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It involves key personnel from the outgoing and incoming presidents’ staffs, requires resources, and includes a host of activities, such as vetting candidates for positions in the new administration, helping to familiarize the incoming administration with the operations of the executive branch, and developing a comprehensive policy platform.
[1]
Under existing federal law and custom, major-party presidential candidates become eligible to receive classified national security briefings once their nomination is formalized at the party's national convention.
[2] They are also afforded presidential transition services and facilities by the
General Services Administration, including office space, equipment, and payment of certain related expenses.
he Presidential Transition Act of 1963
Pub.L. 88–277, as amended (by the Presidential Transitions Effectiveness Act of 1998
Pub.L. 100–398, Presidential Transition Act of 2000
Pub.L. 106–293, Pre-Election Presidential Transition Act of 2010
Pub.L. 111–283 and Presidential Transitions Improvements Act of 2015
Pub.L. 114–136), established formal mechanisms to facilitate presidential transitions. Specifically, the act directs the
Administrator of General Services to provide facilities, funding of approximately five million dollars, access to government services, and support for a transition team, and to provide training and orientation of new government personnel and other procedures to ensure an orderly transition.
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