FR 2024-31766

The document in question is Executive Order 14133, which was issued by the President of the United States. This order calls for the closure of all executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government on January 9, 2025, as a mark of respect for James Earl Carter, Jr., who served as the thirty-ninth President of the United States.

General Overview

Executive Order 14133 is primarily centered on recognizing the contributions of former President Jimmy Carter by declaring a federal holiday on January 9, 2025. On this day, federal government offices will be closed nationwide. However, the order provides flexibility, allowing heads of government departments and agencies to keep some offices open if necessary. This is primarily for critical functions related to national security, defense, or other public needs.

Significant Issues and Concerns

While the executive order appears straightforward, it raises a few concerns. One potential issue is the financial cost associated with closing federal offices for a full day. The loss of productivity and the potential requirement for overtime payments as employees catch up on work could be substantial.

Additionally, the executive order gives department heads the discretion to determine which offices must remain open. This may lead to inconsistent application of the closure across different agencies, causing confusion among employees and inefficiencies in government operations.

The document also specifies that the order does not create any enforceable legal rights for employees. This language might create uncertainty among employees, who may be unclear about their rights on the day of the closure.

Moreover, the order references other legal documents, such as Executive Order 11582 and certain sections of the U.S. Code, without detailed explanation. This could leave readers unsure about what these legal citations entail with respect to employee pay and leave.

Finally, the document does not provide an assessment of the potential economic impacts of the closure. This absence of financial analysis might be perceived as a lack of transparency regarding the broader implications for government finances.

Public Impact

For the general public, the closure of federal government offices means that many government services will be unavailable on January 9, 2025. This could have ripple effects, such as delays in processing government benefits, permits, licenses, and other critical services. However, essential services deemed necessary by agency heads will continue to function, which might mitigate potential disruptions.

Impact on Stakeholders

Federal employees are the most directly impacted group. While many employees will enjoy a day off, others may be required to work if their roles are deemed essential. It is crucial for agency heads to communicate effectively with their staff to ensure clarity on who is required to work and why.

Another stakeholder group includes individuals and businesses relying on government services. For these groups, planning ahead will be key to minimizing the inconvenience caused by a government closure.

In summary, Executive Order 14133 serves a commemorative purpose while posing some operational challenges. The primary concern revolves around balancing the recognition of a national leader with the practical implications of a federal government closure. It highlights the importance of clear communication and management planning to mitigate the potential negative impacts on both government operations and the general public.