Two decades later: How lessons from the 9/11 Commission Report can help us improve the political appointment process and protect our national security Two decades later: How lessons from the 9/11 Commission Report can help us improve the political appointment process and protect our national security September 13, 2021 One of the 9/11 Commission report’s most notable findings was that a delayed presidential transition in 2000 “hampered the new administration in identifying, recruiting, clearing, and obtaining Senate confirmation of key appointees.”
The Three Big Mistakes in the 2020 Plum Book The Three Big Mistakes in the 2020 Plum Book June 30, 2021 For most people, the only way to find out who is serving in the top decision-making positions in government is to reference the 2020 Plum Book. Unfortunately, this document has significant procedural and factual problems and could be greatly improved.
Five Questions About Serving on Federal Boards, Commissions and Advisory Committees Five Questions About Serving on Federal Boards, Commissions and Advisory Committees June 24, 2021 Part-time federal advisory boards, commissions and committees are important parts of the federal government that generally receive little attention. Joining one of these groups is a great way for experienced individuals to engage in public service even if they do not hold a full-time government position.
Prominent Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Have Served in the Federal Government Prominent Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders Who Have Served in the Federal Government May 20, 2021 In recognition of May as Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, here is a list of prominent Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders who have served in the federal government.
The U.S. Process for Confirming a Cabinet Takes Longer Than Almost All Other Countries The U.S. Process for Confirming a Cabinet Takes Longer Than Almost All Other Countries May 5, 2021 The U.S. takes far longer to confirm its executive Cabinet than most other countries. Among the 20 countries with the highest gross domestic product, the U.S. was the second slowest during the most recent transitions to a new head of state.
The Biden Administration Faces Obstacles Getting Key Officials in Place Despite a Well-Organized Transition The Biden Administration Faces Obstacles Getting Key Officials in Place Despite a Well-Organized Transition April 30, 2021 At the 100 day mark of his administration on April 29, President Joe Biden had outpaced his predecessors by appointing a record of nearly 1,500 officials to government positions not requiring Senate approval and by nominating 220 others for Senate confirmed jobs.
The Center for Presidential Transition’s Pivotal Role in This Year’s Presidential Transition of Power The Center for Presidential Transition’s Pivotal Role in This Year’s Presidential Transition of Power April 26, 2021 The retrospective report offers an in-depth look at the pivotal support the Center provided—from laying the groundwork with the Biden and Trump teams almost a year ago to preparing prospective political appointees in recent months—and its role as the go-to resource for nonpartisan counsel and support for presidential transitions.
Pace of Senate Confirmations: How Does Biden Compare With Previous Presidents? Pace of Senate Confirmations: How Does Biden Compare With Previous Presidents? April 21, 2021 Presidents are responsible for about 4,000 political appointments, about 1,200 of which require Senate confirmation. This blog includes a comparison of how Biden’s pace of appointments and confirmations compares with the previous three presidents.
Why People With State and Local Experience Should Serve As Presidential Appointees Why People With State and Local Experience Should Serve As Presidential Appointees April 13, 2021 Having a background on state and local issues provides a good perspective on how the government touches lives and communities every day.
Most Nominations Withdrawn From Consideration by the Senate Happen Prior To Receiving a Committee Hearing Most Nominations Withdrawn From Consideration by the Senate Happen Prior To Receiving a Committee Hearing March 18, 2021 While withdrawn nominations make up a small percentage of presidential nominations, they often receive significant media attention and consume time and resources for the White House, which must find another candidate, and the Senate, which must take up more of its limited time to consider someone new.