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MemoMemorandumObama · D Quiet signal

Presidential Memorandum

Delegation of Authority Under Sections 506(a)(1) and 552(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961

This memorandum delegates presidential authority to the Secretary of State to direct drawdowns of up to $5 million in defense articles/services/military training and up to $20 million in nonlethal commodities/services from U.S. agencies to provide immediate military and assistance aid to the Government of Ukraine during the 2014 crisis.

Federal Register Open PDF 79 FR 60041

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register publication filed

  2. Immediate military assistance for Ukraine (drawdown authority effective)

Key directives

  • Delegate authority to Secretary of State to direct drawdown of up to $5 million in defense articles, services, and military education and training under FAA section 506(a)(1)
  • Delegate authority to Secretary of State to direct drawdown of up to $20 million in nonlethal commodities and services under FAA section 552(c)(2)
  • Authorize and direct publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of authority takes effect upon signing
  • Secretary of State authorized to direct drawdowns immediately

Near term (90d)

  • Potential execution of defense and nonlethal aid drawdowns to Ukraine

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Significant foreign policy commitment during active conflict in Ukraine (2014 Russian annexation of Crimea/eastern Ukraine instability)
  • Drawdown from DoD stocks may affect U.S. military readiness
  • Relatively small dollar amounts ($25M total) suggest limited scope but symbolic importance
  • No explicit congressional notification requirements stated in text
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Sections 506(a)(1) and 552(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders