ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumClinton · D

Presidential Memorandum

Delegation of Authority

This memorandum delegates presidential authority to the Secretary of State to impose limits on political activities of State Department political appointees, including Presidential appointees, PAS appointees, noncareer SES, and Schedule C employees. The delegation is made under the Hatch Act Reform Amendment regulations and 3 U.S.C. § 301.

Federal Register 59 FR 54121
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Impact dates

  1. Publish memorandum in Federal Register

Key directives

  • Delegate authority to Secretary of State to limit political activities of specified political appointees
  • Direct Secretary to publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of authority takes effect upon signing

Near term (90d)

  • Secretary of State may begin exercising authority to limit political activities

Long term

  • Ongoing application of Hatch Act restrictions to State Department political workforce

Risks & tensions

  • Limited to single agency (State Department); scope of 'limit' is vague and not specified in text
  • No enforcement mechanism or criteria specified for how Secretary should exercise this authority
  • Potential tension between political participation rights and executive control over appointees
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority · Executive Orders