Us Code § 552 - Deputy Secretary; appointment; duties

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 552 — Deputy Secretary; appointment; duties, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 552. Deputy Secretary; appointment; duties

There is established in the Department of Labor the office of Deputy Secretary of Labor, which shall be filled by appointment by the President, by and with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Deputy Secretary shall perform such duties as may be prescribed by the Secretary of Labor or required by law. The Deputy Secretary shall (1) in case of the death, resignation, or removal from office of the Secretary, perform the duties of the Secretary until a successor is appointed, and (2) in case of the absence or sickness of the Secretary, perform the duties of the Secretary until such absence or sickness shall terminate.

(Apr. 17, 1946, ch. 140, §1, 60 Stat. 91; Pub. L. 99–619, §2(a)(1), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3491.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Provisions of this section which prescribed the basic annual compensation of the Under [Deputy] Secretary were omitted to conform to the provisions of the Executive Schedule. See section 5314 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Section was formerly classified to section 611a of Title 5 prior to the general revision and enactment of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, by Pub. L. 89–554, §1, Sept. 1, 1966, 80 Stat. 378.

Amendments

1986—Pub. L. 99–619 substituted "Deputy Secretary" for "Under Secretary" in three places.


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

References in Other Laws

Pub. L. 99–619, §2(a)(4), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3491, provided that: "Any reference to the Under Secretary of Labor in any law, rule, regulation, certificate, directive, or other document in force on the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 6, 1986] shall be deemed to refer and apply to the Deputy Secretary of Labor."

Present Incumbent

Pub. L. 99–619, §2(f)(1), Nov. 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 3492, provided that: "The incumbent in the position of Under Secretary of Labor on the date of enactment of this Act [Nov. 6, 1986] may serve as Deputy Secretary of Labor at the pleasure of the President after such date and the amendments made by subsection (a)(2) [amending section 5313 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees] shall apply to such incumbent."


Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

For transfer of functions of other officers, employees, and agencies of Department of Labor, with certain exceptions, to Secretary of Labor, with power to delegate, see Reorg. Plan No. 6, of 1950, §§1, 2, 15 F.R. 3174, 64 Stat. 1263, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

Order of Succession

For order of succession during any period when both Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Labor are unable to perform functions and duties of office of Secretary, see Ex. Ord. No. 13245, Dec. 18, 2001, 66 F.R. 66268, listed in a table under section 3345 of Title 5, Government Organization and Employees.

About This Section

29 U.S.C. § 552 is part of Title 29 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 29 U.S.C. § 552. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

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Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 552

What does United States Code § 552 cover?

Section 552 ("Deputy Secretary; appointment; duties") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 552?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 552" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 552 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.