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 the drawdown of up to $725 million in Department of Defense defense articles, services, and military education and training to provide assistance to Ukraine under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Federal Register Open PDF 87 FR 64359

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register publication

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 $725 million in DoD defense articles and services, and military education and training
  • Direct assistance to Ukraine
  • Authorize Secretary of State to make determinations required under section 506(a)(1)
  • Direct publication of memorandum in the Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of authority to Secretary of State takes effect upon signing
  • Secretary of State authorized to direct drawdown and make required determinations

Near term (90d)

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

Long term

  • Sustained military assistance to Ukraine contingent on ongoing conflict and funding availability

Risks & tensions

  • Delegation to Secretary of State rather than retaining presidential direct control may raise interagency coordination questions
  • Drawdown authority reduces DoD stockpiles; replenishment timing and funding unclear from text
  • Section 506(a)(1) determinations typically require specific factual findings not detailed here
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders