ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumBiden · D

Presidential Memorandum

Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961

This memorandum delegates presidential authority to the Secretary of State to direct a drawdown of up to $200 million in Defense Department defense articles, services, and military education and training to provide assistance to Ukraine. The delegation is made under section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Federal Register Open PDF 87 FR 15027

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register publication of memorandum

  2. Drawdown authority available for execution

Key directives

  • Delegate to Secretary of State authority under 506(a)(1) of FAA to direct drawdown of up to $200 million in DoD defense articles/services and military education/training
  • Provide assistance to Ukraine
  • Make determinations required under section 506(a)(1)
  • Publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of authority to Secretary of State takes effect
  • Secretary of State authorized to direct $200 million drawdown and make required determinations

Near term (90d)

  • Potential execution of defense articles and services drawdown for Ukraine
  • Federal Register publication of memorandum

Long term

  • Ongoing U.S. security assistance to Ukraine under delegated authority

Risks & tensions

  • Delegation caps assistance at $200 million aggregate value; may require supplemental action if needs exceed this amount
  • Timing during early phase of Russia-Ukraine conflict (March 2022) suggests urgency but text does not specify expedited delivery deadlines
  • Vague whether this is additive to or replaces prior Ukraine assistance authorizations
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders