FACA is an acronym that stands for Federal Advisory Committee Act. It refers to a U.S. federal law enacted in 1972 that regulates the creation, operation, and termination of advisory committees established by the executive branch of the federal government. The purpose of FACA is to ensure transparency, public participation, and accountability in the decision-making process that involves advisory committees.
Under FACA, an advisory committee is defined as "any committee, board, commission, council, conference, panel, task force, or other similar group, or any subcommittee or other subgroup thereof" that is established or utilized by the federal government to obtain advice or recommendations to guide its policies and actions. FACA outlines the procedures and requirements for establishing and managing these committees, including their composition, chartering, reporting, and public access to their meetings and records.
The act mandates that advisory committees should operate in an open and transparent manner, with public notice of their meetings and opportunities for interested individuals or organizations to present their views or participate. The law also requires committees to disclose their membership, activities, and records, ensuring accountability and preventing undue influence by external entities.
Overall, FACA serves as a vital framework for promoting public confidence, informed decision-making, and democratic governance by regulating the functioning of federal advisory committees in the United States.
