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MemoMemorandumG.W. Bush · R Quiet signal

Presidential Memorandum

Delegation of the Functions of the President Under the Heading "Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund" in the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003

This memorandum delegates presidential authority over the Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund to the OMB Director, including control over apportionment, transfers, and retransfers of funds. It establishes coordination requirements with the Secretary of Defense and Secretary of State before funds are apportioned, and creates a funding flow through ORHA to implementing agencies.

Federal Register Open PDF 68 FR 25275

Impact dates

  1. Publication in Federal Register

Key directives

  • Assign presidential functions under Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund to OMB Director
  • Agencies identify funding requirements through ORHA
  • OMB shall work with ORHA to transfer funds to implementing agencies
  • OMB Director shall coordinate with Secretary of Defense or designee prior to apportioning funds
  • OMB Director shall coordinate with Secretary of State or designee prior to apportioning funds for State/USAID programs
  • OMB Director authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • OMB Director assumes presidential functions over Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund
  • Coordination requirements with Defense and State take effect

Near term (90d)

  • ORHA-agency funding identification process begins
  • OMB-ORHA fund transfers to implementing agencies proceed

Long term

  • Reconstruction program execution under new delegation structure

Risks & tensions

  • Dual coordination requirements (Defense and State) could create bureaucratic friction or delays in urgent reconstruction
  • ORHA as intermediary adds coordination layer that may slow fund flow to implementing agencies
  • Vague 'presidential direction' cited without specific reference creates uncertainty about scope of authority
  • Concentration of fiscal control in OMB may tension with operational expertise at State/Defense/USAID
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of the Functions of the President Under the Heading "Iraq Relief and Reconstruction Fund" in the Emergency Wartime Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2003 · Executive Orders