Executive Order - Establishment of the White House Rural Council

     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:
     
           (1) the Department of the Treasury;
        
           (2) the Department of Defense;
        
           (3) the Department of Justice;
        
           (4) the Department of the Interior;
        
           (5) the Department of Commerce;
        
           (6) the Department of Labor;
        
           (7) the Department of Health and Human Services;
        
           (8) the Department of Housing and Urban Development;
        
           (9) the Department of Transportation;
        
           (10) the Department of Energy;
        
           (11) the Department of Education;
        
           (12) the Department of Veterans Affairs;
        
           (13) the Department of Homeland Security;
        
           (14) the Environmental Protection Agency;
        
           (15) the Federal Communications Commission;
        
           (16) the Office of Management and Budget;
        
           (17) the Office of Science and Technology Policy;
        
           (18) the Office of National Drug Control Policy;
        
           (19) the Council of Economic Advisers;
        
           (20) the Domestic Policy Council;
        
           (21) the National Economic Council;
        
           (22) the Small Business Administration;
        
           (23) the Council on Environmental Quality;
        
           (24) the White House Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs;
        
           (25) 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.