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MemoMemorandumBiden · D

Presidential Memorandum

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

This memorandum delegates presidential authorities to the Secretary of State to direct drawdowns of up to $25 million in U.S. government commodities/services and up to $22 million in Department of Defense defense articles and services for immediate assistance to the Lebanese Armed Forces. The Secretary of State is also authorized to make required congressional notifications and determinations.

Federal Register Open PDF 86 FR 50991

Impact dates

  1. Immediate assistance to Lebanese Armed Forces (drawdown execution timing not specified)

Key directives

  • Delegate authority under 22 U.S.C. § 552(c)(2) for up to $25 million drawdown from any U.S. agency inventory/resources
  • Delegate authority under 22 U.S.C. § 506(a)(1) for up to $22 million drawdown of DoD defense articles/services
  • Authorize Secretary of State to make congressional notifications and determinations
  • Direct publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of drawdown authority to Secretary of State

Near term (90d)

  • Potential execution of up to $47 million in drawdowns for Lebanese Armed Forces assistance
  • Congressional notifications and determinations by Secretary of State

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Lebanon economic/political instability may complicate effective use of assistance
  • Unclear whether drawdown is responsive to specific emergent need or routine security cooperation
  • Dual statutory authorities from different sections suggest potential coordination complexity between State and DoD
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authorities Under Sections 552(c)(2) and 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders