5 U.S.C. § 552a (2024) — Title 5: GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES / Chapter 5 / Subchapter II / Section 552a: Records maintained on individuals
Records maintained on individuals
Status: in_force

(a) Definitions.—For purposes of this section—

(1) the term "agency" means agency as defined in section 552(e) 1 of this title;

(2) the term "individual" means a citizen of the United States or an alien lawfully admitted for permanent residence;

(3) the term "maintain" includes maintain, collect, use, or disseminate;

(4) the term "record" means any item, collection, or grouping of information about an individual that is maintained by an agency, including, but not limited to, his education, financial transactions, medical history, and criminal or employment history and that contains his name, or the identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual, such as a finger or voice print or a photograph;

(5) the term "system of records" means a group of any records under the control of any agency from which information is retrieved by the name of the individual or by some identifying number, symbol, or other identifying particular assigned to the individual;

(6) the term "statistical record" means a record in a system of records maintained for statistical research or reporting purposes only and not used in whole or in part in making any determination about an identifiable individual, except as provided by section 8 of title 13;

(7) the term "routine use" means, with respect to the disclosure of a record, the use of such record for a purpose which is compatible with the purpose for which it was collected;

(8) the term "matching program"—

(A) means any computerized comparison of—

(i) two or more automated systems of records or a system of records with non-Federal records for the purpose of—

(I) establishing or verifying the eligibility of, or continuing compliance with statutory and regulatory requirements by, applicants for, recipients or beneficiaries of, participants in, or providers of services with respect to, cash or in-kind assistance or payments under Federal benefit programs, or

(II) recouping payments or delinquent debts under such Federal benefit programs, or

(ii) two or more automated Federal personnel or payroll systems of records or a system of Federal personnel or payroll records with non-Federal records,

(B) but does not include—

(i) matches performed to produce aggregate statistical data without any personal identifiers;

(ii) matches performed to support any research or statistical project, the specific data of which may not be used to make decisions concerning the rights, benefits, or privileges of specific individuals;

(iii) matches performed, by an agency (or component thereof) which performs as its principal function any activity pertaining to the enforcement of criminal laws, subsequent to the initiation of a specific criminal or civil law enforcement investigation of a named person or persons for the purpose of gathering evidence against such person or persons;

(iv) matches of tax information (I) pursuant to section 6103(d) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, (II) for purposes of tax administration as defined in section 6103(b)(4) of such Code, (III) for the purpose of intercepting a tax refund due an individual under authority granted by section 404(e), 464, or 1137 of the Social Security Act; or (IV) for the purpose of intercepting a tax refund due an individual under any other tax refund intercept program authorized by statute which has been determined by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to contain verification, notice, and hearing requirements that are substantially similar to the procedures in section 1137 of the Social Security Act;

(v) matches—

(I) using records predominantly relating to Federal personnel, that are performed for routine administrative purposes (subject to guidance provided by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to subsection (v)); or

(II) conducted by an agency using only records from systems of records maintained by that agency;

 if the purpose of the match is not to take any adverse financial, personnel, disciplinary, or other adverse action against Federal personnel;

(vi) matches performed for foreign counterintelligence purposes or to produce background checks for security clearances of Federal personnel or Federal contractor personnel;

(vii) matches performed incident to a levy described in section 6103(k)(8) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986;

(viii) matches performed pursuant to section 202(x)(3) or 1611(e)(1) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 402(x)(3), 1382(e)(1));

(ix) matches performed by the Secretary of Health and Human Services or the Inspector General of the Department of Health and Human Services with respect to potential fraud, waste, and abuse, including matches of a system of records with non-Federal records; or

(x) matches performed pursuant to section 3(d)(4) of the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014; 1

(9) the term "recipient agency" means any agency, or contractor thereof, receiving records contained in a system of records from a source agency for use in a matching program;

(10) the term "non-Federal agency" means any State or local government, or agency thereof, which receives records contained in a system of records from a source agency for use in a matching program;

(11) the term "source agency" means any agency which discloses records contained in a system of records to be used in a matching program, or any State or local government, or agency thereof, which discloses records to be used in a matching program;

(12) the term "Federal benefit program" means any program administered or funded by the Federal Government, or by any agent or State on behalf of the Federal Government, providing cash or in-kind assistance in the form of payments, grants, loans, or loan guarantees to individuals; and

(13) the term "Federal personnel" means officers and employees of the Government of the United States, members of the uniformed services (including members of the Reserve Components), individuals entitled to receive immediate or deferred retirement benefits under any retirement program of the Government of the United States (including survivor benefits).

(b) Conditions of Disclosure.—No agency shall disclose any record which is contained in a system of records by any means of communication to any person, or to another agency, except pursuant to a written request by, or with the prior written consent of, the individual to whom the record pertains, unless disclosure of the record would be—

(1) to those officers and employees of the agency which maintains the record who have a need for the record in the performance of their duties;

(2) required under section 552 of this title;

(3) for a routine use as defined in subsection (a)(7) of this section and described under subsection (e)(4)(D) of this section;

(4) to the Bureau of the Census for purposes of planning or carrying out a census or survey or related activity pursuant to the provisions of title 13;

(5) to a recipient who has provided the agency with advance adequate written assurance that the record will be used solely as a statistical research or reporting record, and the record is to be transferred in a form that is not individually identifiable;

(6) to the National Archives and Records Administration as a record which has sufficient historical or other value to warrant its continued preservation by the United States Government, or for evaluation by the Archivist of the United States or the designee of the Archivist to determine whether the record has such value;

(7) to another agency or to an instrumentality of any governmental jurisdiction within or under the control of the United States for a civil or criminal law enforcement activity if the activity is authorized by law, and if the head of the agency or instrumentality has made a written request to the agency which maintains the record specifying the particular portion desired and the law enforcement activity for which the record is sought;

(8) to a person pursuant to a showing of compelling circumstances affecting the health or safety of an individual if upon such disclosure notification is transmitted to the last known address of such individual;

(9) to either House of Congress, or, to the extent of matter within its jurisdiction, any committee or subcommittee thereof, any joint committee of Congress or subcommittee of any such joint committee;

(10) to the Comptroller General, or any of his authorized representatives, in the course of the performance of the duties of the Government Accountability Office;

(11) to the Director of the Congressional Budget Office, or any authorized representative of the Director, in the course of performance of the duties of the Congressional Budget Office;

(12) pursuant to the order of a court of competent jurisdiction; or

(13) to a consumer reporting agency in accordance with section 3711(e) of title 31.

(c) Accounting of Certain Disclosures.—Each agency, with respect to each system of records under its control, shall—

(1) except for disclosures made under subsections (b)(1) or (b)(2) of this section, keep an accurate accounting of—

(A) the date, nature, and purpose of each disclosure of a record to any person or to another agency made under subsection (b) of this section; and

(B) the name and address of the person or agency to whom the disclosure is made;

(2) retain the accounting made under paragraph (1) of this subsection for at least five years or the life of the record, whichever is longer, after the disclosure for which the accounting is made;

(3) except for disclosures made under subsection (b)(7) of this section, make the accounting made under paragraph (1) of this subsection available to the individual named in the record at his request; and

(4) inform any person or other agency about any correction or notation of dispute made by the agency in accordance with subsection (d) of this section of any record that has been disclosed to the person or agency if an accounting of the disclosure was made.

(d) Access to Records.—Each agency that maintains a system of records shall—

(1) upon request by any individual to gain access to his record or to any information pertaining to him which is contained in the system, permit him and upon his request, a person of his own choosing to accompany him, to review the record and have a copy made of all or any portion thereof in a form comprehensible to him, except that the agency may require the individual to furnish a written statement authorizing discussion of that individual's record in the accompanying person's presence;

(2) permit the individual to request amendment of a record pertaining to him and—

(A) not later than 10 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) after the date of receipt of such request, acknowledge in writing such receipt; and

(B) promptly, either—

(i) make any correction of any portion thereof which the individual believes is not accurate, relevant, timely, or complete; or

(ii) inform the individual of its refusal to amend the record in accordance with his request, the reason for the refusal, the procedures established by the agency for the individual to request a review of that refusal by the head of the agency or an officer designated by the head of the agency, and the name and business address of that official;

(3) permit the individual who disagrees with the refusal of the agency to amend his record to request a review of such refusal, and not later than 30 days (excluding Saturdays, Sundays, and legal public holidays) from the date on which the individual requests such review, complete such review and make a final determination unless, for good cause shown, the head of the agency extends such 30-day period; and if, after his review, the reviewing official also refuses to amend the record in accordance with the request, permit the individual to file with the agency a concise statement setting forth the reasons for his disagreement with the refusal of the agency, and notify the individual of the provisions for judicial review of the reviewing official's determination under subsection (g)(1)(A) of this section;

(4) in any disclosure, containing information about which the individual has filed a statement of disagreement, occurring after the filing of the statement under paragraph (3) of this subsection, clearly note any portion of the record which is disputed and provide copies of the statement and, if the agency deems it appropriate, copies of a concise statement of the reasons of the agency for not making the amendments requested, to persons or other agencies to whom the disputed record has been disclosed; and

(5) nothing in this section shall allow an individual access to any information compiled in reasonable anticipation of a civil action or proceeding.

(e) Agency Requirements.—Each agency that maintains a system of records shall—

(1) maintain in its records only such information about an individual as is relevant and necessary to accomplish a purpose of the agency required to be accomplished by statute or by executive order of the President;

(2) collect information to the greatest extent practicable directly from the subject individual when the information may result in adverse determinations about an individual's rights, benefits, and privileges under Federal programs;

(3) inform each individual whom it asks to supply information, on the form which it uses to collect the information or on a separate form that can be retained by the individual—

(A) the authority (whether granted by statute, or by executive order of the President) which authorizes the solicitation of the information and whether disclosure of such information is mandatory or voluntary;

(B) the principal purpose or purposes for which the information is intended to be used;

(C) the routine uses which may be made of the information, as published pursuant to paragraph (4)(D) of this subsection; and

(D) the effects on him, if any, of not providing all or any part of the requested information;

(4) subject to the provisions of paragraph (11) of this subsection, publish in the Federal Register upon establishment or revision a notice of the existence and character of the system of records, which notice shall include—

(A) the name and location of the system;

(B) the categories of individuals on whom records are maintained in the system;

(C) the categories of records maintained in the system;

(D) each routine use of the records contained in the system, including the categories of users and the purpose of such use;

(E) the policies and practices of the agency regarding storage, retrievability, access controls, retention, and disposal of the records;

(F) the title and business address of the agency official who is responsible for the system of records;

(G) the agency procedures whereby an individual can be notified at his request if the system of records contains a record pertaining to him;

(H) the agency procedures whereby an individual can be notified at his request how he can gain access to any record pertaining to him contained in the system of records, and how he can contest its content; and

(I) the categories of sources of records in the system;

(5) maintain all records which are used by the agency in making any determination about any individual with such accuracy, relevance, timeliness, and completeness as is reasonably necessary to assure fairness to the individual in the determination;

(6) prior to disseminating any record about an individual to any person other than an agency, unless the dissemination is made pursuant to subsection (b)(2) of this section, make reasonable efforts to assure that such records are accurate, complete, timely, and relevant for agency purposes;

(7) maintain no record describing how any individual exercises rights guaranteed by the First Amendment unless expressly authorized by statute or by the individual about whom the record is maintained or unless pertinent to and within the scope of an authorized law enforcement activity;

(8) make reasonable efforts to serve notice on an individual when any record on such individual is made available to any person under compulsory legal process when such process becomes a matter of public record;

(9) establish rules of conduct for persons involved in the design, development, operation, or maintenance of any system of records, or in maintaining any record, and instruct each such person with respect to such rules and the requirements of this section, including any other rules and procedures adopted pursuant to this section and the penalties for noncompliance;

(10) establish appropriate administrative, technical, and physical safeguards to insure the security and confidentiality of records and to protect against any anticipated threats or hazards to their security or integrity which could result in substantial harm, embarrassment, inconvenience, or unfairness to any individual on whom information is maintained;

(11) at least 30 days prior to publication of information under paragraph (4)(D) of this subsection, publish in the Federal Register notice of any new use or intended use of the information in the system, and provide an opportunity for interested persons to submit written data, views, or arguments to the agency; and

(12) if such agency is a recipient agency or a source agency in a matching program with a non-Federal agency, with respect to any establishment or revision of a matching program, at least 30 days prior to conducting such program, publish in the Federal Register notice of such establishment or revision.

(f) Agency Rules.—In order to carry out the provisions of this section, each agency that maintains a system of records shall promulgate rules, in accordance with the requirements (including general notice) of section 553 of this title, which shall—

(1) establish procedures whereby an individual can be notified in response to his request if any system of records named by the individual contains a record pertaining to him;

(2) define reasonable times, places, and requirements for identifying an individual who requests his record or information pertaining to him before the agency shall make the record or information available to the individual;

(3) establish procedures for the disclosure to an individual upon his request of his record or information pertaining to him, including special procedure, if deemed necessary, for the disclosure to an individual of medical records, including psychological records, pertaining to him;

(4) establish procedures for reviewing a request from an individual concerning the amendment of any record or information pertaining to the individual, for making a determination on the request, for an appeal within the agency of an initial adverse agency determination, and for whatever additional means may be necessary for each individual to be able to exercise fully his rights under this section; and

(5) establish fees to be charged, if any, to any individual for making copies of his record, excluding the cost of any search for and review of the record.

The Office of the Federal Register shall biennially compile and publish the rules promulgated under this subsection and agency notices published under subsection (e)(4) of this section in a form available to the public at low cost.

(g)(1) Civil Remedies.—Whenever any agency

(A) makes a determination under subsection (d)(3) of this section not to amend an individual's record in accordance with his request, or fails to make such review in conformity with that subsection;

(B) refuses to comply with an individual request under subsection (d)(1) of this section;

(C) fails to maintain any record concerning any individual with such accuracy, relevance, timeliness, and completeness as is necessary to assure fairness in any determination relating to the qualifications, character, rights, or opportunities of, or benefits to the individual that may be made on the basis of such record, and consequently a determination is made which is adverse to the individual; or

(D) fails to comply with any other provision of this section, or any rule promulgated thereunder, in such a way as to have an adverse effect on an individual,

the individual may bring a civil action against the agency, and the district courts of the United States shall have jurisdiction in the matters under the provisions of this subsection.

(2)(A) In any suit brought under the provisions of subsection (g)(1)(A) of this section, the court may order the agency to amend the individual's record in accordance with his request or in such other way as the court may direct. In such a case the court shall determine the matter de novo.

(B) The court may assess against the United States reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in any case under this paragraph in which the complainant has substantially prevailed.

(3)(A) In any suit brought under the provisions of subsection (g)(1)(B) of this section, the court may enjoin the agency from withholding the records and order the production to the complainant of any agency records improperly withheld from him. In such a case the court shall determine the matter de novo, and may examine the contents of any agency records in camera to determine whether the records or any portion thereof may be withheld under any of the exemptions set forth in subsection (k) of this section, and the burden is on the agency to sustain its action.

(B) The court may assess against the United States reasonable attorney fees and other litigation costs reasonably incurred in any case under this paragraph in which the complainant has substantially prevailed.

(4) In any suit brought under the provisions of subsection (g)(1)(C) or (D) of this section in which the court determines that the agency acted in a manner which was intentional or willful, the United States shall be liable to the individual in an amount equal to the sum of—

(A) actual damages sustained by the individual as a result of the refusal or failure, but in no case shall a person entitled to recovery receive less than the sum of $1,000; and

(B) the costs of the action together with reasonable attorney fees as determined by the court.

(5) An action to enforce any liability created under this section may be brought in the district court of the United States in the district in which the complainant resides, or has his principal place of business, or in which the agency records are situated, or in the District of Columbia, without regard to the amount in controversy, within two years from the date on which the cause of action arises, except that where an agency has materially and willfully misrepresented any information required under this section to be disclosed to an individual and the information so misrepresented is material to establishment of the liability of the agency to the individual under this section, the action may be brought at any time within two years after discovery by the individual of the misrepresentation. Nothing in this section shall be construed to authorize any civil action by reason of any injury sustained as the result of a disclosure of a record prior to September 27, 1975.

(h) Rights of Legal Guardians.—For the purposes of this section, the parent of any minor, or the legal guardian of any individual who has been declared to be incompetent due to physical or mental incapacity or age by a court of competent jurisdiction, may act on behalf of the individual.

(i)(1) Criminal Penalties.—Any officer or employee of an agency, who by virtue of his employment or official position, has possession of, or access to, agency records which contain individually identifiable information the disclosure of which is prohibited by this section or by rules or regulations established thereunder, and who knowing that disclosure of the specific material is so prohibited, willfully discloses the material in any manner to any person or agency not entitled to receive it, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined not more than $5,000.

(2) Any officer or employee of any agency who willfully maintains a system of records without meeting the notice requirements of subsection (e)(4) of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined not more than $5,000.

(3) Any person who knowingly and willfully requests or obtains any record concerning an individual from an agency under false pretenses shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and fined not more than $5,000.

(j) General Exemptions.—The head of any agency may promulgate rules, in accordance with the requirements (including general notice) of sections 553(b)(1), (2), and (3), (c), and (e) of this title, to exempt any system of records within the agency from any part of this section except subsections (b), (c)(1) and (2), (e)(4)(A) through (F), (e)(6), (7), (9), (10), and (11), and (i) if the system of records is—

(1) maintained by the Central Intelligence Agency; or

(2) maintained by an agency or component thereof which performs as its principal function any activity pertaining to the enforcement of criminal laws, including police efforts to prevent, control, or reduce crime or to apprehend criminals, and the activities of prosecutors, courts, correctional, probation, pardon, or parole authorities, and which consists of (A) information compiled for the purpose of identifying individual criminal offenders and alleged offenders and consisting only of identifying data and notations of arrests, the nature and disposition of criminal charges, sentencing, confinement, release, and parole and probation status; (B) information compiled for the purpose of a criminal investigation, including reports of informants and investigators, and associated with an identifiable individual; or (C) reports identifiable to an individual compiled at any stage of the process of enforcement of the criminal laws from arrest or indictment through release from supervision.

At the time rules are adopted under this subsection, the agency shall include in the statement required under section 553(c) of this title, the reasons why the system of records is to be exempted from a provision of this section.

(k) Specific Exemptions.—The head of any agency may promulgate rules, in accordance with the requirements (including general notice) of sections 553(b)(1), (2), and (3), (c), and (e) of this title, to exempt any system of records within the agency from subsections (c)(3), (d), (e)(1), (e)(4)(G), (H), and (I) and (f) of this section if the system of records is—

(1) subject to the provisions of section 552(b)(1) of this title;

(2) investigatory material compiled for law enforcement purposes, other than material within the scope of subsection (j)(2) of this section: Provided, however, That if any individual is denied any right, privilege, or benefit that he would otherwise be entitled by Federal law, or for which he would otherwise be eligible, as a result of the maintenance of such material, such material shall be provided to such individual, except to the extent that the disclosure of such material would reveal the identity of a source who furnished information to the Government under an express promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence, or, prior to the effective date of this section, under an implied promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence;

(3) maintained in connection with providing protective services to the President of the United States or other individuals pursuant to section 3056 of title 18;

(4) required by statute to be maintained and used solely as statistical records;

(5) investigatory material compiled solely for the purpose of determining suitability, eligibility, or qualifications for Federal civilian employment, military service, Federal contracts, or access to classified information, but only to the extent that the disclosure of such material would reveal the identity of a source who furnished information to the Government under an express promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence, or, prior to the effective date of this section, under an implied promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence;

(6) testing or examination material used solely to determine individual qualifications for appointment or promotion in the Federal service the disclosure of which would compromise the objectivity or fairness of the testing or examination process; or

(7) evaluation material used to determine potential for promotion in the armed services, but only to the extent that the disclosure of such material would reveal the identity of a source who furnished information to the Government under an express promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence, or, prior to the effective date of this section, under an implied promise that the identity of the source would be held in confidence.

At the time rules are adopted under this subsection, the agency shall include in the statement required under section 553(c) of this title, the reasons why the system of records is to be exempted from a provision of this section.

(l)(1) Archival Records.—Each agency record which is accepted by the Archivist of the United States for storage, processing, and servicing in accordance with section 3103 of title 44 shall, for the purposes of this section, be considered to be maintained by the agency which deposited the record and shall be subject to the provisions of this section. The Archivist of the United States shall not disclose the record except to the agency which maintains the record, or under rules established by that agency which are not inconsistent with the provisions of this section.

(2) Each agency record pertaining to an identifiable individual which was transferred to the National Archives of the United States as a record which has sufficient historical or other value to warrant its continued preservation by the United States Government, prior to the effective date of this section, shall, for the purposes of this section, be considered to be maintained by the National Archives and shall not be subject to the provisions of this section, except that a statement generally describing such records (modeled after the requirements relating to records subject to subsections (e)(4)(A) through (G) of this section) shall be published in the Federal Register.

(3) Each agency record pertaining to an identifiable individual which is transferred to the National Archives of the United States as a record which has sufficient historical or other value to warrant its continued preservation by the United States Government, on or after the effective date of this section, shall, for the purposes of this section, be considered to be maintained by the National Archives and shall be exempt from the requirements of this section except subsections (e)(4)(A) through (G) and (e)(9) of this section.

(m)(1) Government Contractors.—When an agency provides by a contract for the operation by or on behalf of the agency of a system of records to accomplish an agency function, the agency shall, consistent with its authority, cause the requirements of this section to be applied to such system. For purposes of subsection (i) of this section any such contractor and any employee of such contractor, if such contract is agreed to on or after the effective date of this section, shall be considered to be an employee of an agency.

(2) A consumer reporting agency to which a record is disclosed under section 3711(e) of title 31 shall not be considered a contractor for the purposes of this section.

(n) Mailing Lists.—An individual's name and address may not be sold or rented by an agency unless such action is specifically authorized by law. This provision shall not be construed to require the withholding of names and addresses otherwise permitted to be made public.

(o) Matching Agreements.—(1) No record which is contained in a system of records may be disclosed to a recipient agency or non-Federal agency for use in a computer matching program except pursuant to a written agreement between the source agency and the recipient agency or non-Federal agency specifying—

(A) the purpose and legal authority for conducting the program;

(B) the justification for the program and the anticipated results, including a specific estimate of any savings;

(C) a description of the records that will be matched, including each data element that will be used, the approximate number of records that will be matched, and the projected starting and completion dates of the matching program;

(D) procedures for providing individualized notice at the time of application, and notice periodically thereafter as directed by the Data Integrity Board of such agency (subject to guidance provided by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to subsection (v)), to—

(i) applicants for and recipients of financial assistance or payments under Federal benefit programs, and

(ii) applicants for and holders of positions as Federal personnel,

that any information provided by such applicants, recipients, holders, and individuals may be subject to verification through matching programs;

(E) procedures for verifying information produced in such matching program as required by subsection (p);

(F) procedures for the retention and timely destruction of identifiable records created by a recipient agency or non-Federal agency in such matching program;

(G) procedures for ensuring the administrative, technical, and physical security of the records matched and the results of such programs;

(H) prohibitions on duplication and redisclosure of records provided by the source agency within or outside the recipient agency or the non-Federal agency, except where required by law or essential to the conduct of the matching program;

(I) procedures governing the use by a recipient agency or non-Federal agency of records provided in a matching program by a source agency, including procedures governing return of the records to the source agency or destruction of records used in such program;

(J) information on assessments that have been made on the accuracy of the records that will be used in such matching program; and

(K) that the Comptroller General may have access to all records of a recipient agency or a non-Federal agency that the Comptroller General deems necessary in order to monitor or verify compliance with the agreement.

(2)(A) A copy of each agreement entered into pursuant to paragraph (1) shall—

(i) be transmitted to the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives; and

(ii) be available upon request to the public.

(B) No such agreement shall be effective until 30 days after the date on which such a copy is transmitted pursuant to subparagraph (A)(i).

(C) Such an agreement shall remain in effect only for such period, not to exceed 18 months, as the Data Integrity Board of the agency determines is appropriate in light of the purposes, and length of time necessary for the conduct, of the matching program.

(D) Within 3 months prior to the expiration of such an agreement pursuant to subparagraph (C), the Data Integrity Board of the agency may, without additional review, renew the matching agreement for a current, ongoing matching program for not more than one additional year if—

(i) such program will be conducted without any change; and

(ii) each party to the agreement certifies to the Board in writing that the program has been conducted in compliance with the agreement.

(p) Verification and Opportunity to Contest Findings.—(1) In order to protect any individual whose records are used in a matching program, no recipient agency, non-Federal agency, or source agency may suspend, terminate, reduce, or make a final denial of any financial assistance or payment under a Federal benefit program to such individual, or take other adverse action against such individual, as a result of information produced by such matching program, until—

(A)(i) the agency has independently verified the information; or

(ii) the Data Integrity Board of the agency, or in the case of a non-Federal agency the Data Integrity Board of the source agency, determines in accordance with guidance issued by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget that—

(I) the information is limited to identification and amount of benefits paid by the source agency under a Federal benefit program; and

(II) there is a high degree of confidence that the information provided to the recipient agency is accurate;

(B) the individual receives a notice from the agency containing a statement of its findings and informing the individual of the opportunity to contest such findings; and

(C)(i) the expiration of any time period established for the program by statute or regulation for the individual to respond to that notice; or

(ii) in the case of a program for which no such period is established, the end of the 30-day period beginning on the date on which notice under subparagraph (B) is mailed or otherwise provided to the individual.

(2) Independent verification referred to in paragraph (1) requires investigation and confirmation of specific information relating to an individual that is used as a basis for an adverse action against the individual, including where applicable investigation and confirmation of—

(A) the amount of any asset or income involved;

(B) whether such individual actually has or had access to such asset or income for such individual's own use; and

(C) the period or periods when the individual actually had such asset or income.

(3) Notwithstanding paragraph (1), an agency may take any appropriate action otherwise prohibited by such paragraph if the agency determines that the public health or public safety may be adversely affected or significantly threatened during any notice period required by such paragraph.

(q) Sanctions.—(1) Notwithstanding any other provision of law, no source agency may disclose any record which is contained in a system of records to a recipient agency or non-Federal agency for a matching program if such source agency has reason to believe that the requirements of subsection (p), or any matching agreement entered into pursuant to subsection (o), or both, are not being met by such recipient agency.

(2) No source agency may renew a matching agreement unless—

(A) the recipient agency or non-Federal agency has certified that it has complied with the provisions of that agreement; and

(B) the source agency has no reason to believe that the certification is inaccurate.

(r) Report on New Systems and Matching Programs.—Each agency that proposes to establish or make a significant change in a system of records or a matching program shall provide adequate advance notice of any such proposal (in duplicate) to the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives, the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate, and the Office of Management and Budget in order to permit an evaluation of the probable or potential effect of such proposal on the privacy or other rights of individuals.

(s) Biennial Report.—The President shall biennially submit to the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President pro tempore of the Senate a report—

(1) describing the actions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget pursuant to section 6 of the Privacy Act of 1974 during the preceding 2 years;

(2) describing the exercise of individual rights of access and amendment under this section during such years;

(3) identifying changes in or additions to systems of records;

(4) containing such other information concerning administration of this section as may be necessary or useful to the Congress in reviewing the effectiveness of this section in carrying out the purposes of the Privacy Act of 1974.

(t)(1) Effect of Other Laws.—No agency shall rely on any exemption contained in section 552 of this title to withhold from an individual any record which is otherwise accessible to such individual under the provisions of this section.

(2) No agency shall rely on any exemption in this section to withhold from an individual any record which is otherwise accessible to such individual under the provisions of section 552 of this title.

(u) Data Integrity Boards.—(1) Every agency conducting or participating in a matching program shall establish a Data Integrity Board to oversee and coordinate among the various components of such agency the agency's implementation of this section.

(2) Each Data Integrity Board shall consist of senior officials designated by the head of the agency, and shall include any senior official designated by the head of the agency as responsible for implementation of this section, and the inspector general of the agency, if any. The inspector general shall not serve as chairman of the Data Integrity Board.

(3) Each Data Integrity Board—

(A) shall review, approve, and maintain all written agreements for receipt or disclosure of agency records for matching programs to ensure compliance with subsection (o), and all relevant statutes, regulations, and guidelines;

(B) shall review all matching programs in which the agency has participated during the year, either as a source agency or recipient agency, determine compliance with applicable laws, regulations, guidelines, and agency agreements, and assess the costs and benefits of such programs;

(C) shall review all recurring matching programs in which the agency has participated during the year, either as a source agency or recipient agency, for continued justification for such disclosures;

(D) shall compile an annual report, which shall be submitted to the head of the agency and the Office of Management and Budget and made available to the public on request, describing the matching activities of the agency, including—

(i) matching programs in which the agency has participated as a source agency or recipient agency;

(ii) matching agreements proposed under subsection (o) that were disapproved by the Board;

(iii) any changes in membership or structure of the Board in the preceding year;

(iv) the reasons for any waiver of the requirement in paragraph (4) of this section for completion and submission of a cost-benefit analysis prior to the approval of a matching program;

(v) any violations of matching agreements that have been alleged or identified and any corrective action taken; and

(vi) any other information required by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to be included in such report;

(E) shall serve as a clearinghouse for receiving and providing information on the accuracy, completeness, and reliability of records used in matching programs;

(F) shall provide interpretation and guidance to agency components and personnel on the requirements of this section for matching programs;

(G) shall review agency recordkeeping and disposal policies and practices for matching programs to assure compliance with this section; and

(H) may review and report on any agency matching activities that are not matching programs.

(4)(A) Except as provided in subparagraphs (B) and (C), a Data Integrity Board shall not approve any written agreement for a matching program unless the agency has completed and submitted to such Board a cost-benefit analysis of the proposed program and such analysis demonstrates that the program is likely to be cost effective.2

(B) The Board may waive the requirements of subparagraph (A) of this paragraph if it determines in writing, in accordance with guidelines prescribed by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, that a cost-benefit analysis is not required.

(C) A cost-benefit analysis shall not be required under subparagraph (A) prior to the initial approval of a written agreement for a matching program that is specifically required by statute. Any subsequent written agreement for such a program shall not be approved by the Data Integrity Board unless the agency has submitted a cost-benefit analysis of the program as conducted under the preceding approval of such agreement.

(5)(A) If a matching agreement is disapproved by a Data Integrity Board, any party to such agreement may appeal the disapproval to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Timely notice of the filing of such an appeal shall be provided by the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate and the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives.

(B) The Director of the Office of Management and Budget may approve a matching agreement notwithstanding the disapproval of a Data Integrity Board if the Director determines that—

(i) the matching program will be consistent with all applicable legal, regulatory, and policy requirements;

(ii) there is adequate evidence that the matching agreement will be cost-effective; and

(iii) the matching program is in the public interest.

(C) The decision of the Director to approve a matching agreement shall not take effect until 30 days after it is reported to committees described in subparagraph (A).

(D) If the Data Integrity Board and the Director of the Office of Management and Budget disapprove a matching program proposed by the inspector general of an agency, the inspector general may report the disapproval to the head of the agency and to the Congress.

(6) In the reports required by paragraph (3)(D), agency matching activities that are not matching programs may be reported on an aggregate basis, if and to the extent necessary to protect ongoing law enforcement or counterintelligence investigations.

(v) Office of Management and Budget Responsibilities.—The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall—

(1) develop and, after notice and opportunity for public comment, prescribe guidelines and regulations for the use of agencies in implementing the provisions of this section; and

(2) provide continuing assistance to and oversight of the implementation of this section by agencies.

(w) Applicability to Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.—Except as provided in the Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010, this section shall apply with respect to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection.

(Added Pub. L. 93–579, §3, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1897; amended Pub. L. 94–183, §2(2), Dec. 31, 1975, 89 Stat. 1057; Pub. L. 97–365, §2, Oct. 25, 1982, 96 Stat. 1749; Pub. L. 97–375, title II, §201(a), (b), Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1821; Pub. L. 97–452, §2(a)(1), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2478; Pub. L. 98–477, §2(c), Oct. 15, 1984, 98 Stat. 2211; Pub. L. 98–497, title I, §107(g), Oct. 19, 1984, 98 Stat. 2292; Pub. L. 100–503, §§2–6(a), 7, 8, Oct. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 2507–2514; Pub. L. 101–508, title VII, §7201(b)(1), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–334; Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13581(c), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 611; Pub. L. 104–193, title I, §110(w), Aug. 22, 1996, 110 Stat. 2175; Pub. L. 104–226, §1(b)(3), Oct. 2, 1996, 110 Stat. 3033; Pub. L. 104–316, title I, §115(g)(2)(B), Oct. 19, 1996, 110 Stat. 3835; Pub. L. 105–34, title X, §1026(b)(2), Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 925; Pub. L. 105–362, title XIII, §1301(d), Nov. 10, 1998, 112 Stat. 3293; Pub. L. 106–170, title IV, §402(a)(2), Dec. 17, 1999, 113 Stat. 1908; Pub. L. 108–271, §8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 111–148, title VI, §6402(b)(2), Mar. 23, 2010, 124 Stat. 756; Pub. L. 111–203, title X, §1082, July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 2080; Pub. L. 113–295, div. B, title I, §102(d), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4062; Pub. L. 118–104, §2, Oct. 2, 2024, 138 Stat. 1586.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Section 552(e) of this title, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), was redesignated section 552(f) of this title by section 1802(b) of Pub. L. 99–570.

Section 6103 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsec. (a)(8)(B)(iv), (vii), is classified to section 6103 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Sections 404, 464, and 1137 of the Social Security Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(8)(B)(iv), are classified to sections 604, 664, and 1320b–7, respectively, of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

The Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014, referred to in subsec. (a)(8)(B)(x), probably means Pub. L. 113–295, div. B, Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4056, known as the Stephen Beck, Jr., Achieving a Better Life Experience Act of 2014 or the Stephen Beck, Jr., ABLE Act of 2014. The Act does not contain a section 3.

For effective date of this section, referred to in subsecs. (k)(2), (5), (7), (l)(2), (3), and (m), see Effective Date note below.

Section 6 of the Privacy Act of 1974, referred to in subsec. (s)(1), is section 6 of Pub. L. 93–579, which was set out below and was repealed by section 6(c) of Pub. L. 100–503.

For classification of the Privacy Act of 1974, referred to in subsec. (s)(4), see Short Title note below.

The Consumer Financial Protection Act of 2010, referred to in subsec. (w), is title X of Pub. L. 111–203, July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 1955, which enacted subchapter V (§5481 et seq.) of chapter 53 of Title 12, Banks and Banking, and enacted and amended numerous other sections and notes in the Code. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Short Title note set out under section 5301 of Title 12 and Tables.

Codification

Section 552a of former Title 5, Executive Departments and Government Officers and Employees, was transferred to section 2244 of Title 7, Agriculture.

Amendments

2024—Subsec. (b)(11) to (13). Pub. L. 118–104 added par. (11) and redesignated former pars. (11) and (12) as (12) and (13), respectively.

2014—Subsec. (a)(8)(B)(x). Pub. L. 113–295 added cl. (x).

2010—Subsec. (a)(8)(B)(ix). Pub. L. 111–148 added cl. (ix).

Subsec. (w). Pub. L. 111–203 added subsec. (w).

2004—Subsec. (b)(10). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted "Government Accountability Office" for "General Accounting Office".

1999—Subsec. (a)(8)(B)(viii). Pub. L. 106–170 added cl. (viii).

1998—Subsec. (u)(6), (7). Pub. L. 105–362 redesignated par. (7) as (6), substituted "paragraph (3)(D)" for "paragraphs (3)(D) and (6)", and struck out former par. (6) which read as follows: "The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall, annually during the first 3 years after the date of enactment of this subsection and biennially thereafter, consolidate in a report to the Congress the information contained in the reports from the various Data Integrity Boards under paragraph (3)(D). Such report shall include detailed information about costs and benefits of matching programs that are conducted during the period covered by such consolidated report, and shall identify each waiver granted by a Data Integrity Board of the requirement for completion and submission of a cost-benefit analysis and the reasons for granting the waiver."

1997—Subsec. (a)(8)(B)(vii). Pub. L. 105–34 added cl. (vii).

1996—Subsec. (a)(8)(B)(iv)(III). Pub. L. 104–193 substituted "section 404(e), 464," for "section 464".

Subsec. (a)(8)(B)(v) to (vii). Pub. L. 104–226 inserted "or" at end of cl. (v), struck out "or" at end of cl. (vi), and struck out cl. (vii) which read as follows: "matches performed pursuant to section 6103(l)(12) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 and section 1144 of the Social Security Act;".

Subsecs. (b)(12), (m)(2). Pub. L. 104–316 substituted "3711(e)" for "3711(f)".

1993—Subsec. (a)(8)(B)(vii). Pub. L. 103–66 added cl. (vii).

1990—Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 101–508 amended subsec. (p) generally, restating former pars. (1) and (3) as par. (1), adding provisions relating to Data Integrity Boards, and restating former pars. (2) and (4) as (2) and (3), respectively.

1988—Subsec. (a)(8) to (13). Pub. L. 100–503, §5, added pars. (8) to (13).

Subsec. (e)(12). Pub. L. 100–503, §3(a), added par. (12).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 100–503, §7, substituted "biennially" for "annually" in last sentence.

Subsecs. (o) to (q). Pub. L. 100–503, §2(2), added subsecs. (o) to (q). Former subsecs. (o) to (q) redesignated (r) to (t), respectively.

Subsec. (r). Pub. L. 100–503, §3(b), inserted "and matching programs" in heading and amended text generally. Prior to amendment, text read as follows: "Each agency shall provide adequate advance notice to Congress and the Office of Management and Budget of any proposal to establish or alter any system of records in order to permit an evaluation of the probable or potential effect of such proposal on the privacy and other personal or property rights of individuals or the disclosure of information relating to such individuals, and its effect on the preservation of the constitutional principles of federalism and separation of powers."

Pub. L. 100–503, §2(1), redesignated former subsec. (o) as (r).

Subsec. (s). Pub. L. 100–503, §8, substituted "Biennial" for "Annual" in heading, "biennially submit" for "annually submit" in introductory provisions, "preceding 2 years" for "preceding year" in par. (1), and "such years" for "such year" in par. (2).

Pub. L. 100–503, §2(1), redesignated former subsec. (p) as (s).

Subsec. (t). Pub. L. 100–503, §2(1), redesignated former subsec. (q) as (t).

Subsec. (u). Pub. L. 100–503, §4, added subsec. (u).

Subsec. (v). Pub. L. 100–503, §6(a), added subsec. (v).

1984—Subsec. (b)(6). Pub. L. 98–497, §107(g)(1), substituted "National Archives and Records Administration" for "National Archives of the United States", and "Archivist of the United States or the designee of the Archivist" for "Administrator of General Services or his designee".

Subsec. (l)(1). Pub. L. 98–497, §107(g)(2), substituted "Archivist of the United States" for "Administrator of General Services" in two places.

Subsec. (q). Pub. L. 98–477 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

1983—Subsec. (b)(12). Pub. L. 97–452 substituted "section 3711(f) of title 31" for "section 3(d) of the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966 (31 U.S.C. 952(d))".

Subsec. (m)(2). Pub. L. 97–452 substituted "section 3711(f) of title 31" for "section 3(d) of the Federal Claims Collection Act of 1966 (31 U.S.C. 952(d))".

1982—Subsec. (b)(12). Pub. L. 97–365, §2(a), added par. (12).

Subsec. (e)(4). Pub. L. 97–375, §201(a), substituted "upon establishment or revision" for "at least annually" after "Federal Register".

Subsec. (m). Pub. L. 97–365, §2(b), designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsec. (p). Pub. L. 97–375, §201(b), substituted provisions requiring annual submission of a report by the President to the Speaker of the House and President pro tempore of the Senate relating to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, individual rights of access, changes or additions to systems of records, and other necessary or useful information, for provisions which had directed the President to submit to the Speaker of the House and the President of the Senate, by June 30 of each calendar year, a consolidated report, separately listing for each Federal agency the number of records contained in any system of records which were exempted from the application of this section under the provisions of subsections (j) and (k) of this section during the preceding calendar year, and the reasons for the exemptions, and such other information as indicate efforts to administer fully this section.

1975—Subsec. (g)(5). Pub. L. 94–183 substituted "to September 27, 1975" for "to the effective date of this section".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

Committee on Governmental Affairs of Senate changed to Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs of Senate, effective Jan. 4, 2005, by Senate Resolution No. 445, One Hundred Eighth Congress, Oct. 9, 2004.

Committee on Government Operations of House of Representatives treated as referring to Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of House of Representatives by section 1(a) of Pub. L. 104–14, set out as a note preceding section 21 of Title 2, The Congress. Committee on Government Reform and Oversight of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Government Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Sixth Congress, Jan. 6, 1999. Committee on Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Tenth Congress, Jan. 5, 2007. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 6, One Hundred Sixteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2019. Committee on Oversight and Reform of House of Representatives changed to Committee on Oversight and Accountability of House of Representatives by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Eighteenth Congress, Jan. 9, 2023.

Effective Date of 2014 Amendment

Pub. L. 113–295, div. B, title I, §102(f)(1), Dec. 19, 2014, 128 Stat. 4062, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting section 529A of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code, and amending this section, section 5517 of Title 12, Banks and Banking, and sections 26, 877A, 4965, 4973, and 6693 of Title 26] shall apply to taxable years beginning after December 31, 2014."

Effective Date of 2010 Amendment

Pub. L. 111–203, title X, §1082, July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 2080, provided that the amendment made by section 1082 is effective on July 21, 2010.

Pub. L. 111–203, title X, §1100H, July 21, 2010, 124 Stat. 2113, provided that: "Except as otherwise provided in this subtitle [subtitle H (§§1081–1100H) of title X of Pub. L. 111–203, see Tables for classification] and the amendments made by this subtitle, this subtitle and the amendments made by this subtitle, other than sections 1081 [amending section 8G of Pub. L. 95–452, formerly set out in the Appendix to this title, and enacting provisions set out as a note under section 8G of Pub. L. 95–452] and 1082 [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section], shall become effective on the designated transfer date."

[The term "designated transfer date" is defined in section 5481(9) of Title 12, Banks and Banking, as the date established under section 5582 of Title 12, which is July 21, 2011.]

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–170 applicable to individuals whose period of confinement in an institution commences on or after the first day of the fourth month beginning after December 1999, see section 402(a)(4) of Pub. L. 106–170, set out as a note under section 402 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1997 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–34 applicable to levies issued after Aug. 5, 1997, see section 1026(c) of Pub. L. 105–34, set out as a note under section 6103 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

Effective Date of 1996 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 104–193 effective July 1, 1997, with transition rules relating to State options to accelerate such date, rules relating to claims, actions, and proceedings commenced before such date, rules relating to closing out of accounts for terminated or substantially modified programs and continuance in office of Assistant Secretary for Family Support, and provisions relating to termination of entitlement under AFDC program, see section 116 of Pub. L. 104–193, as amended, set out as an Effective Date note under section 601 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1993 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–66 effective Jan. 1, 1994, see section 13581(d) of Pub. L. 103–66, set out as a note under section 1395y of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

Effective Date of 1988 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–503, §10, Oct. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 2514, as amended by Pub. L. 101–56, §2, July 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 149, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Except as provided in subsections (b) and (c), the amendments made by this Act [amending this section and repealing provisions set out as a note below] shall take effect 9 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 18, 1988].

"(b) Exceptions.—The amendment made by sections 3(b), 6, 7, and 8 of this Act [amending this section and repealing provisions set out as a note below] shall take effect upon enactment.

"(c) Effective Date Delayed for Existing Programs.—In the case of any matching program (as defined in section 552a(a)(8) of title 5, United States Code, as added by section 5 of this Act) in operation before June 1, 1989, the amendments made by this Act (other than the amendments described in subsection (b)) shall take effect January 1, 1990, if—

"(1) such matching program is identified by an agency as being in operation before June 1, 1989; and

"(2) such identification is—

"(A) submitted by the agency to the Committee on Governmental Affairs of the Senate, the Committee on Government Operations of the House of Representatives, and the Office of Management and Budget before August 1, 1989, in a report which contains a schedule showing the dates on which the agency expects to have such matching program in compliance with the amendments made by this Act, and

"(B) published by the Office of Management and Budget in the Federal Register, before September 15, 1989."

Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–497 effective Apr. 1, 1985, see section 301 of Pub. L. 98–497, set out as a note under section 2102 of Title 44, Public Printing and Documents.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 93–579, §8, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1910, provided that: "The provisions of this Act [enacting this section and provisions set out as notes under this section] shall be effective on and after the date of enactment [Dec. 31, 1974], except that the amendments made by sections 3 and 4 [enacting this section and amending analysis preceding section 500 of this title] shall become effective 270 days following the day on which this Act is enacted."

Short Title of 1990 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–508, title VII, §7201(a), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–334, provided that: "This section [amending this section and enacting provisions set out as notes below] may be cited as the 'Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Amendments of 1990'."

Short Title of 1989 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–56, §1, July 19, 1989, 103 Stat. 149, provided that: "This Act [amending section 10 of Pub. L. 100–503, set out as a note above] may be cited as the 'Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act Amendments of 1989'."

Short Title of 1988 Amendment

Pub. L. 100–503, §1, Oct. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 2507, provided that: "This Act [amending this section, enacting provisions set out as notes above and below, and repealing provisions set out as a note below] may be cited as the 'Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988'."

Short Title of 1974 Amendment

Pub. L. 93–579, §1, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1896, provided: "That this Act [enacting this section and provisions set out as notes under this section] may be cited as the 'Privacy Act of 1974'."

Short Title

This section is popularly known as the "Privacy Act" and the "Privacy Act of 1974".

Termination of Reporting Requirements

For termination, effective May 15, 2000, of reporting provisions in subsec. (s) of this section, see section 3003 of Pub. L. 104–66, as amended, set out as a note under section 1113 of Title 31, Money and Finance, and page 31 of House Document No. 103–7.

Delegation of Functions

Functions of Director of Office of Management and Budget under this section delegated to Administrator for Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs by section 3 of Pub. L. 96–511, Dec. 11, 1980, 94 Stat. 2825, set out as a note under section 3503 of Title 44, Public Printing and Documents.

OMB Guidance on Electronic Consent and Access Forms

Pub. L. 116–50, §3, Aug. 22, 2019, 133 Stat. 1073, provided that:

"(a) Guidance.—Not later than 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 22, 2019], the Director shall issue guidance that does the following:

"(1) Requires each agency to accept electronic identity proofing and authentication processes for the purposes of allowing an individual to provide prior written consent for the disclosure of the individual's records under section 552a(b) of title 5, United States Code, or for individual access to records under section 552a(d) of such title.

"(2) Creates a template for electronic consent and access forms and requires each agency to post the template on the agency website and to accept the forms from any individual properly identity proofed and authenticated in accordance with paragraph (1) for the purpose of authorizing disclosure of the individual's records under section 552a(b) of title 5, United States Code, or for individual access to records under section 552a(d) of such title.

"(3) Requires each agency to accept the electronic consent and access forms described in paragraph (2) from any individual properly identity proofed and authenticated in accordance with paragraph (1) for the purpose of authorizing disclosure of the individual's records to another entity, including a congressional office, in accordance with section 552a(b) of title 5, United States Code, or for individual access to records under section 552a(d) [of such title].

"(b) Agency Compliance.—Each agency shall comply with the guidance issued pursuant to subsection (a) not later than 1 year after the date on which such guidance is issued.

"(c) Definitions.—In this section:

"(1) Agency; individual; record.—The terms 'agency', 'individual', and 'record' have the meanings given those terms in section 552a(a) of title 5, United States Code.

"(2) Director.—The term 'Director' means the Director of the Office of Management and Budget."

Extension of Privacy Act Remedies to Citizens of Designated Countries

Pub. L. 114–126, Feb. 24, 2016, 130 Stat. 282, provided that:

"SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

"This Act may be cited as the 'Judicial Redress Act of 2015'.

"SEC. 2. EXTENSION OF PRIVACY ACT REMEDIES TO CITIZENS OF DESIGNATED COUNTRIES.

"(a) Civil Action; Civil Remedies.—With respect to covered records, a covered person may bring a civil action against an agency and obtain civil remedies, in the same manner, to the same extent, and subject to the same limitations, including exemptions and exceptions, as an individual may bring and obtain with respect to records under—

"(1) section 552a(g)(1)(D) of title 5, United States Code, but only with respect to disclosures intentionally or willfully made in violation of section 552a(b) of such title; and

"(2) subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 552a(g)(1) of title 5, United States Code, but such an action may only be brought against a designated Federal agency or component.

"(b) Exclusive Remedies.—The remedies set forth in subsection (a) are the exclusive remedies available to a covered person under this section.

"(c) Application of the Privacy Act With Respect to a Covered Person.—For purposes of a civil action described in subsection (a), a covered person shall have the same rights, and be subject to the same limitations, including exemptions and exceptions, as an individual has and is subject to under section 552a of title 5, United States Code, when pursuing the civil remedies described in paragraphs (1) and (2) of subsection (a).

"(d) Designation of Covered Country.—

"(1) In general.—The Attorney General may, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, designate a foreign country or regional economic integration organization, or member country of such organization, as a 'covered country' for purposes of this section if—

"(A)(i) the country or regional economic integration organization, or member country of such organization, has entered into an agreement with the United States that provides for appropriate privacy protections for information shared for the purpose of preventing, investigating, detecting, or prosecuting criminal offenses; or

"(ii) the Attorney General has determined that the country or regional economic integration organization, or member country of such organization, has effectively shared information with the United States for the purpose of preventing, investigating, detecting, or prosecuting criminal offenses and has appropriate privacy protections for such shared information;

"(B) the country or regional economic integration organization, or member country of such organization, permits the transfer of personal data for commercial purposes between the territory of that country or regional economic organization and the territory of the United States, through an agreement with the United States or otherwise; and

"(C) the Attorney General has certified that the policies regarding the transfer of personal data for commercial purposes and related actions of the country or regional economic integration organization, or member country of such organization, do not materially impede the national security interests of the United States.

