President Donald Trump issued an executive order to eliminate several agencies within the federal government on March 14. This order targets several key governmental entities, mandating the elimination of non-statutory components and functions while minimizing statutory roles to the bare legal requirements. Here’s a breakdown of the affected agencies and their roles in serving the American people:
Affected Agencies
- Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS)
- Mission: The FMCS is an independent agency established in 1947 to foster better workplace relationships through mediation and conflict resolution services. It assists employers and employees in managing workplace conflicts, supporting both industry and government agencies.
- United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM)
- Mission: USAGM oversees U.S. civilian international broadcasting, including prominent outlets like Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty. It promotes a free and professional press globally, reaching an audience of over 427 million people in 64 languages.
- Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars
- Mission: Located within the Smithsonian Institution, this center was established in 1968 as a national memorial to President Woodrow Wilson. It bridges the gap between academic scholarship and policy by supporting research and linking it to issues relevant to policymakers in Washington.
- Institute of Museum and Library Services (IMLS)
- Mission: IMLS, established in 1996, is the primary federal agency supporting museums and libraries across the U.S. It provides grants and resources to enhance access to cultural, educational, and scientific information, promoting lifelong learning and community engagement.
- United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH)
- Mission: USICH coordinates federal efforts to combat homelessness, working with 19 member agencies to develop strategies for preventing and ending homelessness. It was established under the Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act of 1987.
- Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund)
- Mission: Administered by the U.S. Department of the Treasury, the CDFI Fund supports economic growth in distressed communities by providing capital grants and investments to community development financial institutions. It was authorized by the Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994.
- Minority Business Development Agency (MBDA)
- Mission: Fosters the growth and global competitiveness of minority-owned businesses through the provision of technical assistance, business support, and resources. Additionally, it engages in advocacy efforts and conducts research to further enhance the success of these enterprises.
Each agency must submit a compliance report to the Office of Management and Budget within seven days, detailing which components are statutorily required and to what extent. The order also instructs the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to reject funding requests inconsistent with these reductions, subject to applicable law and available appropriations.
