ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationG.W. Bush · R

Presidential Determination

Imposition and Waiver of Sanctions Under Section 604 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act (Public Law 107-228)

President Bush imposed a sanction downgrading the PLO office status in the U.S. due to noncompliance by the PLO and Palestinian Authority with certain commitments, but simultaneously waived that same sanction for 180 days citing national security interests. The Secretary of State is directed to transmit reports to Congress and publish the determination in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 68 FR 49323

Impact dates

  1. Sanction imposed period expires, or until next section 603 report transmitted, whichever is later

Key directives

  • Impose sanction under section 604(a)(2) downgrading PLO office status
  • Waive same sanction citing national security interest
  • Transmit initial report under section 603 to appropriate congressional committees
  • Transmit determination to Congress
  • Publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Sanction imposed and simultaneously waived
  • PLO office status remains unchanged due to waiver

Near term (90d)

  • 180-day waiver period runs; next section 603 report due to Congress

Long term

  • Potential reinstatement of downgrade if waiver expires without further action; continued congressional reporting cycle

Risks & tensions

  • Circular policy structure: sanction imposed and immediately waived may signal diplomatic pressure without practical effect
  • Uncertainty around 'whichever is later' clause creates indeterminate timeline tied to congressional reporting
  • Text does not specify exact date of next section 603 report, creating implementation ambiguity
Presidential Determination: Imposition and Waiver of Sanctions Under Section 604 of the Foreign Relations Authorization Act (Public Law 107-228) · Executive Orders