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

In simple terms

This memorandum delegates presidential authority to the Secretary of State to direct a drawdown of up to $500 million in Defense Department articles, services, and military education/training to provide assistance to Ukraine under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961. It requires publication in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 23557

Record & deadlines

Apr 4, 2023Signed
Signed by the President
Apr 17, 2023FR published
Published in the Federal Register · 88 FR 23557
Federal Register PDF
Apr 14, 2023
Federal Register publication filed

Key directives

Delegate authority under Section 506(a)(1) of FAA to Secretary of State
Authorize drawdown of up to $500 million in DoD defense articles, services, and military education/training for Ukraine
Authorize Secretary of State to make required determinations for such drawdown
Direct publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Secretary of State · Department of State

What to expect

Immediate

Delegation of authority to Secretary of State takes effect
Authorization for $500 million drawdown becomes exercisable

Near term (90d)

Potential execution of defense articles/services drawdown
Federal Register publication (filed April 14, 2023)

Long term

Continued U.S. security assistance to Ukraine
Potential future drawdown requests if ceiling reached

Risks & tensions

Drawdown authority reduces presidential control over specific transfers; potential interagency tension between State and Defense on execution
$500 million ceiling may be exhausted quickly given Ukraine conflict intensity; unclear if this is cumulative or standalone
Document does not specify whether this supplements or replaces prior delegations