President Biden has issued a memorandum delegating authority to the Secretary of State to direct a drawdown of up to $567 million in defense articles, services, and military education and training to provide assistance to Taiwan[7]. This action is taken under Section 506(a)(3) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961[7].
The Presidential Drawdown Authority allows the U.S. to transfer existing military stock to partners in crisis situations[2]. This latest drawdown follows a previous authorization in July 2023 for up to $345 million in defense articles and services for Taiwan[1][2].
Key points about this development:
- The drawdown amount has increased significantly from $345 million to $567 million[1][7].
- This action reaffirms the U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s defense capabilities amidst growing tensions with China[2].
- The drawdown process has faced challenges in the past, including issues with equipment quality and delivery[1][2].
Previous Drawdown Issues
A recent Department of Defense Office of Inspector General report highlighted problems with the previous drawdown:
- Over 340 pallets of equipment sustained water damage while awaiting transport at Travis Air Force Base[1].
- Some equipment arrived in Taiwan damaged and moldy[3].
- There were instances of unserviceable and poorly packaged equipment and munitions being sent[2].
Improvements and Recommendations
In response to these issues, the Pentagon has stated it will make improvements to the drawdown process[2]. The Inspector General recommended developing a plan for drafting Presidential Drawdown execute orders, specifying each service’s responsibilities and timelines for equipment shipment[3].
This latest authorization demonstrates the ongoing U.S. commitment to Taiwan’s defense, despite past logistical challenges. It also reflects the increasing focus on Taiwan’s security in U.S. foreign policy and defense strategy.
Memorandum on the Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(3) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 – Text
MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE
SUBJECT: Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(3) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 621 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA), I hereby delegate to the Secretary of State the authority under section 506(a)(3) of the FAA to direct the drawdown of up to $567 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan.
You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.
JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.
September 29, 2024 Washington, DC
Citations:
[1] https://www.oversight.gov/sites/default/files/oig-reports/DoD/DODIG-2024-130Redacted-SECURE.pdf
[2] https://focustaiwan.tw/politics/202409140004
[3] https://www.dodig.mil/In-the-Spotlight/Article/3903595/press-release-evaluation-of-the-dods-tracking-and-accountability-of-presidentia/
[4] https://www.dodig.mil/reports.html/Article/3903550/evaluation-of-the-dods-tracking-and-accountability-of-presidential-drawdown-equ/
[5] https://crsreports.congress.gov/product/pdf/IF/IF12481
[6] https://www.state.gov/house-armed-services-committee-hearing-defense-cooperation-with-taiwan/
[7] https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/presidential-actions/2024/09/29/memorandum-on-the-delegation-of-authority-under-section-506a3-of-the-foreign-assistance-act-of-1961-2/
[8] https://www.thestandard.com.hk/breaking-news/section/6/220991/Biden-directs-drawdown-of-US$567m-for-Taiwan,-White-House-says
Sources: Midtown Tribune, White House WH.gov