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May
22, 2001
M-01-21
MEMORANDUM FOR HEADS
OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS AND AGENCIES
FROM: Sean
O'Keefe
Deputy
Director
SUBJECT: OMB Clearance of Agency Communications
with Congress
I would like to take this opportunity to reiterate how important
it is that agencies' proposed communications to Congress on legislative
matters be fully coordinated within the Administration. In support
of this goal, it has been a long-standing policy that agencies work
with OMB and obtain OMB clearance on all communications with Congress.
This is particularly important as Congress begins formulation of
FY 2002 appropriations bills because your agency may wish, or may
be asked by Congress, to comment on appropriations bills as they
are being developed. It is essential that Administration policy
be coordinated. To ensure that proper coordination occurs, please
make sure that all appropriations-related materials, including drafts
of written responses to congressional inquiries, capability statements,
appeals letters, and letters to congressional committees on appropriations
matters, are sent to OMB for review and clearance in accordance
with Section 36.3 of Circular A-11. This policy applies to all Executive
Branch officials and staff.
Section 36 of Circular A-11 was attached to memorandum M-01-17,
which noted the importance of preserving the confidentiality of
the deliberations that led to the President's budget decisions.
If you require another copy of Circular A-11, it can be found on
OMB's web page at:
http://obamawhitehouse.archives.gov/omb/circulars/a11/A11-00.pdf
As Director Daniels explained in his memorandum of February 15,
2001 (M-01-12), agencies are also required to send drafts of legislative
proposals, as well as reports and testimony on pending legislation,
to OMB for review and clearance under Circular A-19 before transmitting
them to Congress.
Adherence to these guidelines should help to ensure that the Administration
is successful in its legislative strategy. Thank you for your cooperation.
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