1. United States
2. Calif.
3. Letter

I am writing as a constituent to ask for your office’s help understanding the congressional oversight structure for the National Design Studio (NDS), established within the Executive Office of the President by the August 21, 2025 executive order “Improving Our Nation Through Better Design.” The NDS was created administratively rather than through congressional authorization, and it has been given a substantial mandate: advising agencies on the redesign of tens of thousands of federal web domains, directing changes to the U.S. Web Design System, working with outside design firms and contractors, and overseeing public-facing digital and physical touchpoints across the federal government. Given the scope of this authority and its placement directly within the White House Office, I have a few questions I’d appreciate your office looking into: What congressional committee(s), if any, currently hold oversight jurisdiction over the NDS’s activities, budget, and contracting decisions How is the NDS funded,through existing agency appropriations, reprogrammed funds, or another mechanism, and has that funding been reviewed by the relevant appropriations subcommittee? Since the NDS was established under 5 U.S.C. § 3161 as a temporary organization, what reporting requirements apply to it, and are those reports available to Congress or the public? What safeguards exist regarding contractor and personnel access to federal systems and data as the NDS works across multiple agencies, including agencies like the IRS that hold sensitive personal information? Has the Government Accountability Office (GAO) or any Inspector General been asked to review the NDS’s operations, staffing, or contracting practices? I’d appreciate knowing your office’s position on whether additional oversight hearings or GAO review are warranted as this initiative continues toward its stated three-year mandate. Thank you for your time and attention to this matter. I look forward to your response.