ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationClinton · D

Presidential Determination

Assistance Program for the New Independent States of the Former Soviet Union

Defense & SecurityDefense & SecurityTradeTradeDemocracy & GovernanceDemocracy & Governance

In simple terms

President Clinton waived a statutory restriction on foreign assistance funds for the New Independent States of the former Soviet Union, determining it was in the national security interest of the United States. The Secretary of State was directed to notify Congress and arrange Federal Register publication.

Federal Register Open PDF 63 FR 70309

Record & deadlines

  1. Signed

    Signed by the President

  2. FR published

    Published in the Federal Register · 63 FR 70309

    Federal Register PDF

  3. Determination effective; Secretary to notify Congress and arrange publication

Key directives

  • Determine waiver of Section 517(b) restriction is in national security interest
  • Authorize and direct Secretary of State to notify Congress
  • Arrange for Federal Register publication

Who is ordered

What to expect

Immediate

  • Waiver takes effect upon determination
  • Secretary of State to notify Congress
  • Federal Register publication arranged

Near term (90d)

—

Long term

  • Continued U.S. assistance flows to former Soviet republics without statutory restriction

Risks & tensions

  • Statutory waiver authority used; bypasses normal congressional restriction
  • Specific restriction waived is not quoted in text—unclear what constraint is lifted
  • Post-Cold War aid to Russia/FSU politically sensitive in late 1990s
Presidential Determination: Assistance Program for the New Independent States of the Former Soviet Union · Executive Orders