"(2) Removal of designation.—The Attorney General may, with the concurrence of the Secretary of State, the Secretary of the Treasury, and the Secretary of Homeland Security, revoke the designation of a foreign country or regional economic integration organization, or member country of such organization, as a 'covered country' if the Attorney General determines that such designated 'covered country'—

"(A) is not complying with the agreement described under paragraph (1)(A)(i);

"(B) no longer meets the requirements for designation under paragraph (1)(A)(ii);

"(C) fails to meet the requirements under paragraph (1)(B);

"(D) no longer meets the requirements for certification under paragraph (1)(C); or

"(E) impedes the transfer of information (for purposes of reporting or preventing unlawful activity) to the United States by a private entity or person.

"(e) Designation of Designated Federal Agency or Component.—

"(1) In general.—The Attorney General shall determine whether an agency or component thereof is a 'designated Federal agency or component' for purposes of this section. The Attorney General shall not designate any agency or component thereof other than the Department of Justice or a component of the Department of Justice without the concurrence of the head of the relevant agency, or of the agency to which the component belongs.

"(2) Requirements for designation.—The Attorney General may determine that an agency or component of an agency is a 'designated Federal agency or component' for purposes of this section, if—

"(A) the Attorney General determines that information exchanged by such agency with a covered country is within the scope of an agreement referred to in subsection (d)(1)(A); or

"(B) with respect to a country or regional economic integration organization, or member country of such organization, that has been designated as a 'covered country' under subsection (d)(1)(B), the Attorney General determines that designating such agency or component thereof is in the law enforcement interests of the United States.

"(f) Federal Register Requirement; Nonreviewable Determination.—The Attorney General shall publish each determination made under subsections (d) and (e). Such determination shall not be subject to judicial or administrative review.

"(g) Jurisdiction.—The United States District Court for the District of Columbia shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any claim arising under this section.

"(h) Definitions.—In this Act:

"(1) Agency.—The term 'agency' has the meaning given that term in section 552(f) of title 5, United States Code.

"(2) Covered country.—The term 'covered country' means a country or regional economic integration organization, or member country of such organization, designated in accordance with subsection (d).

"(3) Covered person.—The term 'covered person' means a natural person (other than an individual) who is a citizen of a covered country.

"(4) Covered record.—The term 'covered record' has the same meaning for a covered person as a record has for an individual under section 552a of title 5, United States Code, once the covered record is transferred—

"(A) by a public authority of, or private entity within, a country or regional economic organization, or member country of such organization, which at the time the record is transferred is a covered country; and

"(B) to a designated Federal agency or component for purposes of preventing, investigating, detecting, or prosecuting criminal offenses.

"(5) Designated federal agency or component.—The term 'designated Federal agency or component' means a Federal agency or component of an agency designated in accordance with subsection (e).

"(6) Individual.—The term 'individual' has the meaning given that term in section 552a(a)(2) of title 5, United States Code.

"(i) Preservation of Privileges.—Nothing in this section shall be construed to waive any applicable privilege or require the disclosure of classified information. Upon an agency's request, the district court shall review in camera and ex parte any submission by the agency in connection with this subsection.

"(j) Effective Date.—This Act shall take effect 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 24, 2016]."

Publication of Guidance Under Subsection (p)(1)(A)(ii)

Pub. L. 101–508, title VII, §7201(b)(2), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–334, provided that: "Not later than 90 days after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 5, 1990], the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall publish guidance under subsection (p)(1)(A)(ii) of section 552a of title 5, United States Code, as amended by this Act."

Limitation on Application of Verification Requirement

Pub. L. 101–508, title VII, §7201(c), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–335, provided that: "Section 552a(p)(1)(A)(ii)(II) of title 5, United States Code, as amended by section 2 [probably means section 7201(b)(1) of Pub. L. 101–508], shall not apply to a program referred to in paragraph (1), (2), or (4) of section 1137(b) of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1320b–7), until the earlier of—

"(1) the date on which the Data Integrity Board of the Federal agency which administers that program determines that there is not a high degree of confidence that information provided by that agency under Federal matching programs is accurate; or

"(2) 30 days after the date of publication of guidance under section 2(b) [probably means section 7201(b)(2) of Pub. L. 101–508, set out as a note above]."

Effective Date Delayed for Certain Education Benefits Computer Matching Programs

Pub. L. 101–366, title II, §206(d), Aug. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 442, provided that:

"(1) In the case of computer matching programs between the Department of Veterans Affairs and the Department of Defense in the administration of education benefits programs under chapters 30 and 32 of title 38 and chapter 106 of title 10, United States Code, the amendments made to section 552a of title 5, United States Code, by the Computer Matching and Privacy Protection Act of 1988 [Pub. L. 100–503] (other than the amendments made by section 10(b) of that Act) [see Effective Date of 1988 Amendment note above] shall take effect on October 1, 1990.

"(2) For purposes of this subsection, the term 'matching program' has the same meaning provided in section 552a(a)(8) of title 5, United States Code."

Implementation Guidance for 1988 Amendments

Pub. L. 100–503, §6(b), Oct. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 2513, required the Director, pursuant to section 552a(v) of this title, to develop guidelines and regulations for the use of agencies in implementing amendments made by Pub. L. 100–503 not later than 8 months after Oct. 18, 1988.

Construction of 1988 Amendments

Pub. L. 100–503, §9, Oct. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 2514, provided that: "Nothing in the amendments made by this Act [amending this section and repealing provisions set out as a note below] shall be construed to authorize—

"(1) the establishment or maintenance by any agency of a national data bank that combines, merges, or links information on individuals maintained in systems of records by other Federal agencies;

"(2) the direct linking of computerized systems of records maintained by Federal agencies;

"(3) the computer matching of records not otherwise authorized by law; or

"(4) the disclosure of records for computer matching except to a Federal, State, or local agency."

Congressional Findings and Statement of Purpose

Pub. L. 93–579, §2, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1896, provided that:

"(a) The Congress finds that—

"(1) the privacy of an individual is directly affected by the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of personal information by Federal agencies;

"(2) the increasing use of computers and sophisticated information technology, while essential to the efficient operations of the Government, has greatly magnified the harm to individual privacy that can occur from any collection, maintenance, use, or dissemination of personal information;

"(3) the opportunities for an individual to secure employment, insurance, and credit, and his right to due process, and other legal protections are endangered by the misuse of certain information systems;

"(4) the right to privacy is a personal and fundamental right protected by the Constitution of the United States; and

"(5) in order to protect the privacy of individuals identified in information systems maintained by Federal agencies, it is necessary and proper for the Congress to regulate the collection, maintenance, use, and dissemination of information by such agencies.

"(b) The purpose of this Act [enacting this section and provisions set out as notes under this section] is to provide certain safeguards for an individual against an invasion of personal privacy by requiring Federal agencies, except as otherwise provided by law, to—

"(1) permit an individual to determine what records pertaining to him are collected, maintained, used, or disseminated by such agencies;

"(2) permit an individual to prevent records pertaining to him obtained by such agencies for a particular purpose from being used or made available for another purpose without his consent;

"(3) permit an individual to gain access to information pertaining to him in Federal agency records, to have a copy made of all or any portion thereof, and to correct or amend such records;

"(4) collect, maintain, use, or disseminate any record of identifiable personal information in a manner that assures that such action is for a necessary and lawful purpose, that the information is current and accurate for its intended use, and that adequate safeguards are provided to prevent misuse of such information;

"(5) permit exemptions from the requirements with respect to records provided in this Act only in those cases where there is an important public policy need for such exemption as has been determined by specific statutory authority; and

"(6) be subject to civil suit for any damages which occur as a result of willful or intentional action which violates any individual's rights under this Act."

Privacy Protection Study Commission

Pub. L. 93–579, §5, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1905, as amended by Pub. L. 95–38, June 1, 1977, 91 Stat. 179, which established the Privacy Protection Study Commission and provided that the Commission study data banks, automated data processing programs and information systems of governmental, regional and private organizations to determine standards and procedures in force for protection of personal information, that the Commission report to the President and Congress the extent to which requirements and principles of section 552a of title 5 should be applied to the information practices of those organizations, and that it make other legislative recommendations to protect the privacy of individuals while meeting the legitimate informational needs of government and society, ceased to exist on September 30, 1977, pursuant to section 5(g) of Pub. L. 93–579.

Guidelines and Regulations for Maintenance of Privacy and Protection of Records of Individuals

Pub. L. 93–579, §6, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1909, which provided that the Office of Management and Budget shall develop guidelines and regulations for use of agencies in implementing provisions of this section and provide continuing assistance to and oversight of the implementation of the provisions of such section by agencies, was repealed by Pub. L. 100–503, §6(c), Oct. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 2513.

Disclosure of Social Security Number

Pub. L. 93–579, §7, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1909, provided that:

"(a)(1) It shall be unlawful for any Federal, State or local government agency to deny to any individual any right, benefit, or privilege provided by law because of such individual's refusal to disclose his social security account number.

"(2) the [The] provisions of paragraph (1) of this subsection shall not apply with respect to—

"(A) any disclosure which is required by Federal statute, or

"(B) the disclosure of a social security number to any Federal, State, or local agency maintaining a system of records in existence and operating before January 1, 1975, if such disclosure was required under statute or regulation adopted prior to such date to verify the identity of an individual.

"(b) Any Federal, State, or local government agency which requests an individual to disclose his social security account number shall inform that individual whether that disclosure is mandatory or voluntary, by what statutory or other authority such number is solicited, and what uses will be made of it."

Authorization of Appropriations to Privacy Protection Study Commission

Pub. L. 93–579, §9, Dec. 31, 1974, 88 Stat. 1910, as amended by Pub. L. 94–394, Sept. 3, 1976, 90 Stat. 1198, authorized appropriations for the period beginning July 1, 1975, and ending on September 30, 1977.

Executive Documents

Ex. Ord. No. 9397. Numbering System for Federal Accounts Relating to Individual Persons

Ex. Ord. No. 9397, Nov. 22, 1943, 8 F.R. 16095, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13478, §2, Nov. 18, 2008, 73 F.R. 70239, provided:

WHEREAS certain Federal agencies from time to time require in the administration of their activities a system of numerical identification of accounts of individual persons; and

WHEREAS some seventy million persons have heretofore been assigned account numbers pursuant to the Social Security Act; and

WHEREAS a large percentage of Federal employees have already been assigned account numbers pursuant to the Social Security Act; and

WHEREAS it is desirable in the interest of economy and orderly administration that the Federal Government move towards the use of a single, unduplicated numerical identification system of accounts and avoid the unnecessary establishment of additional systems:

NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me as President of the United States, it is hereby ordered as follows:

1. Hereafter any Federal department, establishment, or agency may, whenever the head thereof finds it advisable to establish a new system of permanent account numbers pertaining to individual persons, utilize the Social Security Act account numbers assigned pursuant to title 20, section 422.103 of the Code of Federal Regulations and pursuant to paragraph 2 of this order.

2. The Social Security Administration shall provide for the assignment of an account number to each person who is required by any Federal agency to have such a number but who has not previously been assigned such number by the Administration. The Administration may accomplish this purpose by (a) assigning such numbers to individual persons, (b) assigning blocks of numbers to Federal agencies for reassignment to individual persons, or (c) making such other arrangements for the assignment of numbers as it may deem appropriate.

3. The Social Security Administration shall furnish, upon request of any Federal agency utilizing the numerical identification system of accounts provided for in this order, the account number pertaining to any person with whom such agency has an account or the name and other identifying data pertaining to any account number of any such person.

4. The Social Security Administration and each Federal agency shall maintain the confidential character of information relating to individual persons obtained pursuant to the provisions of this order.

5. There shall be transferred to the Social Security Administration, from time to time, such amounts as the Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall determine to be required for reimbursement by any Federal agency for the services rendered by the Administration pursuant to the provisions of this order.

6. This order shall be implemented in accordance with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

7. This order 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, instrumentalities, or entities, its officers, employees, or agents, or any other person.

8. This order shall be published in the Federal Register.

Classified National Security Information

For provisions relating to a response to a request for information under this section when the fact of its existence or nonexistence is itself classified or when it was originally classified by another agency, see Ex. Ord. No. 13526, §3.6, Dec. 29, 2009, 75 F.R. 718, set out as a note under section 3161 of Title 50, War and National Defense.

1 See References in Text note below.

2 So in original. Probably should be "cost-effective."
5 U.S.C. § 5318 (2024) — Title 5: GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES / Chapter 53 / Subchapter II / Section 5318: Adjustments in rates of pay
Adjustments in rates of pay
Status: in_force

(a) Subject to subsection (b), effective at the beginning of the first applicable pay period commencing on or after the first day of the month in which an adjustment takes effect under section 5303 of this title in the rates of pay under the General Schedule, the annual rate of pay for positions at each level of the Executive Schedule shall be adjusted by an amount, rounded to the nearest multiple of $100 (or if midway between multiples of $100, to the next higher multiple of $100), equal to the percentage of such annual rate of pay which corresponds to the most recent percentage change in the ECI (relative to the date described in the next sentence), as determined under section 704(a)(1) of the Ethics Reform Act of 1989. The appropriate date under this sentence is the first day of the fiscal year in which such adjustment in the rates of pay under the General Schedule takes effect.

(b) In no event shall the percentage adjustment taking effect under subsection (a) in any calendar year (before rounding), in any rate of pay, exceed the percentage adjustment taking effect in such calendar year under section 5303 in the rates of pay under the General Schedule.

(Added Pub. L. 94–82, title II, §202(a), Aug. 9, 1975, 89 Stat. 419; amended Pub. L. 101–194, title VII, §704(a)(2)(A), Nov. 30, 1989, 103 Stat. 1769; Pub. L. 101–509, title V, §529 [title I, §101(b)(4)(A)], Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1427, 1439; Pub. L. 103–356, title I, §101(3), Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3411.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The General Schedule, referred to in text, is set out under section 5332 of this title.

Section 704(a)(1) of the Ethics Reform Act of 1989, referred to in subsec. (a), is section 704(a)(1) of Pub. L. 101–194, which is set out below.

Amendments

1994—Pub. L. 103–356 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a), substituted "Subject to subsection (b), effective" for "Effective", and added subsec. (b).

1990—Pub. L. 101–509 substituted "5303" for "5305".

1989—Pub. L. 101–194 substituted "corresponds to the most recent percentage change in the ECI (relative to the date described in the next sentence), as determined under section 704(a)(1) of the Ethics Reform Act of 1989. The appropriate date under this sentence is the first day of the fiscal year in which such adjustment in the rates of pay under the General Schedule takes effect" for "corresponds to the overall average percentage (as set forth in the report transmitted to the Congress under such section 5305) of the adjustment in the rates of pay under the General Schedule".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–356, title I, §101, Oct. 13, 1994, 108 Stat. 3410, provided that the amendment made by that section is effective as of Dec. 31, 1994.

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–509 effective on such date as the President shall determine, but not earlier than 90 days, and not later than 180 days, after Nov. 5, 1990, see section 529 [title III, §305] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out as a note under section 5301 of this title.

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–194, title VII, §704(b), Nov. 30, 1989, 103 Stat. 1769, provided that: "This section and the amendments made by this section [amending this section, section 4501 of Title 2, The Congress, section 104 of Title 3, The President, and section 461 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, and enacting provisions set out as a note under this section] shall take effect on January 1, 1991."

Salary Levels of Senior Government Officials

Pub. L. 102–90, title I, §6(a), Aug. 14, 1991, 105 Stat. 450, provided that: "The rate of pay for the offices referred to under section 703(a)(2)(B) of the Ethics Reform Act of 1989 [Pub. L. 101–194] (5 U.S.C. 5318 note) shall be the rate of pay that would be payable for each such office if the provisions of sections 703(a)(2)(B) and 1101(a)(1)(A) of such Act (5 U.S.C. 5318 note and 5305 note) had not been enacted."

Pub. L. 101–194, title VII, §703, Nov. 30, 1989, 103 Stat. 1768, provided that:

"(a) Salary Levels.—

"(1) Executive positions.—Effective the first day of the first applicable pay period that begins on or after January 1, 1991, the rate of basic pay for positions in the Executive Schedule shall be increased in the amount of 25 percent of their respective rates (as last in effect before the increase), rounded to the nearest multiple of $100 (or, if midway between multiples of $100, to the next higher multiple of $100).

