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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 a drawdown of up to $425 million in Department of Defense defense articles, services, and military education and training for assistance to Ukraine under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 9743

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register publication

Key directives

  • Delegate authority under section 506(a)(1) of FAA to Secretary of State
  • Direct drawdown of up to $425 million in DoD defense articles and services
  • Provide military education and training assistance to Ukraine
  • Secretary of State to make required determinations 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 $425M drawdown

Near term (90d)

  • Potential execution of defense articles and services transfer to Ukraine
  • Federal Register publication required

Long term

  • Sustained military assistance framework for Ukraine under presidential drawdown authority

Risks & tensions

  • Drawdown reduces U.S. military stockpiles without immediate replenishment requirement specified
  • Delegation shifts war powers execution from President to Secretary of State; constitutional tension implicit
  • Specific dollar cap ($425M) suggests calibrated response but may constrain operational flexibility
  • No explicit congressional notification timeline in text; standard 506(a)(1) requirements apply
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders