ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumObama · D Quiet signal

Presidential Memorandum

Delegation of Authority Pursuant to Section 1209(b)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015

This memorandum delegates presidential authority under Section 1209(b)(2) of the FY2015 National Defense Authorization Act to the Secretary of State. Section 1209 concerns the Department of Defense's authority to provide assistance to appropriately vetted Syrian opposition forces.

Federal Register Open PDF 80 FR 13479

Impact dates

  1. Publication in Federal Register

Key directives

  • Delegate functions and authorities under section 1209(b)(2) of FY2015 NDAA to Secretary of State
  • Publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of authority to Secretary of State takes effect

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Ongoing implementation of Syrian assistance programs under State Department authority

Risks & tensions

  • Interagency tension: Shifts DOD-led security assistance to State Department control
  • Ambiguity: 'Substantially the same' future act reference creates open-ended delegation scope
  • Syria policy context: 2015 timing during active conflict raises implementation risks
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Pursuant to Section 1209(b)(2) of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015 · Executive Orders