ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumObama · D

Presidential Memorandum

Delegation of Authority Under Sections 506(a)(1) and 552(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961

This memorandum delegates to the Secretary of State the President's authority to direct drawdowns of up to $20 million in defense articles/services/military training and up to $1.5 million in nonlethal commodities/services from U.S. government agencies to provide assistance to the Government of Ukraine.

Federal Register Open PDF 80 FR 61275

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register publication

Key directives

  • Delegate authority under FAA section 506(a)(1) for up to $20 million defense drawdown to Ukraine
  • Delegate authority under FAA section 552(c)(2) for up to $1.5 million nonlethal drawdown to Ukraine
  • Secretary of State directed to publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of authority takes effect upon signing
  • Secretary of State authorized to direct drawdowns

Near term (90d)

  • Potential execution of defense and nonlethal assistance drawdowns

Long term

  • Ongoing U.S. security assistance relationship with Ukraine

Risks & tensions

  • Authorization occurs during active Russian aggression in eastern Ukraine (2014-2015)
  • Drawdown authority limits ($21.5M total) suggest measured, bounded commitment
  • Delegation pattern may indicate preference for executive flexibility over congressional appropriations process
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Sections 506(a)(1) and 552(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders