ExecutiveOrdersEO
EO 13442Executive OrderG.W. Bush · R

Executive Order 13442

Amending the Order of Succession in the Department of Homeland Security

This executive order updates the line of succession for the Secretary of Homeland Security, replacing the previous succession list from 2003 and revoking a 2004 supplement. It establishes a 17-person order of succession starting with the Deputy Secretary and ending with FEMA regional administrators.

Federal Register Open PDF 72 FR 45877

Impact dates

  1. EO effective; succession order and revocation take effect

Key directives

  • Replace entire Section 88 of EO 13286 with new 17-person succession list
  • Revoke EO 13362 of November 29, 2004
  • Disqualify acting officials from ascending by virtue of their acting status
  • Preserve presidential discretion to depart from order under Vacancies Act

Timeline

Immediate

  • Succession order takes effect upon signing
  • Executive Order 13362 revoked

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Applies to any future vacancy in Secretary position

Risks & tensions

  • Low institutional tension: routine administrative update, but succession depth (17 names) may reflect post-Katrina/FEMA concerns
  • Presidential discretion clause (b)(ii) preserves flexibility but creates potential ambiguity if invoked
  • Regional administrators placed in national succession chain—unusual for regional officials
Executive Order 13442: Amending the Order of Succession in the Department of Homeland Security · Executive Orders