Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the Federal Government on Friday, December 26, 2008

This executive order closes all executive branch departments and agencies on Friday, December 26, 2008, the day after Christmas, with exceptions for national security, defense, or other public needs. It ensures affected employees receive appropriate pay and leave treatment under existing statutes.

Federal Register Open PDF 73 FR 76501

Impact dates

Dec 26, 2008
Federal government closure takes effect

Key directives

Close all executive branch departments and agencies on December 26, 2008
Agency heads may exempt certain offices/employees for national security, defense, or public need
December 26, 2008 treated as covered holiday for pay and leave purposes under 5 U.S.C. 5546 and 6103(b)

Who is ordered

heads of executive branch departments and agencies · various

Timeline

Immediate

EO issued December 12, 2008

Near term (90d)

Federal closure on December 26, 2008

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

Minimal operational disruption expected due to holiday period
Agency head discretion on exemptions creates potential inconsistency in implementation
No enforcement mechanism or private right of action per Section 4