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MemoMemorandumBiden · D

Presidential Memorandum

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

This memorandum delegates to the Secretary of State the President's authority under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct a drawdown of up to $775 million in Department of Defense defense articles, services, and military education and training to provide assistance to Ukraine. The Secretary of State is also directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 87 FR 52659

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register publication of memorandum

Key directives

  • Delegate authority under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to the Secretary of State
  • Authorize drawdown of up to $775 million in DOD defense articles and services, and military education and training, for Ukraine assistance
  • Authorize Secretary of State to make required determinations under Section 506(a)(1)
  • Direct publication of this memorandum in the Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of authority to Secretary of State takes effect
  • Drawdown authority for Ukraine assistance becomes exercisable by Secretary of State

Near term (90d)

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

Long term

  • Ongoing military assistance to Ukraine through authorized drawdown mechanism

Risks & tensions

  • No explicit deadline stated for Federal Register publication beyond 'authorized and directed'
  • Delegation shifts accountability for Ukraine military assistance decisions from President to Secretary of State
  • Large dollar amount ($775M) represents significant commitment with limited congressional specificity on timing
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders