ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumBiden · D

Presidential Memorandum

Delegation of Authority Under Section 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961

HealthcareHealthcareTradeTradeDefense & SecurityDefense & Security

In simple terms

This memorandum delegates presidential authority to the Secretary of State to determine whether up to $215 million from the Economic Support Fund should be provided for global COVID-19 pandemic assistance, waiving certain statutory restrictions under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Federal Register Open PDF 87 FR 54607

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 87 FR 54607

    Federal Register PDF

  3. Authority available for Secretary to exercise at discretion; no fixed deadline for determination or obligation

Key directives

  • Delegate authority under section 614(a)(1) of FAA to Secretary of State
  • Authorize up to $215 million from Economic Support Fund for COVID-19 assistance
  • Waive provisions of law within purview of section 614(a)(1)
  • Publish memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

What to expect

Immediate

  • Delegation of authority to Secretary of State takes effect

Near term (90d)

  • Potential obligation of up to $215 million in Economic Support Fund resources

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Waiver of statutory restrictions reduces congressional oversight on specific allocations
  • No explicit reporting requirement to Congress on determination criteria
  • Amount ($215 million) is ceiling, not floor—actual disbursement uncertain
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Section 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders