Presidential Memoranda in the United States

Restrictions

In the case of many memorandums, nothing in the Presidential Memoranda will be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

• the authority granted by law to an executive department, agency, entity, office, or the head thereof; or
• the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

A Presidential Memoranda, in general, should be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

A Presidential Memoranda, in general, is not intended to, and does not, create any right or benefit, substantive or procedural, enforceable at law or in equity by any party against the United States, its departments, agencies, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

Example: Memorandum to defend Civil Society

Presidential Memorandum directs U.S. agencies to defend and strengthen civil society abroad by:

• consulting regularly with civil society organizations, seeking their perspectives, utilizing their expertise, and building strong partnerships to address joint challenges;
• opposing efforts by foreign governments to impose restrictions on the freedoms of expression, peaceful assembly, and association;
• and creating greater opportunities for exchange and dialogue between governments and civil society.

Through this directive, the U.S. Government is expanding public and private consultations with civil society organizations to explore new approaches and partnerships around civil society sustainability.