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31 U.S.C. 1511: Definition and applicationText contains those laws in effect through Public Law 119-120 (October 7, 2026).
From Title 31-MONEY AND FINANCECHAPTER 15-APPROPRIATION ACCOUNTING

§1511. Definition and application

(a)  In this subchapter, “appropriations” means⁠—

(1)  appropriated amounts;

(2)  funds; and

(3)  authority to make obligations by contract before appropriations.

(b)  This subchapter does not apply to⁠—

(1)  amounts (except amounts for administrative expenses) available⁠—

(A)  for price support and surplus removal of agricultural commodities; and

(B)  under section 32 of the Act of August 24, 1935 (7 U.S.C. 612c);

(2)  a corporation getting amounts to make loans (except paid in capital amounts) without legal liability on the part of the United States Government; and

(3)  the Senate, the House of Representatives, a committee of Congress, a member, officer, employee, or office of either House of Congress, or the Office of the Architect of the Capitol or an officer or employee of that Office.

( Pub. L. 97–258 , Sept. 13, 1982 , 96 Stat. 928 .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised Section

Source (U.S. Code)

Source (Statutes at Large)

1511(a)

31:665(c)(1)(last sentence), (d)(2)(5th sentence).

R.S. § 3679(c)(1)(last sentence), (d)(2)(5th sentence, 6th sentence less 1st–22d words, last sentence related to price supports), (f)(2); Mar. 3, 1905, ch. 1484, § 4(1st par.), 33 Stat. 1257; Feb. 27, 1906, ch. 510, § 3, 34 Stat. 48; restated Sept. 6, 1950, ch. 896, § 1211, 64 Stat. 765, 766, 767.

1511(b)(1)

31:665(d)(2)(6th sentence less 1st–22d words).

1511(b)(2)

31:665(d)(2)(last sentence related to price supports).

1511(b)(3)

31:665(f)(2).

In subsection (a)(1), the words “appropriated amounts” are substituted for “appropriations” for clarity. In clause (3), the word “make” is substituted for “create” as being more precise. The text of 31:665(d)(2)(5th sentence) is omitted as unnecessary because of section 102 of the revised title.

In subsection (b), the word “amounts” is substituted for “funds” for consistency in the revised title. In clause (1)(B), the words “(7 U.S.C. 612c)” are substituted for “section 612(c) of title 7” to correct an error in section 3679(d)(2)(6th sentence) of the Revised Statutes. Clause (2) is substituted for the source provisions for consistency in the revised title.