Domestic Policy Council

The Domestic Policy Council oversees development and implementation of the President's domestic policy agenda. Established on August 16, 1993, by Executive Order 12859, the Council ensures coordination and communication between the heads of relevant federal offices and agencies.

Functions

• Cabinet agencies with responsibility for components of the domestic agenda coordinate their work on key cross-cutting issues;
• Decisions on policy of critical importance to the President can be debated, focused, and ultimately brought before the President for decision;
• Communication is fostered on initiatives and issues affecting multiple agencies;
• Implementation of key Presidential initiatives is monitored.

The Domestic Policy Council, headed by the Carol Rasco, Assistant to the President for Domestic Policy, also works with legislators, advocacy groups, constituent communities and all levels of government to ensure that a full range of voices participate throughout the policy making process. The Council functions through committees, task forces, and interagency working groups which facilitate the development of national policy on such issues as health care reform, welfare reform, crime, immigration, and Americans with disabilities.