Executive Order 13320 · 2003-12-12

Closing of Executive Departments and Agencies of the

Federal Agencies Closed and Employees Excused on December 26

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Signed by George W. Bush
Published 2003-12-12

What it does

Federal agencies must close on December 26, 2003, and excuse most employees from duty.

Real-world impact

  • 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.

Topics

government operationsfederal employeesholiday schedulenational security

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.

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