MemoMemorandumBiden · D

Presidential Memorandum

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

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

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register publication

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
  • Secretary of State to make determinations required under Section 506(a)(1)
  • Publish 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 and make required determinations

Near term (90d)

  • Potential execution of defense articles and services drawdown for Ukraine

Long term

  • Continued U.S. security assistance to Ukraine through presidential drawdown authority mechanism

Risks & tensions

  • Specific dollar cap ($325M) suggests incremental funding approach amid ongoing Ukraine conflict
  • Delegation to Secretary of State rather than direct presidential action may reflect streamlined decision-making or workload distribution
  • Drawdown authority reduces U.S. military stockpiles; replenishment timing unclear from text
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders