President's Dismissal of Native Hawaiians Study Commission Members

GAO was asked whether the President's dismissal of the members of the Native Hawaiians Study Commission was improper. The Commission is independent of control and influence by the President. Its function is essentially as an aid to Congress. Pertinent law contains no provision with regard to the removal of the Commissioners, and GAO knows of no court case which would support the President's dismissal action of individuals appointed to a legislative function. Since the President has not appointed members to the Commission to replace those removed, the removal of the Commissioners appears to have thwarted, at least temporarily, the purpose of the legislation.