ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumObama · D

Presidential Memorandum

Delegation of Authority Under Section 404(c) of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008

This memorandum delegates presidential authority to the Secretary of State to waive a prohibition on U.S. security assistance to Yemen under the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008, and to notify Congress of such waiver and its justification.

Federal Register Open PDF 80 FR 62429

Key directives

  • Delegate to Secretary of State authority to waive CSPA prohibition on Yemen under 22 U.S.C. 2370c-1(c)(1)
  • Delegate to Secretary of State authority to notify congressional committees of waiver and justification under 22 U.S.C. 2370c-1(c)(2)
  • Authorize and direct publication of memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of waiver authority to Secretary of State takes effect
  • Secretary of State authorized to publish memorandum in Federal Register

Near term (90d)

  • Potential waiver issuance and congressional notification regarding Yemen

Long term

  • Continued U.S. security assistance relationship with Yemen despite child soldier concerns

Risks & tensions

  • Tension between human rights objectives (preventing child soldier use) and security assistance priorities in Yemen
  • Delegation removes direct presidential accountability for sensitive waiver decision
  • Yemen context in 2015 involved active conflict and instability, raising scrutiny of security assistance
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Section 404(c) of the Child Soldiers Prevention Act of 2008 · Executive Orders