Department of Defense “Section 1207”Security and Stabilization Assistance: Background and Congressional Concerns

Nina M. Serafino
Specialist in International Security Affairs

Section 1207 of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) for Fiscal Year 2006 (P.L. 109- 163) provides authority for the Department of Defense (DOD) to transfer to the State Department up to $100 million per fiscal year in defense articles, services, training or other support for reconstruction, stabilization, and security activities in foreign countries. It expires at the end of FY2010. The State Department's FY2011 Foreign Assistance budget request asks for $100 million for a Complex Crises Fund, established last year by Congress as a USAID account, "to respond to emerging or unforeseen crises through support for reconstruction, security, or stabilization needs." It notes that this fund is "similar to Section 1207 Authority." 

DOD transferred $10 million in FY2006, $99.7 million in FY2007, and $100 million in FY2008 under this authority. For FY2009, Congress added special authority to transfer up to an additional $50 million for Georgia: DOD transferred a total of $143.3 million to the State Department in FY2009 Section 1207 funds. In all, these funds have supported projects in 18 countries and two regions. 

In action on the FY2010 NDAA (P.L. 111-84), Congress extended the $100 million authority through FY2010. Congressional authorizers and appropriators strongly expressed in several documents that Section 1207 authority is temporary, and indicated that such funding is better provided under the State Department budget. 

The Obama Administration decision to request Section 1207-type funding under the Foreign Assistance account may moot further discussion of Section 1207 authority. 

This report may be updated if events warrant. 


Date of Report: February 4, 2010
Number of Pages: 14
Order Number: RS22871
Price: $29.95

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