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EO 13528Executive OrderObama · D

Executive Order 13528

Establishment of the Council of Governors

This executive order creates a 10-member Council of Governors appointed by the President to advise federal officials on National Guard matters, homeland defense, civil support, and coordination between state and federal military activities. The bipartisan council, co-chaired by two governors from different parties, reports to the Secretaries of Defense and Homeland Security and other national security officials.

Federal Register Open PDF 75 FR 2053

Impact dates

  1. Executive Director designation by Secretary of Defense (no fixed deadline specified)

  2. Member appointments by President (no fixed deadline specified)

Key directives

  • Establish Council of Governors with 10 appointed state governors
  • Limit to no more than five members from same political party
  • Presidential designation of two Co-Chairs from different parties
  • 2-year member terms with reappointment allowed
  • Council to meet at call of Secretary of Defense or Co-Chairs
  • Advise on National Guard, homeland defense, civil support, and military activity synchronization
  • Secretary of Defense to designate Executive Director
  • Members serve without compensation but receive travel expenses
  • Secretary of Defense to provide administrative support upon joint Co-Chairs request subject to appropriations
  • Council may establish subcommittees and charter

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Council of Governors established upon signing
  • President authorized to appoint 10 governors

Near term (90d)

  • Presidential appointment of members expected
  • Designation of two Co-Chairs from different parties
  • Secretary of Defense designation of Executive Director

Long term

  • Ongoing advisory consultations on homeland defense and civil support
  • Potential charter development by the Council
  • Subcommittee establishment as needed

Risks & tensions

  • No binding authority: Council is purely advisory with no decision-making power over federal or state actions
  • Appropriations dependency: Administrative support contingent on funding availability, creating potential resource uncertainty
  • Political balance requirement (max 5 from same party) may complicate appointments during partisan periods
  • Vague scope of 'other matters of mutual interest' in Sec. 2(e) could lead to jurisdictional overlap or mission creep
  • No enforcement mechanism for Council recommendations to federal agencies
Executive Order 13528: Establishment of the Council of Governors · Executive Orders