ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumBiden · D

Presidential Memorandum

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

President Biden delegates authority to the Secretary of State to direct the drawdown of up to $325 million in U.S. defense articles, services, and military education/training to provide assistance to Ukraine under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 26467

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register publication (filed 4-28-23 per header)

Key directives

  • Delegate authority under section 506(a)(1) of FAA to Secretary of State
  • Direct drawdown of up to $325 million in DOD defense articles and services and military education and training for Ukraine
  • Authorize and direct publication of memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of authority to Secretary of State takes effect
  • Secretary of State authorized to direct drawdown

Near term (90d)

  • Potential execution of defense articles and services drawdown
  • Federal Register publication of memorandum

Long term

  • Continued U.S. security assistance to Ukraine
  • Depletion of DOD stocks subject to replenishment

Risks & tensions

  • Drawdown depletes U.S. defense stocks requiring replenishment funding
  • Continues pattern of emergency presidential drawdown authority circumventing normal congressional appropriations process
  • Specific $325M cap limits scope but adds to cumulative Ukraine assistance total
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders