ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationG.W. Bush · R

Presidential Determination

Implementation of Sections 603 and 604 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-228)

President Bush imposed and simultaneously waived a 180-day sanction downgrading the PLO office status in the U.S., based on a determination of Palestinian noncompliance with commitments. The Secretary of State was directed to transmit the required report and this determination to Congress.

Federal Register Open PDF 70 FR 40183

Impact dates

  1. Sanction and waiver expire or extend until next section 603 report

Key directives

  • Impose sanction under section 604(a)(2): downgrade PLO office status
  • Waive sanction under section 604(c) for national security interest
  • Transmit section 603 report to appropriate congressional committees
  • Transmit this determination to Congress
  • Publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Sanction imposed and waived simultaneously
  • PLO office status downgrade in effect but waived
  • Report to Congress transmitted

Near term (90d)

  • 180-day sanction/waiver period runs unless next section 603 report is transmitted earlier

Long term

  • Potential reimposition if noncompliance continues in subsequent reports

Risks & tensions

  • Simultaneous imposition and waiver creates symbolic pressure without practical effect
  • Conditionality on 'next report' timing creates uncertain endpoint
  • Congress may view waiver as circumventing legislative intent of mandatory sanctions
Presidential Determination: Implementation of Sections 603 and 604 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-228) · Executive Orders