Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the
Headline: Federal Agencies Closed and Employees Excused on December 26
What it does: Federal agencies must close on December 26, 2003, and excuse most employees from duty.
- Most federal employees will be off work on December 26, 2003.
- Some offices and employees may be required to work for national security or public needs.
- Existing pay and leave laws will determine pay or leave status for that day.
Summary
This order closes all executive branch departments and agencies and excuses their employees from duty on Friday, December 26, 2003, the day after Christmas Day.
Agency leaders may keep specific offices or staff working if required for national security, defense, or other public needs. The order also states that existing pay and leave laws apply to that day, so pay and time-off rules govern whether employees are paid or use leave.
Ask about this order
Ask questions about this executive order and its implications.
What agencies are affected by this order?
How does this order change existing policy?
What are the practical implications of this order?