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MemoMemorandumBiden · D Quiet signal

Presidential Memorandum

Delegation of Authority Under Sections 506(a)(1) and 552(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961

This memorandum delegates presidential authority to the Secretary of State to direct drawdowns of up to $450 million in Defense Department military articles, services, and training, plus up to $10 million in commodities and services from any federal agency, to provide assistance to Ukraine under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 12539

Impact dates

  1. Authority effective upon memorandum issuance

  2. Federal Register publication directed

Key directives

  • Delegate authority under section 506(a)(1) of FAA to Secretary of State for up to $450 million DOD drawdown for Ukraine
  • Delegate authority under section 552(c)(2) of FAA to Secretary of State for up to $10 million interagency drawdown for Ukraine
  • Authorize and direct publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of authority to Secretary of State takes effect
  • Up to $460 million in drawdown authority becomes available for Ukraine assistance

Near term (90d)

  • Potential execution of defense articles and services drawdowns
  • Potential execution of commodities and services drawdowns

Long term

  • Continued Ukraine security assistance through drawdown mechanisms
  • Precedent for delegated emergency foreign assistance authority

Risks & tensions

  • Drawdown authority reduces U.S. military stockpiles without immediate replenishment requirement
  • Relatively low public profile for high-value security assistance delegation
  • Section 506(a)(1) is emergency authority typically used for rapid response without congressional appropriation action
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Sections 506(a)(1) and 552(c)(2) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders