ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumG.W. Bush · R

Presidential Memorandum

Designation of Officers of the Social Security Administration to Act as the Commissioner of Social Security

This memorandum establishes a formal order of succession for the Social Security Administration, specifying which officials will act as Commissioner if both the Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner are unable to serve. It supersedes a 2006 memorandum on the same topic and includes standard exceptions and disclaimers about presidential discretion and legal enforceability.

Federal Register Open PDF 73 FR 62845

Impact dates

  1. Publication in Federal Register

Key directives

  • Establish order of succession for SSA Commissioner position
  • Supersede April 17, 2006 memorandum
  • Publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Order of succession takes effect upon publication

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Maintains continuity of SSA operations during leadership vacancies

Risks & tensions

  • Document filed 10-20-08, three days after signing date, suggesting routine administrative processing
  • Standard disclaimer in Sec. 4 limits legal enforceability of succession order
Presidential Memorandum: Designation of Officers of the Social Security Administration to Act as the Commissioner of Social Security · Executive Orders