PlainBillCongress, translated.Legislation. Context. Public interest.Congressional Research Service
Version 49 · Public Law · Mar 3, 2020
Presidential Transition Enhancement Act of 2019
This bill makes changes intended to smooth the transfer of executive power during presidential transitions.
The bill provides for the detailing of legislative branch employees on a reimbursable basis to office staffs designated by the President-elect or Vice President-elect with the consent of the supervising Member of Congress.
Showing the opening paragraphs of the official summary.
The bill extends support provided by the General Services Administration (GSA) to the President- and Vice President-elect for up to 60 days after the inauguration.
By September 1 of a year during which a presidential election occurs, the GSA shall enter into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with each eligible candidate, which shall include the conditions for administrative support services and facilities. To the maximum extent practicable, an MOU shall be based on MOUs relating to previous presidential transitions. Each MOU shall include an agreement that the eligible candidate will implement and enforce an ethics plan to guide the conduct of the transition beginning on the date on which such candidate becomes President-elect. The plan shall be published on the GSA website.
By September 15 of a year during which a presidential election occurs, each agency shall ensure that a succession plan is in place for each senior noncareer position in the agency.
People & committees
Sen. Johnson, Ron [R-WI] · R–WI
Legislative record
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Became Public Law No: 116-121.
Became Public Law No: 116-121.
Signed by President.
Signed by President.
Presented to President.
Presented to President.
Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.
On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote. (text: CR H825-826)
Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill Agreed to by voice vote.
DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate on S. 394.
Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H825-827)
Mrs. Maloney, Carolyn B. moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill.
Referred to the House Committee on Oversight and Reform.
Received in the House.
Message on Senate action sent to the House.
Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent. (consideration: CR S5318-5320; text: CR S5319-5320)
Passed/agreed to in Senate: Passed Senate with amendments by Unanimous Consent.(consideration: CR S5318-5320; text: CR S5319-5320)
Placed on Senate Legislative Calendar under General Orders. Calendar No. 44.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with amendments. With written report No. 116-13.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Reported by Senator Johnson with amendments. With written report No. 116-13.
Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs. Ordered to be reported without amendment favorably.
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs.
Introduced in Senate
Primary sources
Text links open the official source. We currently store references to these documents.
Source last updated: May 28, 2025. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.
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Analyze S.394 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.
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