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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 presidential authority to the Secretary of State to direct the drawdown of up to $275 million in Defense Department military equipment, services, and training to provide assistance to Ukraine under the Foreign Assistance Act. It is a procedural delegation for an existing aid mechanism, not a new policy creation.

Federal Register Open PDF 87 FR 77705

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register filing (actual)

Key directives

  • Delegate authority under 506(a)(1) of FAA to Secretary of State
  • Direct drawdown of up to $275M in DOD defense articles/services and military education/training for 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 upon signing
  • Secretary of State authorized to direct $275M drawdown

Near term (90d)

  • Federal Register publication required (filed 12-19-22)

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Continues pattern of presidential reliance on drawdown authority rather than congressional appropriations for sustained aid
  • Delegation to Secretary of State rather than direct presidential action may reflect administrative streamlining or workload distribution
  • Cumulative drawdowns risk depleting U.S. military stockpiles
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders