Administration;
    (h) Assistant Secretary of Labor for Occupational Safety and Health;
    (i) Assistant Secretary of Labor for Mine Safety and Health;
    (j) Assistant Secretary of Labor in charge of the Office of Public 
Affairs;
    (k) Assistant Secretary of Labor for Veterans' Employment and 
Training; and
    (l) Assistant Secretary of Labor in charge of the Office of 
Disability Employment Policy.
    Sec. 3. Exceptions.
    (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 
2(a)-(l) in an acting capacity shall, by virtue of so serving, act as 
Secretary pursuant to this order.
    (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Executive Order, the 
President retains discretion, to the extent permitted by Subchapter III 
of Chapter 33 of title 5 of the United States Code, to depart from this 
Executive Order in designating an acting Secretary.
    Sec. 4. Executive Order 10513 of January 19, 1954, is hereby 
revoked.
                                                         George W. Bush.

    Ex. Ord. No. 13246. Providing an Order of Succession Within the 
                       Department of the Treasury

    Ex. Ord. No. 13246, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 F.R. 66270, as amended by Ex. 
Ord. No. 13261, Sec. 4(f), Mar. 19, 2002, 67 F.R. 13244, provided:
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and 
the laws of the United States of America, including Subchapter III of 
Chapter 33 of title 5 of the United States Code, it is hereby ordered 
that:
    Section 1. Subject to the provisions of section 3 of this Executive 
Order, the officers named in section 2, in the order listed, shall act 
as and perform the functions and duties of the office of Secretary of 
the Treasury (Secretary) during any period when both the Secretary and 
the Deputy Secretary of the Treasury (Deputy Secretary) have died, 
resigned, or are otherwise unable to perform the functions and duties of 
the office of Secretary.
    Sec. 2. Order of Succession.
    (a) Under Secretaries of the Treasury (including the Under Secretary 
of the Treasury for Enforcement), in the order in which they shall have 
taken the oath of office as such officers;
    (b) General Counsel of the Department of the Treasury; and
    (c) Deputy Under Secretaries of the Treasury and those Assistant 
Secretaries of the Treasury appointed by the President by and with the 
consent of the Senate, in the order in which they shall have taken the 
oath of office as such officers.
    Sec. 3. Exceptions.
    (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 
2(a)-(c) in an acting capacity shall, by virtue of so serving, act as 
Secretary pursuant to this order.
    (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Executive Order, the 
President retains discretion, to the extent permitted by Subchapter III 
of Chapter 33 of title 5 of the United States Code, to depart from this 
Executive Order in designating an acting Secretary.
    Sec. 4. Executive Order 11822 of December 10, 1974, is hereby 
revoked.
                                                         George W. Bush.

    Ex. Ord. No. 13247. Providing an Order of Succession Within the 
                     Department of Veterans Affairs

    Ex. Ord. No. 13247, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 F.R. 66271, as amended by Ex. 
Ord. No. 13261, Sec. 4(g), Mar. 19, 2002, 67 F.R. 13244, provided:
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and 
the laws of the United States of America, including Subchapter III of 
Chapter 33 of title 5 of the United States Code, it is hereby ordered 
that:
    Sec. 1. Subject to the provisions of section 3 of this Executive 
Order, the officers named in section 2, in the order listed, shall act 
as and perform the functions and duties of the office of Secretary of 
Veterans Affairs (Secretary) during any period when both the Secretary 
and the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Deputy Secretary) have 
died, resigned, or are otherwise unable to perform the functions and 
duties of the office of Secretary.
    Sec. 2. Order of Succession.
    (a) Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Health;
    (b) Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Benefits;
    (c) Under Secretary of Veterans Affairs for Memorial Affairs;
    (d) General Counsel of the Department of Veterans Affairs;
    (e) Assistant Secretaries of Veterans Affairs, in the order in which 
they shall have taken the oath of office as Assistant Secretaries, other 
than the Chief Financial Officer and, if an Assistant Secretary, the 
Chief Information Officer;
    (f) Chief Information Officer of the Department of Veterans Affairs, 
if the Chief Information Officer is an officer appointed by the 
President by and with the consent of the Senate;
    (g) Chief Financial Officer of the Department of Veterans Affairs; 
and
    (h) Chairman, Board of Veterans' Appeals.
    Sec. 3. Exceptions.
    (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 
2(a)-(h) in an acting capacity shall, by virtue of so serving, act as 
Secretary pursuant to this order.
    (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this Executive Order, the 
President retains discretion, to the extent permitted by Subchapter III 
of Chapter 33 of title 5 of the United States Code, to depart from this 
Executive Order in designating an acting Secretary.
                                                         George W. Bush.

    Ex. Ord. No. 13250. Providing an Order of Succession Within the 
                 Department of Health and Human Services

    Ex. Ord. No. 13250, Dec. 28, 2001, 67 F.R. 1597, as amended by Ex. 
Ord. No. 13261, Sec. 4(h), Mar. 19, 2002, 67 F.R. 13244, provided:
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Vacancies 
Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq., it is hereby ordered that:
    Section 1. Subject to the provisions of section 3 of this order, the 
officers named in section 2, in the order listed, shall act as and 
perform the functions and duties of the Office of the Secretary of 
Health and Human Services (Secretary) during any period when both the 
Secretary and the Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services (Deputy 
Secretary) have died, resigned, or become otherwise unable to perform 
the functions and duties of the office of Secretary.
    Sec. 2. Order of Succession.
    (a) The Assistant Secretaries of Health and Human Services appointed 
by the President and confirmed by the Senate, in the order in which they 
shall have taken the oath of office as such;
    (b) The General Counsel of the Department of Health and Human 
Services; and
    (c) Other officers within the Department of Health and Human 
Services who have been appointed by the President by and with the 
consent of the Senate, in the order in which they shall have taken the 
oath of office as such.
    Sec. 3. Exceptions.
    (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 
2(a)-(c) in an acting capacity shall, by virtue of so serving, act as 
Secretary pursuant to this order.
    (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this order, the President 
retains discretion, to the extent permitted by the Federal Vacancies 
Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq., to depart from this order in 
designating an acting Secretary.
                                                         George W. Bush.

    Ex. Ord. No. 13251. Providing an Order of Succession Within the 
                           Department of State

    Ex. Ord. No. 13251, Dec. 28, 2001, 67 F.R. 1599, as amended by Ex. 
Ord. No. 13261, Sec. 4(i), Mar. 19, 2002, 67 F.R. 13244, provided:
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and 
laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Vacancies 
Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq., it is hereby ordered that:
    Section 1. Subject to the provisions of section 3 of this order, the 
officers named in section 2, in the order listed, shall act as, and 
perform the duties of, the office of Secretary of State (Secretary) 
during any period in which the Secretary has died, resigned, or 
otherwise become unable to perform the functions and duties of the 
office of Secretary.
    Sec. 2. Order of Succession.
    (a) Deputy Secretary of State;
    (b) Deputy Secretary of State for Management and Resources;
    (c) Under Secretary of State designated for political affairs 
pursuant to section 2651a(b) of title 22, United States Code;
    (d) Under Secretary of State designated for management affairs 
pursuant to section 2651a(b) of title 22, United States Code;
    (e) The remaining Under Secretaries of State, in the order in which 
they shall have taken the oath of office as such;
    (f) Assistant Secretaries of State designated for regional bureaus 
pursuant to section 2651a(c) of title 22, United States Code, in the 
order in which they shall have taken the oath of office as such;
    (g) The following officers, in the order in which they shall have 
taken the oath of office as such:
        (1) Remaining Assistant Secretaries of State;
        (2) Coordinator for Counterterrorism;
        (3) Director General of the Foreign Service; and
        (4) Legal Adviser;
    (h) United States Representative to the United Nations (New York);
    (i) Deputy United States Representative to the United Nations (New 
York);
    (j) The following other United States Representatives to the United 
Nations (New York), in the order in which they shall have taken the oath 
of office as such:
        (1) United States Representative to the United Nations for 
    United Nations Management and Reform;
        (2) United States Representative to the United Nations on the 
    Economic and Social Council of the United Nations; and
        (3) Alternate United States Representative to the United Nations 
    for Special Political Affairs in the United Nations;
    (k) The following Chiefs of Mission, in the order listed:
        (1) United States Ambassador to the United Kingdom;
        (2) United States Ambassador to Canada;
        (3) United States Ambassador to Australia;
        (4) United States Ambassador to Mexico;
        (5) United States Ambassador to Japan; and
        (6) United States Ambassador to India;
    (l) The following officers, in the order in which they shall have 
taken the oath of office as such:
        (1) United States Ambassadors at Large;
        (2) Counselor; and
        (3) Special Representatives of the President; and
    (m) The remaining Chiefs of Mission, in the order in which they 
shall have taken the oath of office as such.
    Sec. 3. Exceptions.
    (a) No individual who has not been appointed by the President by and 
with the consent of the Senate shall act as Secretary pursuant to this 
order.
    (b) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 
2(a)-(m) in an acting capacity shall, by virtue of so serving, act as 
Secretary pursuant to this order.
    (c) Notwithstanding the provisions of this order, the President 
retains discretion, to the extent permitted by the Federal Vacancies 
Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq., to depart from this order in 
designating an acting Secretary.
    (d) A successor office, intended to be the equivalent of an office 
identified in section 2 of this order, shall be deemed to be the 
position identified in section 2 for purposes of this order.
    Sec. 4. Executive Order 12343 of January 27, 1982, is hereby 
revoked.
                                                         George W. Bush.

      Ex. Ord. No. 13261. Providing an Order of Succession in the 
     Environmental Protection Agency and Amending Certain Orders on 
                               Succession

    Ex. Ord. No. 13261, Mar. 19, 2002, 67 F.R. 13243, provided:
    By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and 
the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal 
Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345, et seq., it is hereby 
ordered that:
    Section 1. Subject to the provisions of section 3 of this order, the 
officers named in section 2, in the order listed, shall act as and 
perform the functions and duties of the office of the Administrator of 
the Environmental Protection Agency (Administrator) during any period 
when both the Administrator and the Deputy Administrator of the 
Environmental Protection Agency have died, resigned, or become otherwise 
unable to perform the functions and duties of the office of 
Administrator.
    Sec. 2. Order of Succession.
    (a) Assistant Administrator for Toxic Substances;
    (b) Assistant Administrator (Air and Radiation);
    (c) Assistant Administrator, Office of Solid Waste;
    (d) Assistant Administrator (Water Programs);
    (e) Assistant Administrator (General Counsel);
    (f) Assistant Administrator (Enforcement and Compliance Assurance);
    (g) Chief Financial Officer;
    (h) Assistant Administrator (Research and Development);
    (i) Assistant Administrator (International Activities);
    (j) Assistant Administrator (Administration and Resources 
Management); and
    (k) Assistant Administrator (Environmental Information).
    Sec. 3. Exceptions.
    (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 
2(a)-(k) in an acting capacity, by virtue of so serving, shall act as 
Administrator pursuant to this order.
    (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this order, the President 
retains discretion, to the extent permitted by the Federal Vacancies 
Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq., to depart from this order in 
designating an acting Administrator.
    Sec. 4. Amendments to Certain Executive Orders providing Orders of 
Succession. Executive Orders 13241, 13242, 13243, 13244, 13245, 13246, 
and 13247 of December 18, 2001, and Executive Orders 13250 and 13251 of 
December 28, 2001, are hereby amended as follows:
    (a) [Amended Ex. Ord. No. 13241, set out above;]
    (b) [Amended Ex. Ord. No. 13242, set out above;]
    (c) [Amended Ex. Ord. No. 13243, set out above;]
    (d) [Amended Ex. Ord. No. 13244, set out above;]
    (e) [Amended Ex. Ord. No. 13245, set out above;]
    (f) [Amended Ex. Ord. No. 13246, set out above;]
    (g) [Amended Ex. Ord. No. 13247, set out above;]
    (h) [Amended Ex. Ord. No. 13250, set out above; and]
    (i) [Amended Ex. Ord. No. 13251, set out above.]
                                                         George W. Bush.

 Designation of Officers of the Federal Emergency Management Agency To 
       Act as Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency

    Memorandum of President of the United States, Nov. 26, 2002, 67 F.R. 
79513, provided:
    Memorandum for the Director of the Federal Emergency Management 
Agency
    By the authority vested in me as President under the Constitution 
and laws of the United States of America and pursuant to the Federal 
Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq., I hereby order 
that:
    Section 1. Order of Succession.
    During any period when both the Director of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency (Director) and the Deputy Director of the Federal 
Emergency Management Agency (Deputy Director) have died, resigned, or 
otherwise become unable to perform the functions and duties of the 
office of Director, the following officers of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency, in the order listed, shall perform the functions and 
duties of the office of Director, if they are eligible to act as 
Director under the provisions of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 
1998, until such time as the Director or Deputy Director is able to 
perform the functions and duties of the office of Director:
    Administrator of the United States Fire Administration;
    Administrator of the Federal Insurance and Mitigation 
Administration;
    Assistant Director, Administration and Resource Planning 
Directorate; and
    Regional Director, Region IV.
    Section 2. Exceptions.
    (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 1 in 
an acting capacity, by virtue of so serving, shall act as Director 
pursuant to this memorandum.
    (b) Not withstanding the provisions of this memorandum, the 
President retains discretion, to the extent permitted by the Federal 
Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345-3349d, to depart from this 
order in designating an acting Director.
    Section 3. Termination.
    This memorandum shall terminate immediately upon the transfer of the 
authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Federal Emergency 
Management Agency to the Department of Homeland Security.
    Section 4. Publication.
    The Director is authorized and directed to publish this memorandum 
in the Federal Register.
                                                         George W. Bush.
    [For transfer of functions, personnel, assets, and liabilities of 
the Federal Emergency Management Agency, including the functions of the 
Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency relating thereto, to 
the Secretary of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related 
references, see sections 313(1), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, 
Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security 
Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note 
under section 542 of Title 6.]

