Do Only Work that Laws 'Explicitly Require,' Agencies Told

CPSC and other agencies must review their statutes under a February 26 guidance from the Office of Management and Budget and Office of Personnel Managements. The point is to ensure that "statutes have not been interpreted in a way that expands requirements beyond what the statute actually requires." The guidance (bit.ly/41g1nzj) dictates how agencies will follow the executive order issued two weeks ago (PSL, 2/17/25) and aimed at consolidations and staffing cuts.

The directive on statutes is under phase 1 activities due March 13. Other elements include identifying functions not exempted in government shutdown plans, a list of positions that should be exempt from elimination, recommendations on consolidating or eliminating offices, and a list of "tools" to be used in staff cutting, among others.

Plans for phase 2 are due April 14 and would cover 17 other steps in the process.

The guidance reiterates that public safety is among exemptions that could be used to protect positions.