Presidential Transitions
Abstract
Since President George Washington first relinquished his office to incoming President John Adams in 1797, this peaceful transition, symbolizing both continuity and change, has demonstrated the stability of the U.S. system of government. Aside from the symbolic transfer of power, an orderly transition from the outgoing Administration to the incoming Administration is essential to ensure continuity in the working affairs of government. Necessary funding for both the incoming and outgoing Administrations is authorized by the Presidential Transition Act (PTA), as amended. The General Services Administration (GSA) is authorized to provide suitable office space, staff compensation, communications services, and printing and postage costs associated with the transition. For the most recent presidential transition, GSA was authorized a total of $7.1 million in FY2001: $1.83 million for the outgoing William Clinton Administration; $4.27 million for the incoming Administration of George W. Bush; and $1 million for GSA to provide additional assistance as required by law. To provide federal funding in the event of a 2004-2005 presidential transition, the President's FY2005 budget proposal requested a total of $7.7 million. It also proposed to amend the PTA to permit the expenditure of not more than $1 million for training and briefings for incoming appointees associated with the second term of an incumbent President. Part I of this report discusses legislative actions to enhance the transition process, each transition since 1960, and general considerations for the presidential transition process. Part II contains the text of the major transition statutes. This report will be updated to reflect changes in benefits or funding. Appendixes contain the Text of Presidential Transition Statutes: the Presidential Transition Act of 2000; the Presidential Transitions Effectiveness Act; the Presidential Transition Act of 1963, Amendments; and the Presidential Transition Act of 1963.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 09, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA462115
Entities
People
- Stephanie Smith
Organizations
- Library of Congress