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White House Rural
Council
Al Bliss
All Darke County Residents:
I believe that we in Darke County truly qualify as a part of rural
America. This is July 8, 2011 and until yesterday July 7, 2011, I did
not know that the President had issued an Executive Order (EO)
pertaining to Rural America. I have included a copy of the EO
below with the addition of the individuals in the offices identified in
the EO for your information.
You are probably wondering why I am bothering with this and what
difference this EO makes or could make. Because of the importance of
this document and the fact that it was issued a month ago with
absolutely no fanfare and because of the names on the Council and the
complete absence of anyone from the stated sixteen percent of America
which is the focus of the action and because of Section 1.
Policy. and Sec. 4. Mission and Function of the Council.
This EO should scare you as much as it does me. The names from the
Chicago Democratic machine plus the ones with socialist/communist
history are factors that should get your attention.
Read the EO with concentration on Section 1 and Section 4 and determine
if my fear has a foundation.
Al Bliss
Administration of Barack Obama, 2011
Executive Order 13575—Establishment of the White House Rural Council
June 9, 2011
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the
laws of the United States of America and in order to enhance Federal
engagement with rural communities, it is hereby ordered as follows:
Section 1. Policy. Sixteen percent of the American population lives in
rural counties. Strong, sustainable rural communities are essential to
winning the future and ensuring American competitiveness in the years
ahead. These communities supply our food, fiber, and energy, safeguard
our natural resources, and are essential in the development of science
and innovation. Though rural communities face numerous challenges, they
also present enormous economic potential. The Federal Government has an
important role to play in order to expand access to the capital
necessary for economic growth, promote innovation, improve access to
health care and education, and expand outdoor recreational activities
on public lands.
To enhance the Federal Government’s efforts to address the needs of
rural America, this order establishes a council to better coordinate
Federal programs and maximize the impact of Federal investment to
promote economic prosperity and quality of life in our rural
communities.
Sec. 2. Establishment. There is established a White House Rural Council
(Council).
Sec. 3. Membership. (a) The Secretary of Agriculture shall serve as the
Chair of the Council, which shall also include the heads of the
following executive branch departments, agencies, and offices:
NOTE: the names of the individuals currently in the offices identified
in the Executive Order have been added for your information (see chart
below).
(25) [the original list did not indicate that the Secretary of
Agriculture was included in the number count] the White House Office of
Cabinet Affairs; and such other executive branch departments, agencies,
and offices as the President or the Secretary of Agriculture may, from
time to time, designate.
(b) A member of the Council may designate, to perform the Council
functions of the member, a senior-level official who is part of the
member’s department, agency, or office, and who is a full-time officer
or employee of the Federal Government.
(c) The Department of Agriculture shall provide funding and
administrative support for the Council to the extent permitted by law
and within existing appropriations.
(d) The Council shall coordinate its policy development through the
Domestic Policy Council and the National Economic Council.
Sec. 4. Mission and Function of the Council. The Council shall work
across executive departments, agencies, and offices to coordinate
development of policy recommendations to promote economic prosperity
and quality of life in rural America, and shall coordinate my
Administration’s engagement with rural communities. The Council shall:
(a) make recommendations to the President, through the Director of the
Domestic Policy Council and the Director of the National Economic
Council, on streamlining and leveraging Federal investments in rural
areas, where appropriate, to increase the impact of Federal dollars and
create economic opportunities to improve the quality of life in rural
America;
(b) coordinate and increase the effectiveness of Federal engagement
with rural stakeholders, including agricultural organizations, small
businesses, education and training institutions, health-care providers,
telecommunications services providers, research and land grant
institutions, law enforcement, State, local, and tribal governments,
and nongovernmental organizations regarding the needs of rural America;
(c) coordinate Federal efforts directed toward the growth and
development of geographic regions that encompass both urban and rural
areas; and
(d) identify and facilitate rural economic opportunities associated
with energy development, outdoor recreation, and other conservation
related activities.
Sec. 5. General Provisions. (a) The heads of executive departments and
agencies shall assist and provide information to the Council,
consistent with applicable law, as may be necessary to carry out the
functions of the Council. Each executive department and agency shall
bear its own expense for participating in the Council.
(b) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise
affect:
(i) authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, or the
head thereof; or
(ii) functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget
relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.
(c) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and
subject to the availability of appropriations.
(d) This order is not intended to, and does not, create any right or
benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by
any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or
entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.
BARACK OBAMA
The White House,
June 9, 2011.
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