ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationG.W. Bush · R

Presidential Determination

Waiver and Certification of Statutory Provisions Regarding the Palestine Liberation Organization

President Bush waived section 1003 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987, which otherwise restricted U.S. dealings with the Palestine Liberation Organization, certifying the waiver as important to national security interests. The waiver is effective for six months from April 16, 2003, and the Secretary of State is directed to transmit it to Congress and publish it in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 68 FR 20327

Impact dates

  1. Waiver expiration (6 months from signing)

Key directives

  • Waive provisions of section 1003 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987
  • Transmit determination to Congress
  • Publish determination in the Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Waiver takes effect upon signing (April 16, 2003)
  • Secretary of State authorized to transmit to Congress and publish in Federal Register

Near term (90d)

  • Six-month waiver period runs through October 16, 2003

Long term

  • Potential need for renewal or extension of waiver beyond October 2003
  • Continued U.S. engagement with PLO contingent on periodic waiver renewals

Risks & tensions

  • Periodic waiver requirement creates recurring political leverage point for Congress
  • National security certification language may be contested by opponents of PLO engagement
  • Short 6-month window suggests legislative compromise rather than permanent policy change
Presidential Determination: Waiver and Certification of Statutory Provisions Regarding the Palestine Liberation Organization · Executive Orders