ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationObama · D

Presidential Determination

Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act

President Obama suspended for six months the spending limitations in the Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 that would have restricted funding for U.S. diplomatic facilities in Jerusalem, citing national security interests. The Secretary of State was directed to transmit this determination to Congress with a report and publish it in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 80 FR 77567

Impact dates

  1. Transmission to Congress with report (suspension effective upon completion)

  2. 6-month suspension period expires

Key directives

  • Suspend limitations under sections 3(b) and 7(b) of Jerusalem Embassy Act for 6 months
  • Transmit determination to Congress with report under section 7(a)
  • Publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Suspension takes effect upon transmission to Congress
  • Secretary of State directed to transmit determination and report to Congress
  • Secretary of State directed to publish in Federal Register

Near term (90d)

  • 6-month suspension period runs from December 2, 2015

Long term

  • Potential renewal or expiration of suspension in June 2016
  • Continued deferral of U.S. embassy relocation to Jerusalem

Risks & tensions

  • Recurring presidential suspensions since 1995 maintain status quo on Jerusalem embassy location, deferring congressional mandate; tension between executive national security claims and legislative branch intent
  • Timing in December 2015 places this amid ongoing Israeli-Palestinian tensions and U.S. diplomatic efforts
Presidential Determination: Suspension of Limitations Under the Jerusalem Embassy Act · Executive Orders