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MemoMemorandumBiden · D Quiet signal

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 $5.55 billion in Defense Department defense articles, services, and military education and training for Ukraine assistance. It invokes section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 and section 621 of the same act as the legal basis for the delegation.

Federal Register Open PDF 89 FR 83763

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register publication

Key directives

  • Delegate authority under section 506(a)(1) of FAA to Secretary of State
  • Authorize drawdown of up to $5.55 billion in DOD defense articles, services, and military education/training
  • Direct assistance to Ukraine
  • Authorize Secretary of State to make determinations required under section 506(a)(1)
  • Direct publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

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

Near term (90d)

  • Potential drawdown of defense articles and services begins
  • Federal Register publication of memorandum

Long term

  • Up to $5.55 billion in military assistance to Ukraine over time
  • Continued U.S. military support for Ukraine conflict

Risks & tensions

  • Large dollar amount ($5.55B) suggests significant remaining presidential drawdown authority; may relate to debates over supplemental funding
  • Delegation to Secretary of State rather than presidential direct action may streamline process but raises questions about oversight
  • Timing in late September 2024 places this in election season context, though text contains no political language
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders