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

President Biden delegated 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. This is a procedural delegation of existing presidential authority to expedite military aid.

Federal Register Open PDF 87 FR 25395

Impact dates

Date TBD
Federal Register publication

Key directives

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

Who is ordered

Secretary of State · Department of State

Timeline

Immediate

Delegation of authority takes effect upon signing
Secretary of State gains authority to direct $800M drawdown

Near term (90d)

Potential execution of defense articles and services drawdown for Ukraine

Long term

Sustained military assistance framework for Ukraine conflict

Risks & tensions

Delegation concentrates drawdown authority in State rather than White House, potentially streamlining but also reducing direct presidential oversight of individual transfers
Large dollar figure ($800M) indicates significant commitment amid ongoing conflict
No explicit sunset or expiration date specified in delegation