Presidential Task Force on Citizen Preparedness in the War on Terrorism

This executive order establishes a temporary Presidential Task Force on Citizen Preparedness in the War on Terrorism, composed of senior officials from 15 executive branch entities. The Task Force is charged with identifying ways Americans can prepare for terrorist attacks and volunteer to support officials, and must report its recommendations to the President within 40 days before automatically terminating 30 days after submission.

Federal Register Open PDF 66 FR 57355

Impact dates

Jan 18, 2002
Task Force termination (30 days after report submission)
Dec 19, 2001
Task Force recommendations due to President

Key directives

Establish Presidential Task Force on Citizen Preparedness in the War on Terrorism
Task Force to identify means for public preparedness in homes, neighborhoods, schools, places of worship, workplaces, and public places
Task Force to identify means for public volunteering to support state and local public health and safety officials
Task Force to submit recommendations to President within 40 days
Task Force to terminate 30 days after submitting report

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

Task Force established
Co-Chairs from Office of Homeland Security and Domestic Policy Council designated

Near term (90d)

Task Force recommendations due to President by December 19, 2001
Task Force terminates 30 days after report submission (approximately January 18, 2002)

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

Extremely compressed 40-day timeline for cross-agency coordination may limit depth of recommendations
Task Force terminates 30 days after report, creating no ongoing implementation mechanism
Post-9/11 context suggests high urgency but EO provides no funding or enforcement authority
Vague 'recommend' language leaves action entirely discretionary; no mandate for President or agencies to act