ExecutiveOrdersEO
MemoMemorandumBiden · D

Presidential Memorandum

Delegation of Authority Under Section 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961

President Biden delegates to the Secretary of State the authority to determine whether up to $14 million in assistance to Ukraine is important to U.S. security interests, allowing this aid to bypass certain legal restrictions under the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961.

Federal Register Open PDF 89 FR 87461

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register publication

Key directives

  • Delegate authority under section 614(a)(1) of FAA to Secretary of State for up to $14 million in Ukraine assistance
  • Direct publication of memorandum in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Delegation of authority takes effect upon memorandum signing
  • Secretary of State gains authority to make $14 million determination

Near term (90d)

  • Potential disbursement of up to $14 million in assistance to Ukraine if Secretary makes affirmative determination

Long term

—

Risks & tensions

  • Small dollar amount ($14M) relative to total Ukraine aid suggests targeted, procedural delegation
  • Section 614(a)(1) allows bypassing congressional restrictions, raising oversight tensions
  • Timing in October 2024 places this in election period context
Presidential Memorandum: Delegation of Authority Under Section 614(a)(1) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 · Executive Orders