ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumObama · D

Presidential Memorandum

Delegation of Certain Functions Under Section 570(e) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997

This memorandum delegates presidential authority under a 1997 appropriations law to the Secretary of State, allowing the Secretary to waive and certify to Congress the prohibition on new U.S. investment in Burma (Myanmar). It is a routine procedural delegation of existing statutory authority.

Federal Register Open PDF 77 FR 42945

Key directives

  • Delegate to Secretary of State the function and authority under section 570(e) of the 1997 Foreign Operations Appropriations Act to waive and certify to Congress regarding prohibition on new investment in Burma under section 570(b)
  • Authorize and direct publication of memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of authority to Secretary of State takes effect

Near term (90d)

  • Potential waivers and certifications to Congress regarding Burma investment prohibition

Long term

  • Ongoing implementation of Burma investment policy through delegated authority

Risks & tensions

  • Delegation removes direct presidential accountability for sensitive Burma policy decisions
  • Timing in 2012 coincides with Burma's political opening, suggesting strategic flexibility
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Certain Functions Under Section 570(e) of the Foreign Operations, Export Financing, and Related Programs Appropriations Act, 1997 · Executive Orders