Designation of Officers of the Department of Veterans Affairs To Act as 
                      Secretary of Veterans Affairs

    Memorandum of President of the United States, Feb. 12, 2003, 68 F.R. 
10141, provided:
    Memorandum for the Secretary of Veterans Affairs
    By the authority vested in me as President under the Constitution 
and laws of the United States of America and pursuant to the Federal 
Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq., I hereby order 
that:
    Section 1.Order of Succession.
    During any period when the Secretary of Veterans Affairs 
(Secretary), the Deputy Secretary of Veterans Affairs (Deputy 
Secretary), and the officers designated by Executive Order 13247 of 
December 18, 2001 [set out above], to perform the functions and duties 
of the office of Secretary have died, resigned, or otherwise become 
unable to perform the functions and duties of the office of Secretary, 
the following officers of the Department of Veterans Affairs, in the 
order listed, shall perform the functions and duties of the office of 
Secretary, if they are eligible to act as Secretary under the provisions 
of the Federal Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, until such time as at least 
one of the officers mentioned above is able to perform the functions and 
duties of the office of Secretary:
    Veterans Integrated Service Network (VISN) 8 Director, Veterans 
Health Administration;
    VISN 7 Director, Veterans Health Administration;
    Veterans Benefits Administration Southern Area Director; and
    North Florida/South Georgia Healthcare System Director.
    Sec. 2. Exceptions.
    (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 1 in 
an acting capacity, by virtue of so serving, shall act as Secretary 
pursuant to this memorandum.
    (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this memorandum, the President 
retains discretion, to the extent permitted by the Federal Vacancies 
Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345 et seq., to depart from this 
memorandum in designating an acting Secretary.
    Sec. 3. Publication.
    You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the 
Federal Register.
                                                         George W. Bush.

Designation of Officers of the Office of Personnel Management to Act as 
             Director of the Office of Personnel Management

    Memorandum of President of the United States, Mar. 11, 2003, 68 F.R. 
12281, provided:
    Memorandum for the Director of the Office of Personnel Management
    By the authority vested in me as President under the Constitution 
and laws of the United States of America and pursuant to the Federal 
Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 345 [3345] et seq., I hereby 
order that:
    Section 1. Order of Succession.
    During any period when the Director of the Office of Personnel 
Management (Director), or the Deputy Director of the Office of Personnel 
Management, has died, resigned, or otherwise become unable to perform 
the functions and duties of the office of Director, the following 
officers of the Office of Personnel Management, in the order listed, 
shall perform the functions and duties of the office of Director, if 
they are eligible to act as Director under the provisions of the Federal 
Vacancies Reform Act of 1998, until such time as at least one of the 
officers mentioned above is able to perform the functions and duties of 
the office of Director:
    Chief of Staff;
    General Counsel;
    Associate Director, Management and Chief Financial Officer;
    Associate Director, Human Resources Policy;
    Associate Director, Human Resources Products and Services;
    Associate Director, Human Capital Leadership and Merit Systems 
Accountability;
    Deputy Associate Director, Center for Investigations Services;
    Director, Office of Congressional Relations;
    Director, Office of Communications;
    Senior Advisor, Homeland Security; and
    Senior Advisor, Learning and Knowledge Management.
    Sec. 2. Exceptions.
    (a) No individual who is serving in an office listed in section 1 in 
an acting capacity, by virtue of so serving, shall act as Director 
pursuant to this memorandum.
    (b) Notwithstanding the provisions of this memorandum, the President 
retains discretion, to the extent permitted by the Federal Vacancies 
Reform Act of 1998, 5 U.S.C. 3345-3349d, to depart from this memorandum 
in designating an acting Director.
    Sec. 3. Publication.
    You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the 
Federal Register.
                                                         George W. Bush.

                  Section Referred to in Other Sections

    This section is referred to in sections 3346, 3347, 3348, 3349, 
3349b, 3349c, 3349d, 5535 of this title; title 7 section 2211; title 28 
section 508.