Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961

This memorandum delegates presidential authority to the Secretary of State to direct the drawdown of up to $800 million in U.S. defense articles, services, and military education/training to provide assistance to Ukraine under the Foreign Assistance Act. It enables rapid military aid without requiring additional congressional appropriations at the time of transfer.

Federal Register Open PDF 87 FR 16365

Impact dates

Date TBD
Federal Register publication

Key directives

Delegate authority under 506(a)(1) FAA to Secretary of State
Authorize drawdown of up to $800 million in DOD defense articles and services
Authorize military education and training for Ukraine
Authorize Secretary to make required determinations under section 506(a)(1)
Direct publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Secretary of State · Department of State

Timeline

Immediate

Delegation of authority takes effect upon signature
Secretary of State authorized to direct drawdown and make required determinations

Near term (90d)

Potential execution of defense articles/services drawdown
Federal Register publication required

Long term

Depletion of U.S. military stockpiles requiring replenishment
Precedent for future drawdown delegations for Ukraine or other crises

Risks & tensions

Drawdown reduces U.S. military readiness if stockpiles depleted without replenishment funding
Large-scale delegation to Secretary of State concentrates foreign policy execution authority below presidential level
No explicit congressional notification requirement stated in this document
Value cap of $800 million may be exceeded if administration seeks supplemental authority