"(2) Legislative positions; office of the vice president.—

"(A) Generally.—Effective the first day of the first applicable pay period that begins on or after January 1, 1991, the rate of basic pay for the offices and positions under subparagraphs (A) and (B) of section 225(f) of the Federal Salary Act of 1967 (2 U.S.C. 356(A) and (B)) shall be increased in the amount of 25 percent of their respective rates (as last in effect before the increase), rounded to the nearest multiple of $100 (or, if midway between multiples of $100, to the next higher multiple of $100), except as provided in subparagraph (B).

"(B) Exceptions.—Nothing in subparagraph (A) shall affect the rate of basic pay for a Senator, the President pro tempore of the Senate, or the majority leader or the minority leader of the Senate.

"(3) Judicial positions.—Effective the first day of the first applicable pay period that begins on or after January 1, 1991, the rate of basic pay for the Chief Justice of the United States, an associate justice of the Supreme Court of the United States, a judge of a United States circuit court, a judge of a district court of the United States, and a judge of the United States Court of International Trade shall be increased in the amount of 25 percent of their respective rates (as last in effect before the increase), rounded to the nearest multiple of $100 (or, if midway between multiples of $100, to the next higher multiple of $100).

"(b) Coordination Rule.—If a pay adjustment under subsection (a) is to be made for an office or position as of the same date as any other pay adjustment affecting such office or position, the adjustment under subsection (a) shall be made first."

Revision in Method by Which Annual Pay Adjustments for Certain Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Positions Are To Be Made

Pub. L. 101–194, title VII, §704(a), Nov. 30, 1989, 103 Stat. 1769, provided that:

"(a) Percent Change in the Employment Cost Index.—

"(1) Method for computing percent change in the eci.—

"(A) Definitions.—For purposes of this paragraph—

"(i) the term 'Employment Cost Index' or 'ECI' means the Employment Cost Index (wages and salaries, private industry workers) published quarterly by the Bureau of Labor Statistics; and

"(ii) the term 'base quarter' means the 3-month period ending on December 31 of a year.

"(B) Method.—For purposes of the provisions of law amended by paragraph (2), the 'most recent percentage change in the ECI', as of any date, shall be one-half of 1 percent less than the percentage (rounded to the nearest one-tenth of 1 percent) derived by—

"(i) reducing—

     "(I) the ECI for the last base quarter prior to that date, by

     "(II) the ECI for the second to last base quarter prior to that date,

"(ii) dividing the difference under clause (i) by the ECI for the base quarter referred to in clause (i)(II), and

"(iii) multiplying the quotient under clause (ii) by 100, except that no percentage change determined under this paragraph shall be—

     "(I) less than zero; or

     "(II) greater than 5 percent.

"(2) Provisions through which new method is to be implemented.—

"(A) Amendment to titles 3, 5, and 28 of the united states code.—Section 104 of title 3, United States Code, section 5318 of title 5, United States Code, and section 461(a) of title 28, United States Code, are amended by striking 'corresponds to' and all that follows thereafter through the period, and inserting the following:

'corresponds to the most recent percentage change in the ECI (relative to the date described in the next sentence), as determined under section 704(a)(1) of the Ethics Reform Act of 1989. The appropriate date under this sentence is the first day of the fiscal year in which such adjustment in the rates of pay under the General Schedule takes effect.'.

"(B) Amendment to the legislative reorganization act of 1946.—Section 601(a)(2) of the Legislative Reorganization Act of 1946 (2 U.S.C. 31(2)) [now 2 U.S.C. 4501(2)] is amended by striking 'corresponds to' and all that follows thereafter through the period and inserting the following:

'corresponds to the most recent percentage change in the ECI (relative to the date described in the next sentence), as determined under section 704(a)(1) of the Ethics Reform Act of 1989. The appropriate date under this sentence is the first day of the fiscal year in which such adjustment in the rates of pay under the General Schedule takes effect.'."

Reduction of Rate of Salary or Basic Pay of Offices or Positions in the Executive, Legislative, and Judicial Branches to the Salary or Basic Pay Rate Payable as of July 14, 1983

Pub. L. 98–51, title III, §304, July 14, 1983, 97 Stat. 279, reduced the rate of salary or basic pay prescribed by law as of July 14, 1983, for any office or position at level I, II, or III of the Executive Schedule, any Member of Congress, and certain other offices and positions in the legislative, executive, or judicial branch, or in the government of the District of Columbia and also reduced the maximum rate of salary or basic pay prescribed by law as of July 14, 1983, for certain offices and positions in the legislative, executive, or judicial branch, or in the government of the District of Columbia.

Limitation on Maximum Rate of Salary Increases for Senior Executive, Judicial, and Legislative Positions for Services Performed After December 17, 1982

Pub. L. 97–377, title I, §129(b)–(d), Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1914, reduced salary increases for senior executive, judicial, and legislative positions (including Members of Congress but excluding Senators) from up to 27.2 percent to 15 percent.

Fiscal Year 1983 Limitation on Use of Funds for Pay Adjustments for Certain Positions

Section 306(a), (b), and (d) of S. 2939, Ninety-seventh Congress, 2nd Session, as reported Sept. 22, 1982, made applicable by Pub. L. 97–276, §101(e), Oct. 2, 1982, 96 Stat. 1189, as amended by Pub. L. 97–377, title I, §129(a), Dec. 21, 1982, 96 Stat. 1914, prohibited the use of funds appropriated for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1983, to pay the salary or pay of any individual in an office or position in the legislative, executive, or judicial branch, or in the government of the District of Columbia, at a rate which exceeded the rate (or maximum rate, if higher) of salary or basic pay payable for such office or position for Sept. 30, 1982, if that rate was either fixed at a rate equal to or greater than the rate of basic pay for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of this title or limited to a maximum rate equal to or greater than the rate of basic pay for such level V under section 5308 of this title or any other provision of law or congressional resolution.

Fiscal Year 1982 Limitation on Use of Funds for Pay Adjustments for Certain Positions

Section 305(a), (b), and (d) of H.R. 4120, as reported July 9, 1981, made applicable by Pub. L. 97–92, §101(g), Dec. 15, 1981, 95 Stat. 1190, prohibited the use of funds appropriated for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1982, to pay the salary or pay of any individual in any office or position in the legislative, executive, or judicial branch, or in the government of the District of Columbia, at a rate which exceeded the rate (or maximum rate, if higher) of salary or basic pay payable for such office or position for Sept. 30, 1981, if that rate was either fixed at a rate equal to or greater than the rate of basic pay for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of this title or limited to a maximum rate equal to or greater than the rate of basic pay for such level V under section 5308 of this title or any other provision of law or congressional resolution.

Similar provisions were contained in Pub. L. 97–51, §101(c), Oct. 1, 1981, 95 Stat. 959, as amended by Pub. L. 97–85, Nov. 23, 1981, 95 Stat. 1098.

Pub. L. 97–92, §141, Dec. 15, 1981, 95 Stat. 1200, provided that nothing in section 305 of H.R. 4120, made applicable by section 101(g) of Pub. L. 97–92, required that the rate of salary or basic pay, payable to any individual for or on account of services performed after Dec. 31, 1981, be limited to or reduced to an amount which was less than $59,500 for pay corresponding to the rate of basic pay for level III of the Executive Schedule under section 5314 of this title; $58,500 for pay corresponding to the rate of basic pay for level IV of the Executive Schedule under section 5315 of this title; or $57,500 for pay corresponding to the rate of basic pay for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of this title. Any adjustment to the pay of an employee paid by the Clerk of the House was to result in pay no less than that of an employee paid by the Secretary of the Senate holding an equivalent position.

Fiscal Year 1981 Limitation on Use of Funds for Pay Adjustments for Certain Positions

Section 306(a), (b), and (d) of H.R. 7593, as passed the House of Representatives on July 21, 1980, made applicable by Pub. L. 96–536, §101(c), Dec. 16, 1980, 94 Stat. 3167, as amended by Pub. L. 97–12, title IV, §401, June 5, 1981, 95 Stat. 95, prohibited the use of funds appropriated for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1981, to pay the salary or pay of any individual in any office or position in the legislative, executive, or judicial branch, or in the government of the District of Columbia, at a rate which exceeded the rate (or maximum rate, if higher) of salary or basic pay payable for such office or position for Sept. 30, 1980, if the rate of salary or basic pay for that office or position was either fixed at a rate equal to or greater than the rate of basic pay for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of this title or limited to a maximum rate equal to or greater than the rate of basic pay for such level V under section 5308 of this title or any other provision of law or congressional resolution.

Similar provisions were contained in Pub. L. 96–369, §101(c), Oct. 1, 1980, 94 Stat. 1352.

Fiscal Year 1980 Limitation on Use of Funds for Pay Adjustments for Certain Positions

Pub. L. 96–86, §101(c), Oct. 12, 1979, 93 Stat. 657, for the fiscal year 1980, prohibited the use of funds available for payment to executive employees, including Members of Congress, entitled under existing law to approximately 12.9 percent increase in pay, to pay any such employee or official any sum in excess of 5.5 percent increase in existing pay, and such sum, if accepted, would be in lieu of the 12.9 percent due for such fiscal year.

Fiscal Year 1979 Limitation on Use of Funds for Pay Adjustments for Certain Positions

Pub. L. 95–429, title VI, §613, Oct. 10, 1978, 92 Stat. 1017, prohibited the use of funds appropriated for the fiscal year ending Sept. 30, 1979, to pay the salary or pay of any individual in any office or position in the legislative, executive, or judicial branch, or in the government of the District of Columbia, at a rate which exceeded the rate (or maximum rate, if higher) of salary or basic pay payable for such office or position for Sept. 30, 1978, if the rate of salary or basic pay for such office or position was either fixed at a rate equal to or greater than the rate of basic pay for level V of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of this title or limited to a maximum rate equal to or greater than the rate of basic pay for such level V under section 5308 of this title or any other provision of law or congressional resolution.

Identical provisions were enacted by Pub. L. 95–391, title III, §304, Sept. 30, 1978, 92 Stat. 788.

1977 Comparability Adjustment Not Effective for Certain Positions

Pub. L. 95–66, July 11, 1977, 91 Stat. 270, nullified the first adjustment in pay which would have been made after July 11, 1977, under the following provisions of law: the second sentence of section 104 of Title 3, The President; par. (2) of section 4501 of Title 2, The Congress; section 461 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure; and section 5318 of this title.

Fiscal Year 1977 Limitation on Use of Funds for Pay Adjustments for Certain Positions

Pub. L. 94–440, title II, Oct. 1, 1976, 90 Stat. 1446, prohibited the use of funds appropriated in any Act to pay the salary of an individual in a position or office referred to in section 356 of Title 2, The Congress, at a rate exceeding the salary rate for such position or office in effect on Sept. 30, 1976, except increases submitted by the President pursuant to sections 351 to 364 of Title 2.
5 U.S.C. § 5550a (2024) — Title 5: GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES / Chapter 55 / Subchapter V / Section 5550a: Compensatory time off for religious observances
Compensatory time off for religious observances
Status: in_force

(a) Not later than 30 days after the date of the enactment of this section, the Office of Personnel Management shall prescribe regulations providing for work schedules under which an employee whose personal religious beliefs require the abstention from work during certain periods of time, may elect to engage in overtime work for time lost for meeting those religious requirements. Any employee who so elects such overtime work shall be granted equal compensatory time off from his scheduled tour of duty (in lieu of overtime pay) for such religious reasons, notwithstanding any other provision of law.

(b) In the case of any agency described in subparagraphs (C) through (G) of section 5541(1) of this title, the head of such agency (in lieu of the Office) shall prescribe the regulations referred to in subsection (a) of this section.

(c) Regulations under this section may provide for such exceptions as may be necessary to efficiently carry out the mission of the agency or agencies involved.

(Added Pub. L. 95–390, title IV, §401(a), Sept. 29, 1978, 92 Stat. 762; amended Pub. L. 96–54, §2(a)(14), (15), Aug. 14, 1979, 93 Stat. 382.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The date of enactment of this section, referred to in subsec. (a), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 95–390, which was approved Sept. 29, 1978.

Amendments

1979—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 96–54 substituted "Office of Personnel Management" for "Civil Service Commission" and "Office" for "Commission".

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1979 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–54 effective July 12, 1979, see section 2(b) of Pub. L. 96–54, set out as a note under section 305 of this title.
5 U.S.C. § 8470 (2024) — Title 5: GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES / Chapter 84 / Subchapter VI / Section 8470: Exemption from legal process; recovery of payments
Exemption from legal process; recovery of payments
Status: in_force

(a) An amount payable under subchapter II, IV, or V of this chapter is not assignable, either in law or equity, except under the provisions of section 8465 or 8467, or subject to execution, levy, attachment, garnishment or other legal process, except as otherwise may be provided by Federal laws.

(b) Recovery of payments under subchapter II, IV, or V of this chapter may not be made from an individual when, in the judgment of the Office, the individual is without fault and recovery would be against equity and good conscience. Withholding or recovery of money paid under subchapter II, IV, or V of this chapter on account of a certification or payment made by a former employee of the United States in the discharge of his official duties may be made only if the head of the agency on behalf of which the certification or payment was made certifies to the Office that the certification or payment involved fraud on the part of the former employee.

(Added Pub. L. 99–335, title I, §101(a), June 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 577.)
5 U.S.C. § 6323 (2024) — Title 5: GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES / Chapter 63 / Subchapter II / Section 6323: Military leave: Reserves, National Guard members, and certain members of the Space Force
Military leave: Reserves, National Guard members, and certain members of the Space Force
Status: in_force

(a)(1) Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an employee as defined by section 2105 of this title or an individual employed by the government of the District of Columbia, permanent or temporary indefinite, is entitled to leave without loss in pay, time, or performance or efficiency rating for active duty, inactive-duty training (as defined in section 101 of title 37), funeral honors duty (as described in section 12503 of title 10 and section 115 of title 32), or engaging in field or coast defense training under sections 502–505 of title 32 as a Reserve of the armed forces, a member of the National Guard, or a member of the Space Force in space force active status (as defined in section 101(e)(1) of title 10) and not on sustained duty under section 20105 of title 10. Leave under this subsection accrues for an employee or individual at the rate of 20 days per fiscal year and, to the extent that it is not used in a fiscal year, accumulates for use in the succeeding fiscal year until it totals 20 days at the beginning of a fiscal year.

(2) In the case of an employee or individual employed on a part-time career employment basis (as defined in section 3401(2) of this title), the rate at which leave accrues under this subsection shall be a percentage of the rate prescribed under paragraph (1) which is determined by dividing 40 into the number of hours in the regularly scheduled workweek of that employee or individual during that fiscal year.

(3) The minimum charge for leave under this subsection is one hour, and additional charges are in multiples thereof.

(b) Except as provided by section 5519 of this title, an employee as defined by section 2105 of this title or an individual employed by the government of the District of Columbia, permanent or temporary indefinite, who—

(1) is a member of a Reserve component of the Armed Forces, as described in section 10101 of title 10, or the National Guard, as described in section 101 of title 32 or is a member of the Space Force in space force active status (as defined in section 101(e)(1) of title 10) and not on sustained duty under section 20105 of title 10; and

(2)(A) performs, for the purpose of providing military aid to enforce the law or for the purpose of providing assistance to civil authorities in the protection or saving of life or property or the prevention of injury—

(i) Federal service under section 331, 332, 333,1 or 12406 of title 10, or other provision of law, as applicable, or

(ii) full-time military service for his State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States; or

(B) performs full-time military service as a result of a call or order to active duty in support of a contingency operation as defined in section 101(a)(13) of title 10;

is entitled, during and because of such service, to leave without loss of, or reduction in, pay, leave to which he otherwise is entitled, credit for time or service, or performance or efficiency rating. Leave granted by this subsection shall not exceed 22 workdays in a calendar year. Upon the request of an employee, the period for which an employee is absent to perform service described in paragraph (2) may be charged to the employee's accrued annual leave or to compensatory time available to the employee instead of being charged as leave to which the employee is entitled under this subsection. The period of absence may not be charged to sick leave.

(c) An employee as defined by section 2105 of this title or an individual employed by the government of the District of Columbia, who is a member of the National Guard of the District of Columbia, is entitled to leave without loss in pay or time for each day of a parade or encampment ordered or authorized under title 39, District of Columbia Code. This subsection covers each day of service the National Guard, or a portion thereof, is ordered to perform by the commanding general.

(d)(1) A military reserve technician described in section 8401(30) 1 is entitled at such person's request to leave without loss of, or reduction in, pay, leave to which such person is otherwise entitled, credit for time or service, or performance or efficiency rating for each day, not to exceed 44 workdays in a calendar year, in which such person is on active duty without pay, as authorized pursuant to section 12315 of title 10, under section 12301(b) or 12301(d) of title 10 for participation in operations outside the United States, its territories and possessions.

(2) An employee who requests annual leave or compensatory time to which the employee is otherwise entitled, for a period during which the employee would have been entitled upon request to leave under this subsection, may be granted such annual leave or compensatory time without regard to this section or section 5519.

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 522; Pub. L. 90–588, §2(a), Oct. 17, 1968, 82 Stat. 1151; Pub. L. 90–623, §1(17), Oct. 22, 1968, 82 Stat. 1313; Pub. L. 91–375, §6(c)(18), Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 776; Pub. L. 96–54, §2(a)(40), Aug. 14, 1979, 93 Stat. 383; Pub. L. 96–70, title III, §3302(e)(5), Sept. 27, 1979, 93 Stat. 498; Pub. L. 96–431, §1, Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1850; Pub. L. 102–190, div. A, title V, §528, Dec. 5, 1991, 105 Stat. 1364; Pub. L. 103–337, div. A, title XVI, §1677(a)(2), Oct. 5, 1994, 108 Stat. 3019; Pub. L. 104–106, div. A, title V, §516(a), title X, §1039, Feb. 10, 1996, 110 Stat. 309, 432; Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title VI, §672(b), title XI, §§1105(a), 1106(a), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 674, 777; Pub. L. 106–554, §1(a)(3) [title VI, §642], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2763, 2763A–169; Pub. L. 107–107, div. A, title V, §563, Dec. 28, 2001, 115 Stat. 1120; Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XI, §1113(a), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1635; Pub. L. 108–375, div. A, title V, §523, Oct. 28, 2004, 118 Stat. 1888; Pub. L. 118–159, div. A, title XI, §§1109, 1114(a), (b)(1), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 2089, 2091.)

Historical and Revision Notes

DerivationU.S. CodeRevised Statutes and 
Statutes at Large

 
5 U.S.C. 30r(a). 
Aug. 10, 1956, ch. 1041, §29 (a), 70A Stat. 632.
Sept. 2, 1958, Pub. L. 85–861, §13, 72 Stat. 1557.

  
 
June 30, 1960, Pub. L. 86–559, §7, 74 Stat. 282.

  
 
Oct. 4, 1961, Pub. L. 87–378, §7(a), 75 Stat. 809.

In subsection (a), the words "without regard to classification or terminology peculiar to the Civil Service system" are omitted as unnecessary. The word "performance" is added on authority of the Performance Rating Act of 1950, which is carried into chapter 43 of this title.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

Sections 331, 332, 333, referred to in subsec. (b)(2)(A)(i), were renumbered sections 251, 252, and 253, respectively, of Title 10, Armed Forces, by Pub. L. 114–328, div. A, title XII, §1241(a)(2), Dec. 23, 2016, 130 Stat. 2497.

Section 8401(30) of this title, referred to in subsec. (d)(1), was amended generally by Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title V, §522(c)(2), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 597, and, as so amended, no longer describes military reserve technicians.

Amendments

2024—Pub. L. 118–159, §1114(b)(1), substituted "Military leave: Reserves, National Guard members, and certain members of the Space Force" for "Military leave; Reserves and National Guardsmen" in section catchline.

Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 118–159, §1114(a)(1), substituted "as a Reserve of the armed forces, a member of the National Guard, or a member of the Space Force in space force active status (as defined in section 101(e)(1) of title 10) and not on sustained duty under section 20105 of title 10" for "as a Reserve of the armed forces or member of the National Guard".

Pub. L. 118–159, §1109, substituted "20 days" for "15 days" in two places.

Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 118–159, §1114(a)(2), inserted "or is a member of the Space Force in space force active status (as defined in section 101(e)(1) of title 10) and not on sustained duty under section 20105 of title 10" before "; and".

2004—Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 108–375 struck out "(other than active duty during a war or national emergency declared by the President or Congress)" before "for participation in".

2003—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 108–136 designated existing provisions as subpar. (A), redesignated former subpars. (A) and (B) as cls. (i) and (ii), respectively, of subpar. (A), and added subpar. (B).

2001—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 107–107 inserted "funeral honors duty (as described in section 12503 of title 10 and section 115 of title 32)," after "(as defined in section 101 of title 37),".

2000—Subsec. (a)(3). Pub. L. 106–554 added par. (3).

1999—Subsec. (a)(1). Pub. L. 106–65, §1106(a), inserted ", inactive-duty training (as defined in section 101 of title 37)," after "active duty" in first sentence.

Subsec. (d)(1). Pub. L. 106–65, §§672(b) and 1105(a), amended par. (1) identically, striking out "noncombat" after "for participation in".

1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–106, §516(a), inserted at end "Upon the request of an employee, the period for which an employee is absent to perform service described in paragraph (2) may be charged to the employee's accrued annual leave or to compensatory time available to the employee instead of being charged as leave to which the employee is entitled under this subsection. The period of absence may not be charged to sick leave."

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 104–106, §1039, added subsec. (d).

1994—Subsec. (b)(1). Pub. L. 103–337, §1677(a)(2)(A), substituted "section 10101" for "section 261".

Subsec. (b)(2)(A). Pub. L. 103–337, §1677(a)(2)(B), substituted "or 12406 of title 10" for "3500, or 8500 of title 10".

1991—Subsec. (b)(2). Pub. L. 102–190 substituted "law or for the purpose of providing assistance to civil authorities in the protection or saving of life or property or the prevention of injury—" for "law—" in introductory provisions.

1980—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 96–431 designated existing provisions as par. (1), substituted "Subject to paragraph (2) of this subsection, an employee" for "An employee" and "for active duty or engaging in field or coast defense training" for "for each day, not in excess of 15 days in a calendar year, in which he is on active duty or is engaged in field or coast defense training", inserted provision relating to accrual and accumulation of leave, and added par. (2).

1979—Subsec. (b)(2)(B). Pub. L. 96–70 which directed the amendment of subsec. (c)(2)(B) by striking out "the Canal Zone," was executed to subsec. (b)(2)(B) in view of the redesignation of subsec. (c) as (b) by Pub. L. 96–54. See 1979 Amendment note below.

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 96–54 redesignated subsec. (c), as added by Pub. L. 90–588, as (b). Former subsec. (b), relating to military leave, was repealed by Pub. L. 91–375, §6(c)(18)(B), Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 776.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 96–54 redesignated subsec. (c), as added by Pub. L. 90–588, as (b).

1970—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 91–375, §6(c)(18)(A), struck out "(except a substitute in the postal field service)" after "section 2105 of this title".

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 91–375, §6(c)(18)(B), struck out subsec. (b) relating to military leave, without loss in pay, time, or efficiency rating, of substitute employees of the postal service, not in excess of 80 hours in a calendar year, for National Guard training as Reserves of the Armed Forces or members of the National Guard, on basis of 1 hour for 26 hours of work, including minimum working period of 1,040 hours in the prior calendar year.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 91–375, §6(c)(18)(A), struck out "(except a substitute in the postal field service)" after "section 2105 of this title".

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 91–375, §6(c)(18)(B), struck out subsec. (d) relating to military leave, without loss of or reduction in pay, leave, service credit, or efficiency rating, of substitute employees of the postal service, not in excess of 160 hours in a calendar year, for service as members of Reserve components of the Armed Forces or the National Guard, for Federal service under insurrection provisions of sections 331, 332, and 333 and in the Army National Guard and Air National Guard under sections 3500 and 8500 of Title 10 and non-Federal service (in the States, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, Canal Zone, and the territories) for purpose of providing military aid to enforce the law, on basis of 1 hour for 13 hours of work, including minimum working period of 1,040 hours in the prior calendar year.

1968—Subsecs. (a), (b). Pub. L. 90–623, §1(17)(A), substituted "loss in" for "loss of".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90–623, §1(17)(B), added subsec. (c), set out second.

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 90–588 added subsec. (c), set out first.

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 90–588 added subsec. (d).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2003 Amendment

Pub. L. 108–136, div. A, title XI, §1113(b), Nov. 24, 2003, 117 Stat. 1635, provided that: "The amendments made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall apply to military service performed on or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 24, 2003]."

Effective Date of 1999 Amendment

Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title XI, §1105(b), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 777, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1999] and shall apply with respect to days of leave under section 6323(d)(1) of title 5, United States Code, on or after that date."

Pub. L. 106–65, div. A, title XI, §1106(b), Oct. 5, 1999, 113 Stat. 777, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending this section] shall not apply with respect to any inactive-duty training (as defined in such amendment) occurring before the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 5, 1999]."

Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 103–337 effective Dec. 1, 1994, except as otherwise provided, see section 1691 of Pub. L. 103–337, set out as an Effective Date note under section 10001 of Title 10, Armed Forces.

Effective Date of 1980 Amendment

Pub. L. 96–431, §2, Oct. 10, 1980, 94 Stat. 1850, provided that: "The amendments made by the first section of this Act [amending this section] shall take effect October 1, 1980."

Effective Date of 1979 Amendments

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–70 effective Oct. 1, 1979, see section 3304 of Pub. L. 96–70, set out as an Effective Date note under section 3601 of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.

Amendment by Pub. L. 96–54 effective July 12, 1979, see section 2(b) of Pub. L. 96–54, set out as a note under section 305 of this title.

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–375 effective within 1 year after Aug. 12, 1970, on date established therefor by Board of Governors of United States Postal Service and Published by it in Federal Register, see section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375, set out as an Effective Date note preceding section 101 of Title 39, Postal Service.

Effective Date of 1968 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 90–623 effective as of Sept. 6, 1966, for all purposes, see section 6 of Pub. L. 90–623, set out as a note under section 5334 of this title.

Authorization To Use Appropriations To Pay Military Leave or Annual Leave

Pub. L. 107–117, div. A, title VIII, §8023, Jan. 10, 2002, 115 Stat. 2252, provided that: "During the current fiscal year and hereafter, funds appropriated or otherwise available for any Federal agency, the Congress, the judicial branch, or the District of Columbia may be used for the pay, allowances, and benefits of an employee as defined by section 2105 of title 5, United States Code, or an individual employed by the government of the District of Columbia, permanent or temporary indefinite, who—

"(1) is a member of a Reserve component of the Armed Forces, as described in section 10101 of title 10, United States Code, or the National Guard, as described in section 101 of title 32, United States Code;

"(2) performs, for the purpose of providing military aid to enforce the law or providing assistance to civil authorities in the protection or saving of life or property or prevention of injury—

"(A) Federal service under sections 331 [now 251], 332 [now 252], 333 [now 253], or 12406 of title 10, United States Code, or other provision of law, as applicable; or

"(B) full-time military service for his or her State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a territory of the United States; and

"(3) requests and is granted—

"(A) leave under the authority of this section; or

"(B) annual leave, which may be granted without regard to the provisions of sections 5519 and 6323(b) of title 5, United States Code, if such employee is otherwise entitled to such annual leave:

Provided, That any employee who requests leave under subsection (3)(A) for service described in subsection (2) of this section is entitled to such leave, subject to the provisions of this section and of the last sentence of section 6323(b) of title 5, United States Code, and such leave shall be considered leave under section 6323(b) of title 5, United States Code."

Similar provisions were contained in the following prior appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 106–259, title VIII, §8023, Aug. 9, 2000, 114 Stat. 679.

Pub. L. 106–79, title VIII, §8025, Oct. 25, 1999, 113 Stat. 1236.

Pub. L. 105–262, title VIII, §8025, Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2302.

Pub. L. 105–56, title VIII, §8026, Oct. 8, 1997, 111 Stat. 1226.

Pub. L. 104–208, div. A, title I, §101(b) [title VIII, §8028], Sept. 30, 1996, 110 Stat. 3009–71, 3009–94.

Pub. L. 104–61, title VIII, §8036, Dec. 1, 1995, 109 Stat. 659.

Pub. L. 103–335, title VIII, §8042, Sept. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 2627.

Pub. L. 103–139, title VIII, §8047, Nov. 11, 1993, 107 Stat. 1450.

Pub. L. 102–396, title IX, §9064, Oct. 6, 1992, 106 Stat. 1916.

Pub. L. 102–172, title VIII, §8068, Nov. 26, 1991, 105 Stat. 1187.

Pub. L. 101–511, title VIII, §8086, Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1895.

Definition of Officers and Employees

Act July 1, 1947, ch. 192, §4, 61 Stat. 239, as amended by June 22, 1956, ch. 428, 70 Stat. 331, provided that: "The words 'officers and employees of the United States or of the District of Columbia' as used in the third paragraph, subheading 'Ordinance Stores and Equipment for Reserve Officers Training Corps', of the Act of May 12, 1917 (40 Stat. 72; 10 U.S.C. Annotated 371) [covered by this section], as now or hereafter amended, as used in that part of section 80 of the Act of June 3, 1916 (39 Stat. 203; 32 U.S.C. 75) [covered by this section], as now or hereafter amended, which precedes the proviso, and as used in the first proviso of section 9 of the Naval Reserve Act of 1938 (52 Stat. 1177; 34 U.S.C. 853g) [covered by this section], as now or hereafter amended, shall be construed to mean all officers and employees of the United States or of the District of Columbia, permanent or temporary indefinite, without regard to classifications or terminology peculiar to the Federal Civil Service System. The words 'officers and employees of the United States or of the District of Columbia', as used in such provisions of law, as now or hereafter amended, also shall be construed to mean substitute employees in the postal field service; such substitute employees shall be entitled to military leave of absence on the basis of one hour of such leave for each period or periods aggregating twenty-six hours of work performed in the calendar year immediately preceding the year in which they are ordered to duty by proper authority: Provided, That the number of hours worked during the preceding calendar year shall not be less than one thousand forty hours before such substitute employee shall be entitled to military leave of absence, pay for such leave not to exceed eighty hours in each calendar year."

1 See References in Text note below
5 U.S.C. § 1013 (2024) — Title 5: GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES / Chapter 10 / Section 1013: Termination of advisory committees
Termination of advisory committees
Status: in_force

(a) In General.—

(1) Advisory committees in existence on january 5, 1973.—Each advisory committee that is in existence on January 5, 1973, shall terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period following that date unless—

(A) in the case of an advisory committee established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government, such advisory committee is renewed by the President or that officer by appropriate action prior to the expiration of such 2-year period; or

(B) in the case of an advisory committee established by an Act of Congress, its duration is otherwise provided for by law.

(2) Advisory committees established after january 5, 1973.—Each advisory committee established after January 5, 1973, shall terminate not later than the expiration of the 2-year period beginning on the date of its establishment unless—

(A) in the case of an advisory committee established by the President or an officer of the Federal Government 1 such advisory committee is renewed by the President or such officer by appropriate action prior to the end of such period; or

(B) in the case of an advisory committee established by an Act of Congress, its duration is otherwise provided for by law.

(b) Charters.—

(1) Upon renewal.—Upon the renewal of an advisory committee, the advisory committee shall file a charter in accordance with section 1008(c) of this title.

(2) Upon expiration of successive 2-year periods.—An advisory committee established by an Act of Congress shall file a charter in accordance with section 1008(c) of this title upon the expiration of each successive 2-year period following the date of enactment of the Act establishing the advisory committee.

(3) Prohibition on action prior to filing charter.—An advisory committee required to file a charter under this subsection shall not take any action (other than preparation and filing of the charter) prior to the date on which the charter is filed.

(c) Successive Two-Year Periods.—An advisory committee that is renewed by the President or an officer of the Federal Government may be continued only for successive 2-year periods by appropriate action taken by the President or the officer prior to the date on which the advisory committee would otherwise terminate.

(Pub. L. 117–286, §3(a), Dec. 27, 2022, 136 Stat. 4204.)

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised 
Section
Source (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)

1013
5 U.S.C. App. (FACA §14)
Pub. L. 92–463, §14, Oct. 6, 1972, 86 Stat. 776.

In subsection (a)(1) (matter before subparagraph (A)), the date "January 5, 1973" is substituted for "the effective date of this Act", and in subsection (a)(2) (matter before subparagraph (A)), the date "January 5, 1973" is substituted for "such effective date", for clarity. In accordance with section 16 (formerly section 15) of the Federal Advisory Committee Act (Public Law 92–463, 86 Stat. 776), which provides "this Act shall become effective upon the expiration of ninety days following the date of enactment", the effective date of the Act is January 5, 1973.

Executive Documents

Continuance of Certain Federal Advisory Committees

Ex. Ord. No. 14109, Sept. 29, 2023, 88 F.R. 68447, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, and consistent with chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code (commonly known as the Federal Advisory Committee Act), it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Each advisory committee listed below is continued until September 30, 2025.

(a) Committee for the Preservation of the White House; Executive Order 11145, as amended [3 U.S.C. 110 note] (Department of the Interior).

