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EO 13118Executive OrderClinton · D Quiet signal

Executive Order 13118

Implementation of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998

This executive order implements the 1998 Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act by reorganizing foreign assistance authorities, abolishing the International Development Cooperation Agency (IDCA), elevating the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) to an independent agency, and transferring most foreign assistance functions to the Secretary of State. It amends multiple prior executive orders to reflect this restructuring.

Federal Register Open PDF 64 FR 16595

Impact dates

  1. Section 1-100(d) public information functions and section 5(2) revocation become effective

  2. Most provisions of this order become effective

Key directives

  • Delegate all Foreign Assistance Act functions to Secretary of State, with specified exceptions
  • Establish USAID as independent executive branch agency headed by presidentially appointed Administrator
  • Revoke Part 1-4 of EO 12163 (IDCA provisions)
  • Transfer Trade and Development Agency functions to its Director
  • Allocate foreign assistance funds to Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, and Secretary of Treasury
  • Revoke EO 12599 (1987 IDCA-related order)
  • Amend nine other executive orders to replace IDCA Director with Secretary of State or USAID Administrator

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Most provisions effective April 1, 1999
  • Abolition of IDCA and transfer of functions to Secretary of State and USAID Administrator
  • USAID established as independent executive branch agency

Near term (90d)

  • Implementation of revised delegation structures across agencies
  • Adjustment of Foreign Service personnel systems for compatibility

Long term

  • Structural reorganization of US foreign assistance apparatus
  • October 1, 1999 effective date for public information functions and one revocation amendment

Risks & tensions

  • Potential tension between State Department and USAID over foreign assistance policy control
  • Foreign Service compatibility requirement may create bureaucratic friction between agencies
  • Consultation requirements with Defense, Treasury, and OMB may slow decision-making
  • Vague 'to the extent practicable' language in section 1-200(e) creates implementation uncertainty
Executive Order 13118: Implementation of the Foreign Affairs Reform and Restructuring Act of 1998 · Executive Orders