Commission records inquiry after White House message about chair designation; general counsel to review

Commissioners on March 21 took time on the record to address a late White House personnel communication indicating the president had designated Commissioner Kirsanau as chair. Commissioner Adams raised a parliamentary inquiry after receiving the communication and asked whether it was proper for Vice Chair Nurse to chair the meeting in light of that message.

Parliamentarian and commissioners noted the commission's authorizing statute requires the president’s designation of a chair or vice chair to be followed by the concurrence of a majority of commission members. Chair Rochelle Garza read the commission's authorizing statute into the record and said the term "de‑designated," used in the White House communication, is not a statutory term.

"I am the chair of this commission. I will continue to be the chair until I am voted out," Garza said, adding that the commission would await the general counsel’s opinion and, if necessary, seek clarification from White House counsel.

Why it matters: Commissioners said the statute sets the process for designating a chair or vice chair and that an unexplained White House use of the term "de‑designated" raises legal and procedural questions. The commission did not take action to replace or confirm any chair designations during the meeting and left the matter for legal review.

What happens next: The commission will request a formal opinion from general counsel and, if needed, coordinate with White House counsel to clarify the personnel communication and its legal effect.

Ending: No vote or formal change of leadership took place; the commission recorded the inquiry and will follow up via the general counsel.