(b) President's Commission on White House Fellowships; Executive Order 11183, as amended (Office of Personnel Management).

(c) President's Committee on the National Medal of Science; Executive Order 11287, as amended [42 U.S.C. 1881 note] (National Science Foundation).

(d) Federal Advisory Council on Occupational Safety and Health; Executive Order 11612, as amended [see Ex. Ord. No. 12196, 5 U.S.C. 7902 note] (Department of Labor).

(e) President's Export Council; Executive Order 12131, as amended [50 U.S.C. 4601 note] (Department of Commerce).

(f) President's Committee on the International Labor Organization; Executive Order 12216, as amended [22 U.S.C. 271 note] (Department of Labor).

(g) President's National Security Telecommunications Advisory Committee; Executive Order 12382, as amended [47 U.S.C. 901 note] (Department of Homeland Security).

(h) National Industrial Security Program Policy Advisory Committee; Executive Order 12829, as amended [50 U.S.C. 3161 note] (National Archives and Records Administration).

(i) Trade and Environment Policy Advisory Committee; Executive Order 12905 [19 U.S.C. 2155 note] (Office of the United States Trade Representative).

(j) Governmental Advisory Committee to the United States Representative to the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation; Executive Order 12915 [19 U.S.C. 3472 note] (Environmental Protection Agency).

(k) National Advisory Committee to the United States Representative to the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation; Executive Order 12915 [19 U.S.C. 3472 note] (Environmental Protection Agency).

(l) Good Neighbor Environmental Board; Executive Order 12916, as amended [19 U.S.C. 3473 note] (Environmental Protection Agency).

(m) Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS; Executive Order 12963, as amended [42 U.S.C. 300cc–1 note] (Department of Health and Human Services).

(n) President's Committee for People with Intellectual Disabilities; Executive Order 12994, as amended [42 U.S.C. 15001 note] (Department of Health and Human Services).

(o) Invasive Species Advisory Committee; Executive Order 13112, as amended [42 U.S.C. 4321 note] (Department of the Interior).

(p) Advisory Board on Radiation and Worker Health; Executive Order 13179 [42 U.S.C. 7384 note] (Department of Health and Human Services).

(q) National Infrastructure Advisory Council; Executive Order 13231, as amended [6 U.S.C. 121 note] (Department of Homeland Security).

(r) President's Council on Sports, Fitness, and Nutrition; Executive Order 13265, as amended [42 U.S.C. 300u note] (Department of Health and Human Services).

(s) Interagency Task Force on Veterans Small Business Development; Executive Order 13540 [15 U.S.C. 657b note] (Small Business Administration).

(t) State, Local, Tribal, and Private Sector (SLTPS) Policy Advisory Committee; Executive Order 13549 [50 U.S.C. 3161 note] (National Archives and Records Administration).

(u) President's Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa; Executive Order 13675, as amended [15 U.S.C. 4727 note] (Department of Commerce).

(v) President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology; Executive Order 14007, as amended [42 U.S.C. 6601 note] (Department of Energy).

(w) White House Environmental Justice Advisory Council; Executive Order 14008 [42 U.S.C. 4321 note] (Environmental Protection Agency).

(x) President's Advisory Commission on Asian Americans, Native Hawaiians, and Pacific Islanders; Executive Order 14031 [42 U.S.C. 3501 note] (Department of Health and Human Services).

(y) President's Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colleges and Universities; Executive Order 14041 [20 U.S.C. 1060 note] (Department of Education).

(z) Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Hispanics; Executive Order 14045 [20 U.S.C. 3411 note] (Department of Education).

(aa) Presidential Advisory Commission on Advancing Educational Equity, Excellence, and Economic Opportunity for Black Americans; Executive Order 14050 [20 U.S.C. 3411 note] (Department of Education).

(bb) President's Committee on the Arts and the Humanities; Executive Order 14084 [20 U.S.C. 9102 note] (Institute of Museum and Library Services).

(cc) President's Advisory Council on African Diaspora Engagement in the United States; Executive Order 14089 [22 U.S.C. 2656 note] (Department of State).

(dd) Commerce Spectrum Management Advisory Committee; initially established pursuant to Presidential Memorandum on Improving Spectrum Management for the 21st Century (November 29, 2004) (Department of Commerce).

(ee) Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument Advisory Committee; Proclamation 6920 of September 18, 1996, as amended [listed in a table under 54 U.S.C. 320301] (Department of the Interior).

(ff) San Juan Islands National Monument Advisory Committee; Proclamation 8947 of March 25, 2013 [listed in a table under 54 U.S.C. 320301] (Department of the Interior).

(gg) Bears Ears National Monument Advisory Committee; Proclamation 9558 of December 28, 2016, as amended [listed in a table under 54 U.S.C. 320301] (Department of the Interior).

(hh) Gold Butte National Monument Advisory Committee; Proclamation 9559 of December 28, 2016 [listed in a table under 54 U.S.C. 320301] (Department of the Interior).

(ii) Avi Kwa Ame National Monument Advisory Committee; Proclamation 10533 of March 21, 2023 [listed in a table under 54 U.S.C. 320301] (Department of the Interior).

(jj) Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni-Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument Advisory Committee; Proclamation 10606 of August 8, 2023 [listed in a table under 54 U.S.C. 320301] (Department of the Interior).

(kk) National Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Advisory Board; Space Policy Directive 7, "The United States Space-Based Positioning, Navigation, and Timing Policy" (January 15, 2021) (National Aeronautics and Space Administration).

Sec. 2. Notwithstanding the provisions of any other Executive Order, the functions of the President under chapter 10 of title 5, United States Code, that are applicable to the committees listed in section 1 of this order shall be performed by the head of the department or agency designated after each committee, in accordance with the regulations, guidelines, and procedures established by the Administrator of General Services.

Sec. 3. Sections 1 and 2 of Executive Order 14048 of September 30, 2021, are hereby superseded by sections 1 and 2 of this order.

Sec. 4. [Amended Ex. Ord. No. 14031, set out as a note under section 3501 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.]

Sec. 5. [Amended Ex. Ord. No. 14084, set out as a note under section 9102 of Title 20, Education.]

Sec. 6. This order shall be effective September 30, 2023.

Sec. 7. General Provisions. (a) Nothing in this order shall be construed to impair or otherwise affect:

(i) the authority granted by law to an executive department or agency, or the head thereof; or

(ii) the functions of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget relating to budgetary, administrative, or legislative proposals.

(b) This order shall be implemented consistent with applicable law and subject to the availability of appropriations.

(c) This order 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.

J.R. Biden, Jr.      

Provisions providing for the continuance of certain Federal advisory committees were contained in the following:

Ex. Ord. No. 14048, Sept. 30, 2021, 86 F.R. 55465, partially superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 14109, §3, Sept. 29, 2023, 88 F.R. 68449.

Ex. Ord. No. 13889, Sept. 27, 2019, 84 F.R. 52743, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13935, §4(a), July 9, 2020, 85 F.R. 42685, partially superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 14048, §3, Sept. 30, 2021, 86 F.R. 55466.

Ex. Ord. No. 13811, Sept. 29, 2017, 82 F.R. 46363, partially superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 13889, §3, Sept. 27, 2019, 84 F.R. 52745.

Ex. Ord. No. 13708, Sept. 30, 2015, 80 F.R. 60271, partially superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 13811, §3, Sept. 29, 2017, 82 F.R. 46365.

Ex. Ord. No. 13652, Sept. 30, 2013, 78 F.R. 61817, partially superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 13708, §3, Sept. 30, 2015, 80 F.R. 60273.

Ex. Ord. No. 13591, Nov. 23, 2011, 76 F.R. 74623, partially superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 13652, §3, Sept. 30, 2013, 78 F.R. 61818.

Ex. Ord. No. 13585, Sept. 30, 2011, 76 F.R. 62281, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13592, §5(c), Dec. 2, 2011, 76 F.R. 76607, partially superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 13652, §3, Sept. 30, 2013, 78 F.R. 61818.

Ex. Ord. No. 13511, Sept. 29, 2009, 74 F.R. 50909, partially superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 13585, §3, Sept. 30, 2011, 76 F.R. 62281.

Ex. Ord. No. 13446, Sept. 28, 2007, 72 F.R. 56175, partially superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 13511, §3, Sept. 29, 2009, 74 F.R. 50910.

Ex. Ord. No. 13385, Sept. 29, 2005, 70 F.R. 57989, partially superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 13446, §4, Sept. 28, 2007, 72 F.R. 56176.

Ex. Ord. No. 13316, Sept. 17, 2003, 68 F.R. 55255, partially superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 13385, §4, Sept. 29, 2005, 70 F.R. 57990.

Ex. Ord. No. 13225, Sept. 28, 2001, 66 F.R. 50291, superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 13316, §4, Sept. 17, 2003, 68 F.R. 55256.

Ex. Ord. No. 13138, Sept. 30, 1999, 64 F.R. 53879, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13226, §4(c), Sept. 30, 2001, 66 F.R. 50524, partially superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 13225, §4, Sept. 28, 2001, 66 F.R. 50292.

Ex. Ord. No. 13062, Sept. 29, 1997, 62 F.R. 51755, partially superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 13138, §4, Sept. 30, 1999, 64 F.R. 53880.

Ex. Ord. No. 12974, Sept. 29, 1995, 60 F.R. 51875, superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 13062, Sept. 29, 1997, 62 F.R. 51755.

Ex. Ord. No. 12869, Sept. 30, 1993, 58 F.R. 51751, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12882, §4(c), Nov. 23, 1993, 58 F.R. 62493, superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12974, Sept. 29, 1995, 60 F.R. 51875.

Ex. Ord. No. 12774, Sept. 27, 1991, 56 F.R. 49835, superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12869, §5, Sept. 30, 1993, 58 F.R. 51751.

Ex. Ord. No. 12692, Sept. 29, 1989, 54 F.R. 40627, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12704, Feb. 26, 1990, 55 F.R. 6969, superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12774, §4, Sept. 27, 1991, 56 F.R. 49835.

Ex. Ord. No. 12610, Sept. 30, 1987, 52 F.R. 36901, superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12692, Sept. 29, 1989, 54 F.R. 40627.

Ex. Ord. No. 12534, Sept. 30, 1985, 50 F.R. 40319, superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12610, Sept. 30, 1987, 52 F.R. 36901.

Ex. Ord. No. 12489, Sept. 28, 1984, 49 F.R. 38927, superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12534, Sept. 30, 1985, 50 F.R. 40319.

Ex. Ord. No. 12399, Dec. 31, 1982, 48 F.R. 379, superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12534, Sept. 30, 1985, 50 F.R. 40319.

Ex. Ord. No. 12258, Dec. 31, 1980, 46 F.R. 1251, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12271, Jan. 15, 1981, 46 F.R. 4677; Ex. Ord. No. 12299, Mar. 17, 1981, 46 F.R. 17751; Ex. Ord. No. 12305, May 5, 1981, 46 F.R. 25421; Ex. Ord. No. 12336, Dec. 21, 1981, 46 F.R. 62239, superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12399, Dec. 31, 1982, 48 F.R. 379.

Ex. Ord. No. 12110, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1069, superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12258, Dec. 31, 1980, 46 F.R. 1251.

Ex. Ord. No. 11948, Dec. 20, 1976, 41 F.R. 55705, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 12007, Aug. 22, 1977, 42 F.R. 42839; Ex. Ord. No. 12029, Dec. 14, 1977, 42 F.R. 63631, superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 12110, Dec. 28, 1978, 44 F.R. 1069.

Ex. Ord. No. 11827, Jan. 4, 1975, 40 F.R. 1217, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 11915, May 10, 1976, 41 F.R. 19195, superseded by Ex. Ord. No. 11948, Dec. 20, 1976, 41 F.R. 55705.

Ex. Ord. No. 12838. Termination and Limitation of Federal Advisory Committees

Ex. Ord. No. 12838, Feb. 10, 1993, 58 F.R. 8207, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including the Federal Advisory Committee Act ("FACA"), as amended ([former] 5 U.S.C. App.) [see 5 U.S.C. 1001 et seq.], it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Each executive department and agency shall terminate not less than one-third of the advisory committees subject to FACA (and not required by statute) that are sponsored by the department or agency by no later than the end of fiscal year 1993.

Sec. 2. Within 90 days, the head of each executive department and agency shall submit to the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, for each advisory committee subject to FACA sponsored by that department or agency: (a) a detailed justification for the continued existence, or a brief description in support of the termination, of any advisory committee not required by statute; and (b) a detailed recommendation for submission to the Congress to continue or to terminate any advisory committee required by statute. The Administrator of General Services shall prepare such justifications and recommendations for each advisory committee subject to FACA and not sponsored by a department or agency.

Sec. 3. Effective immediately, executive departments and agencies shall not create or sponsor a new advisory committee subject to FACA unless the committee is required by statute or the agency head (a) finds that compelling considerations necessitate creation of such a committee, and (b) receives the approval of the Director of the Office of Management and Budget. Such approval shall be granted only sparingly and only if compelled by considerations of national security, health or safety, or similar national interests. These requirements shall apply in addition to the notice and other approval requirements of FACA.

Sec. 4. The Director of the Office of Management and Budget shall issue detailed instructions regarding the implementation of this order, including exemptions necessary for the delivery of essential services and compliance with applicable law.

Sec. 5. All independent regulatory commissions and agencies are requested to comply with the provisions of this order.

William J. Clinton.      

Termination of Certain Federal Advisory Committees

Provisions providing for the termination of certain Federal advisory committees are contained in the following:

Ex. Ord. No. 12379, Aug. 17, 1982, 47 F.R. 36099.

Ex. Ord. No. 12305, May 5, 1981, 46 F.R. 25421.

Ex. Ord. No. 12029, Dec. 14, 1977, 42 F.R. 63631.

Ex. Ord. No. 12007, Aug. 22, 1977, 42 F.R. 42839.

1 So in original. Probably should be followed by a comma.
5 U.S.C. § 8471 (2024) — Title 5: GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES / Chapter 84 / Subchapter VII / Section 8471: Definitions
Definitions
Status: in_force

For the purposes of this subchapter—

(1) the term "beneficiary" means an individual (other than a participant) entitled to payment from the Thrift Savings Fund under subchapter III of this chapter;

(2) the term "Council" means the Employee Thrift Advisory Council established under section 8473 of this title;

(3) the term "participant" means an individual for whom an account has been established under section 8439 of this title;

(4) the term "person" means an individual, partnership, joint venture, corporation, mutual company, joint-stock company, trust, estate, unincorporated organization, association, or labor organization; and

(5) the term "Thrift Savings Fund" means the Thrift Savings Fund established under section 8437 of this title.

(Added Pub. L. 99–335, title I, §101(a), June 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 577.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date

Subchapter VII effective June 6, 1986, see section 702(b)(1) of Pub. L. 99–335, set out as a note under section 8401 of this title.
5 U.S.C. § 5707a (2024) — Title 5: GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES / Chapter 57 / Subchapter I / Section 5707a: Adherence to fire safety guidelines in establishing rates and discounts for lodging expenses
Adherence to fire safety guidelines in establishing rates and discounts for lodging expenses
Status: in_force

(a)(1) For the purpose of making payments under this chapter for lodging expenses incurred in a State, each agency shall ensure that not less than 90 percent of the commercial-lodging room nights for employees of that agency for a fiscal year are booked in approved places of public accommodation.

(2) Each agency shall establish explicit procedures to satisfy the percentage requirement of paragraph (1).

(3) An agency shall be considered to be in compliance with the percentage requirement of paragraph (1) until September 30, 2002, and after that date if travel arrangements of the agency, whether made for civilian employees, members of the uniformed services, or foreign service personnel, are made through travel management processes designed to book commercial lodging in approved places of public accommodation, whenever available.

(b) Studies or surveys conducted for the purposes of establishing per diem rates for lodging expenses under this chapter shall be limited to approved places of public accommodation. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply with respect to studies and surveys that are conducted in any jurisdiction that is not a State.

(c) The Administrator of General Services may not include in any directory which lists lodging accommodations any hotel, motel, or other place of public accommodation that is not an approved place of public accommodation.

(d) The Administrator of General Services shall include in each directory which lists lodging accommodations a description of the access and safety devices, including appropriate emergency alerting devices, which each listed place of public accommodation provides for guests who are hearing-impaired or visually or physically handicapped.

(e) The Administrator of General Services may take any additional actions the Administrator determines appropriate to facilitate the ability of employees traveling on official business to stay at approved places of public accommodation.

(f) For purposes of this section:

(1) The term "agency" does not include the government of the District of Columbia.

