The New York Times reports a shift in authority has given military officials at the White House a bigger operational role in creating a shadow government if the nation’s capital were “decapitated” by a terrorist attack or other calamity. The move was made in the closing weeks of the administration of President Bush, and the Obama administration had left the plan essentially intact. Under the revamped structure, the White House Military Office will play a more central role in setting up a temporary government, performing duties previously handled by civilians at other agencies, including FEMA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency. Critics of the plan say the move was part of the Bush administration’s broader efforts to enhance the power of the White House and that the new structure places too much power in the hands of too few people inside the White House.