Foreign Disaster Assistance

1995-07-18Executive Order 12966
Signed by: William J. Clinton
Share:

Headline: Orders Secretary of Defense to Provide Foreign Disaster Assistance

What it does: The Secretary of Defense must provide disaster assistance abroad to save lives, following Presidential direction, State concurrence, or immediate emergency action with later concurrence.

Real World Impact:
  • Enables the U.S. military to deliver disaster aid overseas to save lives.
  • Requires coordination with the Secretary of State before non-emergency assistance.
  • Allows immediate action in emergencies, with later State Department concurrence.
Topics: disaster relief, military assistance, international aid, government coordination

Summary

This order directs the Secretary of Defense to provide disaster assistance outside the United States to respond to manmade or natural disasters when necessary to prevent loss of lives.

Such assistance may be given at the President's direction, with the Secretary of State's concurrence, or immediately in emergencies without prior concurrence; the Defense Secretary must seek State approval as soon as practicable afterward.

The Defense Secretary must consult the head of the Agency for International Development, and the order clarifies it does not change other legally authorized programs.

Ask about this order

Ask questions about this executive order and its implications.

What agencies are affected by this order?

How does this order change existing policy?

What are the practical implications of this order?

Related Executive Orders