President Trump signed an executive order requiring federal agencies to assess the functions of advisory committees established under the Federal Advisory Committee Act. The administration aims to remove at least one third of existing committees across the government, according to the directive issued Friday.Â
Agencies should evaluate each committee based on accomplished objectives, current primary functions and cost of operations. The Office of Management and Budget will oversee the evaluation. The order requires OMB to collect plans from agency leaders on their committees by Aug. 1 and to submit a recommendation to White House in September.
Agencies can request a waiver from OMB to retain certain advisory committees. The director of OMB should grant a waiver if a committee appears necessary to support essential services, for program delivery or based on public requirements. Trump wants to retain not more than 350 advisory committees.Â
