Prez Blocks Last-Minute Deals Tying New Admin Hands
Published Date: 2/14/2025
Presidential Document
Summary
Right before a new President takes office, some agencies rushed to make deals that tie the new President’s hands. This order stops federal agencies from locking in big changes or extending agreements in the last 30 days before a new President starts. It protects the new President’s power to run the government smoothly without being stuck with last-minute rules—and it keeps things fair for everyone.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Ban on Last‑Minute CBAs
Federal agencies may not approve collective bargaining agreements (CBAs) executed in the 30 days prior to a change in Presidential administrations if they create new contractual obligations, make substantive changes, or extend an existing agreement. The memorandum gives January 31, 2025 as its date and cites an example of a Department of Education CBA negotiated on January 17, 2025.
Agency Heads Must Disapprove Late CBAs
If subordinate agency personnel executed a CBA that violates the 30‑day restriction but the agency head has not yet approved it under 5 U.S.C. 7114(c), the agency head must promptly disapprove that agreement. This requires agency heads to act to stop such last‑minute CBAs from taking effect.
Existing CBA Rollovers Allowed
The memorandum says subsection (a) does not prevent CBAs from rolling over under existing contractual provisions. That means automatic renewals that are already written into CBAs can continue even if they occur during the 30‑day period before a new President takes office.
Law‑Enforcement CBAs Are Exempt
The memorandum does not apply to CBAs that primarily cover law enforcement officers as that term is used in 18 U.S.C. 1515(a)(4). Such agreements are excluded from the 30‑day prohibition.
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Key Dates
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