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

President Biden delegates to the Secretary of State the authority to direct a drawdown of up to $500 million in DOD defense articles, services, and military education/training to provide assistance to Ukraine under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. The Secretary is directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 43049

Impact dates

Date TBD
Federal Register publication

Key directives

Delegate authority under Section 506(a)(1) of FAA to Secretary of State
Authorize drawdown of up to $500 million in DOD defense articles and services
Authorize military education and training for Ukraine
Authorize determinations required under Section 506(a)(1)
Direct publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Secretary of State · Department of State

Timeline

Immediate

Delegation of authority to Secretary of State takes effect upon signing
Authority to direct $500M drawdown becomes exercisable

Near term (90d)

Potential execution of defense articles/services drawdown
Federal Register publication required

Long term

Continued U.S. military support framework for Ukraine

Risks & tensions

Authority ceiling of $500M may be consumed quickly given Ukraine conflict intensity
Drawdown reduces DOD stockpiles requiring replenishment
Delegation pattern suggests ongoing reliance on presidential drawdown authority rather than new congressional appropriations