The White House has released a memo instructing agencies on how to implement President George W. Bush's recent changes to the regulatory process. OMB Watch had anticipated the release of such a memo due to the need for clarification of certain controversial provisions within Bush's executive order. However, the memo offers little new information and further confounds issues in some areas.

On April 4, President George W. Bush used a recess appointment to make Susan Dudley the head of the White House's regulatory policy office. Dudley's new position will afford her great power over the federal regulatory process. The appointment comes despite strident opposition from public interest groups concerned about her views on regulation. The recess appointment of Dudley, along with that of other controversial officials, has also provoked anger in the Senate and raised questions about the constitutionality of the method.

In Washington, legislators and White House officials continue to debate reform of the federal standard for vehicle fuel efficiency. Democrats and Republicans have questioned Bush administration officials on the president's proposal to alter the fuel economy standard for passenger vehicles. Members in both chambers of Congress have also proposed bills that would change the standard.