First, the proposed language will reassure the transition team members that such spending is legal. Given the hectic transition period and the scrutiny of a new administration, transition team members may shy away from activities not specifically enumerated in the Presidential Transition Act. Second, the inclusion of such language will encourage transition teams to explore orientations for appointees. Indeed, I would favor strong language to underscore absolutely how desirable and important it is for any president-elect to provide such orientation. Presidential appointees are accomplished individuals, but most have little prior service in the executive branch.
Presidential appointees hold important jobs and come to their positions with distinguished resumes.
Heading an agency or a department is the public sector equivalent of being the CEO of a large corporation or the president of a university. While some appointees come from the public sector, most come from outside government, notably the private sector, non-profit world, and academia. One of the strengths of our system of government is that it brings in talented people from outside of government to positions of public service. And political appointees often have impressive accomplishments, including managerial skills and experience. Nonetheless, appointees without executive branch experience may not appreciate features peculiar to government service such as Inspectors General, Congressional Oversight Committees, and Civil Service regulations.