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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 presidential authority to the Secretary of State to direct a drawdown of up to $125 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. The Secretary of State is also authorized to make the required determinations for such drawdowns, and directed to publish the memorandum in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 89 FR 71801

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register publication of memorandum

Key directives

  • Delegate authority under FAA Section 506(a)(1) to Secretary of State for up to $125M drawdown of DoD defense articles, services, and military education/training for Ukraine
  • Delegate authority to make determinations required under Section 506(a)(1)
  • Direct Secretary of State to 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 $125M 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 framework for Ukraine under FAA Section 506(a)(1)

Risks & tensions

  • Drawdown authority reduces U.S. military stockpiles without immediate replenishment requirement specified
  • Section 506(a)(1) typically requires presidential determination; delegation to Secretary of State centralizes executive authority but may reduce interagency visibility
  • Specific $125M cap limits exposure but adds to cumulative Ukraine assistance totals with potential congressional oversight implications
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders