ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationObama · D

Presidential Determination

Waiver of and Certification of Statutory Provisions Regarding the Palestine Liberation Organization Office

President Obama waived section 1003 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987 for six months, allowing the Palestine Liberation Organization to maintain its office in Washington, D.C., certifying this as important to U.S. national security interests. The waiver was issued under authority from a 2009 appropriations act and its 2010 continuing resolution.

Federal Register Open PDF 74 FR 52865

Impact dates

  1. Waiver expiration (6 months from signing)

Key directives

  • Waive section 1003 of the Anti-Terrorism Act of 1987
  • Certify waiver as important to national security interests
  • Transmit determination to Congress
  • Publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Waiver takes effect upon signing
  • PLO office operations may continue

Near term (90d)

  • Six-month waiver period runs through approximately April 8, 2010
  • Secretary of State must transmit determination to Congress and publish in Federal Register

Long term

  • Potential need for renewal or extension of waiver beyond April 2010
  • Precedent for recurring national security waivers of terrorism-related statutory restrictions

Risks & tensions

  • Periodic waiver requirement creates recurring political friction with pro-Israel constituencies
  • Statutory tension between terrorism designation and diplomatic engagement
  • Congressional notification requirement suggests legislative oversight friction
Presidential Determination: Waiver of and Certification of Statutory Provisions Regarding the Palestine Liberation Organization Office · Executive Orders