WASHINGTON (NEWSnet/AP) — President Joe Biden's administration on Friday began formal planning for a potential presidential transition.

The process aims to ensure continuity of government, regardless of the outcome of November's general election.

Shalanda Young, director of Office of Management and Budget, sent memos to executive departments and agencies, directing them to designate a point-person for transition planning by May 3.

It's a routine step in congressionally mandated preparation for presidential transitions.

Next week, White House chief of staff Jeff Zients will lead the first meeting of White House Transition Coordinating Council. The group comprises senior White House policy, national security and management officials, as required by Presidential Transition Act.

The act provides federal support for major party candidates to prepare to govern, so they can have personnel in place to take policy action on their first day in office.

Making sure presidential candidates are ready to take charge of the federal government became a heightened priority after the Sept. 11 attacks, and the act has been updated several times to provide additional resources to candidates and to require incumbents to plan for a handoff.

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