Federal Advisory Committee Act

Definition

The Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA) is a United States law enacted in 1972 to regulate the behavior of federal advisory committees and ensure their transparency. The act aims to provide a framework for the establishment, operation, and management of these committees, which are formed to advise government agencies on various matters. FACA requires these committees to operate in a manner that is open to the public, ensuring accountability and minimizing the risk of undue influence from special interests.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. FACA applies to advisory committees established by the federal government, including those created by federal agencies and departments.
2. The act mandates that advisory committees hold open meetings, publish meeting notices in the Federal Register, and make meeting minutes available to the public.
3. Under FACA, members of advisory committees are required to be appointed based on their expertise and knowledge relevant to the committee's purpose.
4. The act was enacted in response to concerns about the influence of special interest groups on governmental decision-making processes.
5. FACA provides for the establishment of a charter for each advisory committee, outlining its purpose, structure, and operating procedures.

Review Questions

• How does the Federal Advisory Committee Act promote transparency in the operations of federal advisory committees?
  • The Federal Advisory Committee Act promotes transparency by requiring advisory committees to hold open meetings and publish notices about these meetings in the Federal Register. This ensures that members of the public are aware of when and where meetings occur, enabling them to attend or observe if they choose. Additionally, FACA mandates that minutes from these meetings be made available to the public, allowing for greater scrutiny of how advice is given and decisions are made.
• What are some key requirements set forth by the Federal Advisory Committee Act regarding the composition and operation of advisory committees?
  • The Federal Advisory Committee Act requires that members of advisory committees be appointed based on their expertise relevant to the committee's purpose. It also mandates that these committees operate transparently by holding open meetings and maintaining accessible records. Each committee must have a charter detailing its purpose, structure, and operating procedures. This framework helps ensure that committees function effectively while maintaining public trust in their activities.
• Evaluate the impact of the Federal Advisory Committee Act on the relationship between federal agencies and special interest groups.
  • The Federal Advisory Committee Act has significantly impacted the relationship between federal agencies and special interest groups by establishing guidelines for how advisory committees should operate. By requiring transparency and openness in their dealings, FACA mitigates the potential for undue influence from these groups on government decision-making processes. As a result, agencies are held accountable for how they incorporate advice into their policies while allowing for diverse viewpoints from various stakeholders, ultimately fostering a more balanced approach in governance.

Related terms

Advisory Committee: A group formed to provide expert advice and recommendations to government officials on specific issues or policies.

Open Meetings Act: A federal law that mandates that meetings of certain governmental bodies be open to the public, promoting transparency in government operations.

Transparency: The principle that government actions and decisions should be open and clear to the public, allowing for scrutiny and accountability.