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MemoMemorandumBiden · D

Presidential Memorandum

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

This memorandum delegates to the Secretary of State the President's authority under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 to direct a drawdown of up to $300 million in Defense Department defense articles, services, and military education and training for Ukraine assistance. It is a routine procedural delegation of existing statutory authority for foreign military assistance.

Federal Register Open PDF 88 FR 29811

Impact dates

  1. Publication of memorandum in Federal Register

Key directives

  • Delegate authority under Section 506(a)(1) of FAA to Secretary of State
  • Limit drawdown to $300 million in defense articles and services and military education and training
  • Restrict assistance to Ukraine
  • Authorize and direct publication in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of authority to Secretary of State takes effect
  • Authority to direct $300M drawdown becomes exercisable by Secretary of State

Near term (90d)

  • Potential execution of defense articles/services drawdown for Ukraine

Long term

  • Continued Ukraine military assistance through delegated authority framework

Risks & tensions

  • $300M cap may constrain response if Ukraine needs exceed delegated amount; additional delegation or presidential action would be required
  • Routine delegation mechanism—does not signal new policy direction but enables execution of existing Ukraine support
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders