Policy & Regulatory Affairs

The Office develops and manages regulatory policy for the Department. The Office:

  • Reviews all regulations and policy documents that are published in the Federal Register to ensure they reflect administration policy; comply with Federal Register requirements, applicable laws, Executive Orders, and Office of Management Budget (OMB) requirements; and are written in plain language.
  • Serves as the Department's primary point of contact with OMB on regulatory matters and facilitates agreements and working relationships among bureaus.
  • Develops the Department’s semiannual agenda of regulations and reports required by Congress, the President, and OMB.
  • Develops regulatory policy and revises, as necessary, the Departmental Manual chapters and associated handbooks regarding the regulatory process.
  • Manages the organization of, and revisions to, the Departmental Manual.
  • Manages the development, review, and approvals of Secretary's Orders.
  • Provides technical assistance in developing and updating Succession Memorandums and maintaining a repository of approved memorandums for key Departmental Officials. 
  • Provides technical and policy guidance to offices publishing regulations or similar policy documents.
  • Assists bureaus in writing regulations in plain language by holding training courses and providing personalized assistance.
  • Coordinates inter-agency regulatory review for the Department.
  • Represents the Department on Government-wide regulatory initiatives.
  • Represents the Department’s interests on Government-wide eRulemaking activities.
  • Coordinates the Departmental review of draft Executive Orders and Presidential documents issued by OMB and the White House.

 

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