ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumBiden · D

Presidential Memorandum

Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) and 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961

This memorandum delegates presidential authority to the Secretary of State to direct a $275 million defense drawdown for Ukraine under the Foreign Assistance Act, plus authority to waive legal restrictions on $24 million in additional assistance to Ukraine. It is a routine but significant foreign military assistance delegation.

Federal Register Open PDF 89 FR 50499

Impact dates

  1. Publication of memorandum in Federal Register

Key directives

  • Delegate to Secretary of State authority under 506(a)(1) for $275M defense drawdown for Ukraine
  • Delegate to Secretary of State authority under 614(a)(1) for $24M assistance waiver for Ukraine
  • Direct Secretary of State to publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of authority takes effect upon signing
  • Secretary of State authorized to direct $275M defense drawdown
  • Secretary of State authorized to waive legal restrictions on $24M assistance

Near term (90d)

  • Potential execution of drawdown and assistance delivery

Long term

  • Continued U.S. military support framework for Ukraine
  • Precedent for delegated emergency foreign assistance authority

Risks & tensions

  • Waiver authority under 614(a)(1) bypasses normal congressional restrictions, raising separation-of-powers concerns
  • Drawdown reduces U.S. defense stockpiles, potentially affecting readiness
  • Specific dollar caps ($275M/$24M) suggest bounded scope but text does not specify spending timeline
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) and 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders