ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumBiden · D

Presidential Memorandum

Delegation of Authority Under Section 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961

This memorandum delegates presidential authority to the Secretary of State to determine whether up to $215 million from the Economic Support Fund should be provided for global COVID-19 pandemic assistance, waiving certain statutory restrictions under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Federal Register Open PDF 87 FR 54607

Impact dates

  1. Authority available for Secretary to exercise at discretion; no fixed deadline for determination or obligation

Key directives

  • Delegate authority under section 614(a)(1) of FAA to Secretary of State
  • Authorize up to $215 million from Economic Support Fund for COVID-19 assistance
  • Waive provisions of law within purview of section 614(a)(1)
  • Publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of authority to Secretary of State takes effect

Near term (90d)

  • Potential obligation of up to $215 million in Economic Support Fund resources

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Waiver of statutory restrictions reduces congressional oversight on specific allocations
  • No explicit reporting requirement to Congress on determination criteria
  • Amount ($215 million) is ceiling, not floor—actual disbursement uncertain
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Section 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders