Review of Position Paper on Presidential Reorganization Proposals

The Comptroller General's opinion was sought regarding the proposed executive reorganization of the Departments of the Interior and Housing and Urban Development into Departments of Natural Resources and Development Assistance, respectively. The Comptroller General agrees with similar proposals made by the National Academy of Public Administration and the Office of Management's Reorganization Task Force, both of which recommend consolidation of agencies in the two departments concerned, but prefer to accomplish the change through legislation rather than by executive initiative. Congressional action is preferable, because it would provide sufficient time for careful consideration of the complex organizational and policy issues involved. The Departments of Agriculture and Commerce would also undergo substantial change under any of the proposed changes and the impact upon them has not been satisfactorily addressed. The reorganization is long overdue, but should receive the degree of congressional intervention and consideration necessary for so extensive an undertaking.