White House Fellows Program Authorization Act
- Sponsor
- Rep. Fuller, Clay [R-GA-14]
- Committees
- Oversight and Government Reform Committee (primary)
- Last action
- Sep 3, 2026
Bottom line
This bill formally establishes the White House Fellows Program in statute, ensuring its continuity and providing a stable legal and financial basis for its operations.
What it actually does
This bill codifies the White House Fellows Program, which was previously established by Executive Order 11183, into federal law. It formally establishes the program and the President's Commission on White House Fellowships within the Executive Office of the President, sets eligibility criteria for participants, defines terms of service and compensation, and authorizes appropriations for its operation. The bill aims to provide a stable statutory basis for the program's administration and funding.
Proponents argue
Supporters argue that codifying the program provides crucial stability and formal recognition of its significant value, ensuring its continuity beyond executive orders and allowing it to continue developing future leaders for public service across various sectors. They contend it protects a proven program from potential discontinuation by future administrations.
Opponents contend
Critics might argue that codifying the program unnecessarily formalizes an executive function, potentially limiting presidential flexibility in managing such programs or adapting them to changing administrative priorities. Some may also raise concerns about adding another program to statutory federal spending without explicit fiscal caps.
The bill is short and clearly written, making it accessible for a quick read and easy to understand its core purpose and provisions.
Section 4(a)
Establishment of White House Fellows Program
This section formally establishes the White House Fellows Program within the Executive Office of the President. Its stated purpose is to provide outstanding citizens of the United States with direct, first-hand experience working at senior levels of the Federal Government, fostering a sense of personal involvement in the leadership of the Nation.
Supporters argue
Supporters argue that formalizing the program in law ensures its long-term stability and recognizes its significant contribution to public service and leadership development, preventing its discontinuation by future executive actions.
Critics contend
Some might argue that programs of this nature are best left to executive discretion to allow for flexibility and adaptation to changing administrative priorities, and that statutory codification could introduce unnecessary rigidity.
Tradeoffs
The tension lies between ensuring program continuity and stability through statutory backing versus maintaining executive flexibility and adaptability for a program traditionally managed by executive order.
Section 4(b), (c), (d)
President's Commission on White House Fellowships
This section establishes the President's Commission on White House Fellowships, continuing its existing functions under Executive Order 11183. It specifies that the Commission will be composed of not more than 30 uncompensated, nonpartisan members appointed by the President. The Commission's duties include establishing selection criteria, recommending Fellows to the President, designing educational programs, and submitting annual reports to Congress.
Section 5(b), (c), (d)
Eligibility and Nondiscrimination for Fellows
This section outlines the eligibility requirements for White House Fellows, including U.S. citizenship, completion of an undergraduate degree, being early in their chosen career, and demonstrating unusual ability, high moral character, outstanding motivation, and leadership potential. It explicitly prohibits discrimination in selection based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, age, or political affiliation. Federal employees are generally ineligible, with the exception of active-duty members of the Armed Forces.
Section 9
Authorization of Appropriations
This section authorizes the appropriation of "such sums as may be necessary" to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to carry out the White House Fellows Program for fiscal years 2027 through 2031. This provides the statutory basis for future funding requests to operate the program.