Congress has passed the Presidential Transitions Improvements Act (S-1172), to require certain planning and coordination activities for the upcoming transition and those to follow.
Each agency would designate a senior career official for each major component or subcomponent to oversee transition activities, and would designate individuals to serve in an acting capacity in politically appointive positions once they are vacated.
Also, GSA would designate a senior career official to oversee GSA’s duties relating to a transition, serve as the coordinator for transition planning across agencies, ensure that agencies comply with requirements for transition planning and reporting, and act as the government’s liaison to candidates.
Another provision would set up a transition coordinating council in the White House as well as establishing an agency transition directors council. The measure also expands training for incoming appointees on how the government works.
Organizations including the Partnership for Public Service have been pushing for more attention, and sooner, to presidential transitions, focusing on the mechanics of operating the government.
