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)

This determination imposes a sanction downgrading the PLO office status in the U.S. due to noncompliance by the PLO and Palestinian Authority with certain commitments, but simultaneously waives that same sanction for national security reasons. Both the sanction and waiver are effective for 180 days or until the next required congressional report, whichever is later.

Federal Register Open PDF 71 FR 39511

Impact dates

  1. Sanction and waiver expire (180 days from signing) unless next section 603 report is transmitted later

Key directives

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

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Sanction imposed on PLO office status
  • Sanction simultaneously waived
  • Determination transmitted to Congress

Near term (90d)

  • 180-day sanction/waiver period runs
  • Congressional report transmission required

Long term

  • Potential reassessment upon next section 603 report to Congress

Risks & tensions

  • Circular policy effect: sanction imposed and immediately waived, creating symbolic pressure without practical consequence
  • Vague trigger for extension ('whichever is later') creates indeterminate end date tied to future congressional reporting
  • National security waiver rationale not elaborated, leaving broad executive discretion unexplained
Presidential Determination: Implementation of Sections 603 and 604 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year 2003 (Public Law 107-228) · Executive Orders