Reading Room Document

Consequences of non‐designation of officers of the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

The document is a memorandum discussing the consequences of not taking any action prior to November 9, 1955, regarding the appointment of officials for the new Department of Housing and Urban Development. It outlines the various provisions in the Act that provide alternative courses of action, including accelerating the effective date, making appointments, or designating former officials to act temporarily. The document also presents the potential consequences of inaction, such as the headless state of the new department and the abolishment of old agencies and positions. The conclusion reached is that Congress did not foresee the possibility of inaction and did not provide sensible provisions for that eventuality. The document presents questions regarding the validity of arguments for maintaining the status quo and the potential controversy and legal challenges that may arise from not taking any action.

October 30, 1965