by Smithbucklin Government Relations
September 26, 2023
As we’ve previously shared in Our Perspectives, having an advocacy program for your association can raise your organization’s profile and ability to advocate with one voice. That being said, it is important to understand how advocacy impacts organizations not only from a direct level, but from a federal level as well. In this first article of a three-part series, the professionals within Smithbucklin’s Government Relations team will explain the mechanics of federal agencies and regulatory advocacy through an association lens and offer resources for your organization to learn more about the individual groups that comprise the federal cabinet agency departments.
Understanding the mechanics
The United States government houses 15 federal cabinet agency departments, interdepartmental agencies within those departments, and independent agencies outside of the cabinet that encompass a wide range of functions, including regulation, program implementation, law enforcement, and research. These agencies contribute to the administration of laws, essential services delivery across the country, and the protection of national interests across various sectors. Every administration carries with it regulatory agendas that differ from those of the previous administration, and through the appointment of cabinet leads, the administration’s overarching policy objectives and goals are applied. Presidential appointments to agency leadership positions, such as agency heads and commissioners shape the agency's direction by reflecting the administration's policy preferences. Executive orders issued by the President can directly instruct agencies on specific regulatory actions or priorities. Also, an administration's budget proposals can allocate resources to support or curtail specific regulatory activities.
How to engage with federal agencies
When your association is engaging with federal agencies, it is important to understand the multiple layers and methods for advocacy. Being an advocate in front of federal agencies involves effectively championing a cause or policy by engaging in strategic and well-prepared interactions. Begin by thoroughly researching the agency's jurisdiction, regulations, and processes related to your issue and craft a clear and compelling message that outlines the problem, proposed solutions, and the potential impact.
Each year federal agencies will employ rulemaking decisions that give an opportunity for public comment to gain feedback on best practices. It is important for leaders of your organization to understand the federal rulemaking process, what to look for, and where to look to set your organization’s advocacy programs up for success.
A complete list of federal departments, corresponding jurisdictions, Fiscal Year 2023 budget levels, and employment capacity can be found below:
- Department of Agriculture (USDA): Responsible for policies related to agriculture, rural development, food safety, nutrition programs, and conservation efforts. ($25.5 billion) (~ 100,000 employees)
- Department of Commerce (DOC): Oversees matters related to economic growth, trade, technology, and statistics. ($11.2 billion) (~40,000 employees)
- Department of Defense (DOD): Manages the U.S. military, ensuring the security of the nation. It consists of various branches, such as the Army, Navy, Air Force, and Marine Corps. ($858.4 billion) (~2.8 million employees)
- Department of Education (ED): Focuses on education policies, federal student aid, and educational research to ensure access to quality education for all Americans. ($79.6 billion) (~4,000 employees)
- Department of Energy (DOE): Develops energy policies, promotes research on energy technologies, and manages the nation's nuclear programs and environmental cleanup efforts. ($54.7 billion) (~100,000 employees)
- Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Oversees public health, medical research, social services, and programs such as Medicare and Medicaid. ($120.7 billion) (~80,000 employees)
- Department of Homeland Security (DHS): Responsible for protecting the country from various threats, including terrorism, cybersecurity, and natural disasters. ($86.5 billion) (~240,000 employees)
- Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD): Focuses on housing policies, urban development, and ensuring fair housing opportunities for all Americans. ($60.2 billion) (~8,000 employees)
- Department of the Interior (DOI): Manages federal lands, natural resources, wildlife conservation, and Native American affairs. ($16.1 billion) (~70,000 employees)
- Department of Justice (DOJ): Enforces federal laws, administers justice, and represents the United States in legal matters. ($770.8 million) (~100,000 employees)
- Department of Labor (DOL): Oversees labor and employment policies, worker safety, and wage standards to promote fair workplaces and protect workers' rights. ($13.8 billion) (~15,000 employees)
- Department of State (DOS): Handles foreign affairs, diplomacy, and international relations, working to maintain peaceful and productive relationships with other nations. ($61.8 billion) (~75,000 employees)
- Department of Transportation (DOT): Manages transportation systems and infrastructure, including highways, aviation, and public transit, to ensure safe and efficient movement of people and goods. ($106.3 billion) (~55,000 employees)
- Department of the Treasury (USDT): Manages the nation's finances, including the collection of taxes, issuance of currency, and formulation of economic policies. ($14.2 billion) (~70,000 employees)
- Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Provides services, benefits, and support to veterans of the U.S. armed forces, including healthcare, education, and housing assistance. ($134.7 billion) (~400,000 employees)
As association leaders, it is important to stay up to date on federal regulatory advocacy so you can better support your association and set it up for success.