ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13246Executive OrderG.W. Bush · R

Executive Order 13246

Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of the Treasury

This executive order establishes the line of succession for the Secretary of the Treasury when both the Secretary and Deputy Secretary are unable to serve. It specifies that Under Secretaries, then the General Counsel, then Deputy Under Secretaries and Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretaries will assume the role in order of their oath-taking dates.

Federal Register Open PDF 66 FR 66270

Key directives

  • Establish succession order: Under Secretaries first, then General Counsel, then Deputy Under Secretaries and Senate-confirmed Assistant Secretaries
  • Exclude acting officials from serving as Secretary under this order
  • Preserve presidential discretion to depart from this order under 5 U.S.C. Subchapter III
  • Revoke Executive Order 11822 of December 10, 1974

Timeline

Immediate

  • Revocation of Executive Order 11822
  • New succession order takes effect

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Continuity of Treasury Department operations in emergencies

Risks & tensions

  • Succession based on oath-taking date rather than seniority or expertise may elevate less-experienced officials
  • Presidential discretion in Section 3(b) creates potential uncertainty during crises when clear chain of command is most needed
  • Exclusion of acting officials could create gaps if many positions are temporarily filled
Executive Order 13246: Providing an Order of Succession Within the Department of the Treasury · Executive Orders