(2) The term "approved places of public accommodation" means hotels, motels, and other places of public accommodation that are listed by the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency as meeting the requirements of the fire prevention and control guidelines described in section 29 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 (15 U.S.C. 2225).

(3) The term "State" means any State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, the Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, or any other territory or possession of the United States.

(Added Pub. L. 101–391, §4(a), Sept. 25, 1990, 104 Stat. 749; amended Pub. L. 105–85, div. A, title XI, §1107(a)–(c), Nov. 18, 1997, 111 Stat. 1924, 1925; Pub. L. 109–295, title VI, §612(c), Oct. 4, 2006, 120 Stat. 1410.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1997—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 105–85, §1107(a)(2), added subsec. (a). Former subsec. (a) redesignated (b).

Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–85, §1107(c)(1), substituted "approved places of public accommodation" for "places of public accommodation that meet the requirements of the fire prevention and control guidelines described in section 29 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974" and struck out "as defined in section 4 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974" after "that is not a State".

Pub. L. 105–85, §1107(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (a) as (b). Former subsec. (b) redesignated (c).

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 105–85, §1107(c)(2), substituted "is not an approved place of public accommodation" for "does not meet the requirements of the fire prevention and control guidelines described in section 29 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974".

Pub. L. 105–85, §1107(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (b) as (c). Former subsec. (c) redesignated (d).

Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 105–85, §1107(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (c) as (d). Former subsec. (d) redesignated (e).

Subsec. (e). Pub. L. 105–85, §1107(c)(3), substituted "facilitate the ability of" for "encourage" and "approved places of public accommodation" for "places of public accommodation that meet the requirements of the fire prevention and control guidelines described in section 29 of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974".

Pub. L. 105–85, §1107(a)(1), redesignated subsec. (d) as (e).

Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 105–85, §1107(b), added subsec. (f).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Change of Name

"Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency" substituted for "Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency" in subsec. (f)(2) on authority of section 612(c) of Pub. L. 109–295, set out as a note under section 313 of Title 6, Domestic Security. Any reference to the Administrator of the Federal Emergency Management Agency in title VI of Pub. L. 109–295 or an amendment by title VI to be considered to refer and apply to the Director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency until Mar. 31, 2007, see section 612(f)(2) of Pub. L. 109–295, set out as a note under section 313 of Title 6.

Effective Date

Pub. L. 101–391, §4(c), Sept. 25, 1990, 104 Stat. 750, provided that: "The amendments made by this section [enacting this section] shall take effect 60 days after the date of the publication in the Federal Register [Nov. 24, 1992, 57 F.R. 55314] of the master list of certified places of public accommodation maintained by the Director [now Administrator] of the Federal Emergency Management Agency pursuant to section 28(b) of the Federal Fire Prevention and Control Act of 1974 [15 U.S.C. 2224(b)] (as added by section 3 of this Act)."

Executive Documents

Termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands

For termination of Trust Territory of the Pacific Islands, see note set out preceding section 1681 of Title 48, Territories and Insular Possessions.
5 U.S.C. § 4118 (2024) — Title 5: GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES / Chapter 41 / Section 4118: Regulations
Regulations
Status: in_force

(a) The Office of Personnel Management, after considering the needs and requirements of each agency for training its employees and after consulting with the agencies principally concerned, shall prescribe regulations containing the principles, standards, and related requirements for the programs, and plans thereunder, for the training of employees under this chapter, including requirements for coordination of and reasonable uniformity in the agency training programs and plans. The regulations shall provide for the maintenance of necessary information concerning the general conduct of the training activities of each agency, and such other information as is necessary to enable the President and Congress to discharge effectively their respective duties and responsibilities for supervision, control, and review of these training programs. The regulations also shall cover—

(1) requirements concerning the determination and continuing review by each agency of its training needs and requirements;

(2) the scope and conduct of the agency training programs and plans;

(3) the selection and assignment of employees of each agency for training;

(4) the use in each agency of the services of employees who have undergone training;

(5) the evaluation of the results and effects of the training programs and plans;

(6) the interchange of training information among the agencies;

(7) the submission of reports by the agencies on results and effects of training programs and plans and economies resulting therefrom, including estimates of costs of training;

(8) requirements and limitations necessary with respect to payments and reimbursements in accordance with section 4109 of this title; and

(9) other matters considered appropriate or necessary by the Office to carry out the provisions of this chapter.

(b) The Office, in accordance with this chapter, may revise, supplement, or abolish regulations prescribed under this section, and prescribe additional regulations.

(c) This section does not authorize the Office to prescribe the types and methods of intra-agency training or to regulate the details of intra-agency training programs.

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 438; Pub. L. 95–454, title IX, §906(a)(2), (3), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1224; Pub. L. 103–226, §2(a)(9), Mar. 30, 1994, 108 Stat. 112.)

Historical and Revision Notes

DerivationU.S. CodeRevised Statutes and 
Statutes at Large

 
5 U.S.C. 2305. 
July 7, 1958, Pub. L. 85–507, §6, 72 Stat. 329.

In subsection (a), the word "appropriate" is omitted as unnecessary. The words "with respect to training by, in, and through Government facilities and non-Government facilities" are omitted as unnecessary.

In subsection (b)(2) and (3), the words "by, in, or through a non-Government facility" are omitted as unnecessary in view of the previous reference in the subsection.

In subsection (c), the words "From time to time" are omitted as unnecessary.

In subsection (d), the prohibition is restated in positive form.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

1994—Subsec. (a)(7). Pub. L. 103–226, §2(a)(9)(A), struck out before semicolon at end "by, in, and through non-Government facilities".

Subsecs. (b) to (d). Pub. L. 103–226, §2(a)(9)(B), (C), redesignated subsecs. (c) and (d) as (b) and (c), respectively, and struck out former subsec. (b) which read as follows: "In addition to the matters set forth by subsection (a) of this section, the regulations, concerning training of employees by, in, or through non-Government facilities, shall—

"(1) prescribe general policies governing the selection of a non-Government facility to provide training;

"(2) authorize training of employees only after the head of the agency concerned determines that adequate training for employees by, in, or through a Government facility is not reasonably available, and that consideration has been given to the existing or reasonably foreseeable availability and use of fully trained employees; and

"(3) prohibit training an employee for the purpose of filling a position by promotion if there is in the agency concerned another employee, of equal ability and suitability, fully qualified to fill the position and available at, or within a reasonable distance from, the place where the duties of the position are to be performed."

1978—Subsecs. (a), (c), (d). Pub. L. 95–454 substituted "Office of Personnel Management" and "Office" for "Civil Service Commission" and "Commission", respectively, wherever appearing.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 95–454 effective 90 days after Oct. 13, 1978, see section 907 of Pub. L. 95–454, set out as a note under section 1101 of this title.

Executive Documents

Department of Homeland Security

Exception from provisions of this section of those elements of the Department of Homeland Security that are supervised by the Under Secretary of Homeland Security for Information Analysis and Infrastructure Protection through the Department's Assistant Secretary for Information Analysis, see Ex. Ord. No. 13286, §86, Feb. 28, 2003, 68 F.R. 10632, set out as a note under section 111 of Title 6, Domestic Security.

Central Intelligence Agency

Exception of Central Intelligence Agency from provisions of this section, see Ex. Ord. No. 10805, Feb. 18, 1959, 24 F.R. 1301, set out as a note under section 4102 of this title.
5 U.S.C. § 6501 (2024) — Title 5: GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES / Chapter 65 / Section 6501: Definitions
Definitions
Status: in_force

In this chapter:

(1) Employee.—The term "employee" has the meaning given that term under section 2105.

(2) Executive agency.—Except as provided in section 6506, the term "executive agency" has the meaning given that term under section 105.

(3) Telework.—The term "telework" or "teleworking" refers to a work flexibility arrangement under which an employee performs the duties and responsibilities of such employee's position, and other authorized activities, from an approved worksite other than the location from which the employee would otherwise work.

(Added Pub. L. 111–292, §2(a), Dec. 9, 2010, 124 Stat. 3165.)

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Telework Research

Pub. L. 111–292, §4, Dec. 9, 2010, 124 Stat. 3173, provided that:

"(a) Research by OPM on Telework.—The Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall—

"(1) research the utilization of telework by public and private sector entities that identify best practices and recommendations for the Federal Government;

"(2) review the outcomes associated with an increase in telework, including the effects of telework on energy consumption, job creation and availability, urban transportation patterns, and the ability to anticipate the dispersal of work during periods of emergency; and

"(3) make any studies or reviews performed under this subsection available to the public.

"(b) Use of Contract To Carry Out Research.—The Director of the Office of Personnel Management may carry out subsection (a) under a contract entered into by the Director using competitive procedures under section 303 of the Federal Property and Administrative Services Act of 1949 ([former] 41 U.S.C. 253) [see 41 U.S.C. 3105, 3301, 3303 to 3305].

"(c) Use of Other Federal Agencies.—The heads of Federal agencies with relevant jurisdiction over the subject matters in subsection (a)(2) shall work cooperatively with the Director of the Office of Personnel Management to carry out that subsection, if the Director determines that coordination is necessary to fulfill obligations under that subsection."

Implementation of Telecommuting Programs

Pub. L. 108–7, div. B, title VI, §623, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 103, as amended by Pub. L. 111–292, §2(b)(2)(A), Dec. 9, 2010, 124 Stat. 3170, provided that: "Of the funds appropriated in this Act [div. B of Pub. L. 108–7, see Tables for classification] for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, and State, the Judiciary, and the Small Business Administration, $100,000 shall be available to each Department or agency only to implement telecommuting programs: Provided, That, 6 months after the date of enactment of this Act [Feb. 20, 2003] and every 6 months thereafter, each Department or agency shall provide a report to the Committees on Appropriations on the status of telecommuting programs, including the number of Federal employees eligible for, and participating in, such programs: Provided further, That each Department or agency shall designate a Telework Managing Officer to be responsible for overseeing the implementation of telecommuting programs and serve as a point of contact on such programs for the Committees on Appropriations."

Similar provisions were contained in the following appropriation acts:

Pub. L. 109–108, title VI, §617, Nov. 22, 2005, 119 Stat. 2340, as amended by Pub. L. 111–292, §2(b)(2)(D), Dec. 9, 2010, 124 Stat. 3171.

Pub. L. 108–447, div. B, title VI, §622, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2919, as amended by Pub. L. 111–292, §2(b)(2)(C), Dec. 9, 2010, 124 Stat. 3171.

Pub. L. 108–199, div. B, title VI, §627, Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 99, as amended by Pub. L. 111–292, §2(b)(2)(B), Dec. 9, 2010, 124 Stat. 3171.

Telecommuting in Executive Agencies

Pub. L. 106–346, §101(a) [title III, §359], Oct. 23, 2000, 114 Stat. 1356, 1356A–36, provided that: "Each executive agency shall establish a policy under which eligible employees of the agency may participate in telecommuting to the maximum extent possible without diminished employee performance. Not later than 6 months after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 23, 2000], the Director of the Office of Personnel Management shall provide that the requirements of this section are applied to 25 percent of the Federal workforce, and to an additional 25 percent of such workforce each year thereafter."
5 U.S.C. § 9503 (2024) — Title 5: GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES / Chapter 95 / Section 9503: Streamlined critical pay authority
Streamlined critical pay authority
Status: in_force

(a) Notwithstanding section 9502, and without regard to the provisions of this title governing appointments in the competitive service or the Senior Executive Service and chapters 51 and 53 (relating to classification and pay rates), the Secretary of the Treasury may, Before 1 September 30, 2013, establish, fix the compensation of, and appoint individuals to, designated critical administrative, technical, and professional positions needed to carry out the functions of the Internal Revenue Service, if—

(1) the positions—

(A) require expertise of an extremely high level in an administrative, technical, or professional field; and

(B) are critical to the Internal Revenue Service's successful accomplishment of an important mission;

(2) exercise of the authority is necessary to recruit or retain an individual exceptionally well qualified for the position;

(3) the number of such positions does not exceed 40 at any one time;

(4) designation of such positions are approved by the Secretary of the Treasury;

(5) the terms of such appointments are limited to no more than 4 years;

(6) appointees to such positions were not Internal Revenue Service employees prior to June 1, 1998;

(7) total annual compensation for any appointee to such positions does not exceed the highest total annual compensation payable at the rate determined under section 104 of title 3; and

(8) all such positions are excluded from the collective bargaining unit.

(b) Individuals appointed under this section shall not be considered to be employees for purposes of subchapter II of chapter 75.

(Added Pub. L. 105–206, title I, §1201(a), July 22, 1998, 112 Stat. 712; amended Pub. L. 110–161, div. D, title I, §105, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 1977; Pub. L. 113–6, div. F, title III, §1309, Mar. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 418.)

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The provisions of this title governing appointments in the competitive service, referred to in subsec. (a), are classified generally to section 3301 et seq. of this title.

Amendments

2013—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 113–6, which directed substitution of "Before September 30, 2013" for "Before July 23, 2013" wherever appearing, was executed by making the substitution for "before July 23, 2013" in introductory provisions to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

2007—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 110–161 substituted "before July 23, 2013" for "for a period of 10 years after the date of enactment of this section" in introductory provisions.

1 So in original. Probably should not be capitalized.
5 U.S.C. § 5104 (2024) — Title 5: GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES / Chapter 51 / Section 5104: Basis for grading positions
Basis for grading positions
Status: in_force

The General Schedule, the symbol for which is "GS", is the basic pay schedule for positions to which this chapter applies. The General Schedule is divided into grades of difficulty and responsibility of work, as follows:

(1) Grade GS–1 includes those classes of positions the duties of which are to perform, under immediate supervision, with little or no latitude for the exercise of independent judgment—

(A) the simplest routine work in office, business, or fiscal operations; or

(B) elementary work of a subordinate technical character in a professional, scientific, or technical field.

(2) Grade GS–2 includes those classes of positions the duties of which are—

(A) to perform, under immediate supervision, with limited latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, routine work in office, business, or fiscal operations, or comparable subordinate technical work of limited scope in a professional, scientific, or technical field, requiring some training or experience; or

(B) to perform other work of equal importance, difficulty, and responsibility, and requiring comparable qualifications.

(3) Grade GS–3 includes those classes of positions the duties of which are—

(A) to perform, under immediate or general supervision, somewhat difficult and responsible work in office, business, or fiscal operations, or comparable subordinate technical work of limited scope in a professional, scientific, or technical field, requiring in either case—

(i) some training or experience;

(ii) working knowledge of a special subject matter; or

(iii) to some extent the exercise of independent judgment in accordance with well-established policies, procedures, and techniques; or

(B) to perform other work of equal importance, difficulty, and responsibility, and requiring comparable qualifications.

(4) Grade GS–4 includes those classes of positions the duties of which are—

(A) to perform, under immediate or general supervision, moderately difficult and responsible work in office, business, or fiscal operations, or comparable subordinate technical work in a professional, scientific, or technical field, requiring in either case—

(i) a moderate amount of training and minor supervisory or other experience;

(ii) good working knowledge of a special subject matter or a limited field of office, laboratory, engineering, scientific, or other procedure and practice; and

(iii) the exercise of independent judgment in accordance with well-established policies, procedures, and techniques; or

(B) to perform other work of equal importance, difficulty, and responsibility, and requiring comparable qualifications.

(5) Grade GS–5 includes those classes of positions the duties of which are—

(A) to perform, under general supervision, difficult and responsible work in office, business, or fiscal administration, or comparable subordinate technical work in a professional, scientific, or technical field, requiring in either case—

(i) considerable training and supervisory or other experience;

(ii) broad working knowledge of a special subject matter or of office, laboratory, engineering, scientific, or other procedure and practice; and

(iii) the exercise of independent judgment in a limited field;

(B) to perform, under immediate supervision, and with little opportunity for the exercise of independent judgment, simple and elementary work requiring professional, scientific, or technical training; or

(C) to perform other work of equal importance, difficulty, and responsibility, and requiring comparable qualifications.

(6) Grade GS–6 includes those classes of positions the duties of which are—

(A) to perform, under general supervision, difficult and responsible work in office, business, or fiscal administration, or comparable subordinate technical work in a professional, scientific, or technical field, requiring in either case—

(i) considerable training and supervisory or other experience;

(ii) broad working knowledge of a special and complex subject matter, procedure, or practice, or of the principles of the profession, art, or science involved; and

(iii) to a considerable extent the exercise of independent judgment; or

(B) to perform other work of equal importance, difficulty, and responsibility, and requiring comparable qualifications.

(7) Grade GS–7 includes those classes of positions the duties of which are—

(A) to perform, under general supervision, work of considerable difficulty and responsibility along special technical or supervisory lines in office, business, or fiscal administration, or comparable subordinate technical work in a professional, scientific, or technical field, requiring in either case—

(i) considerable specialized or supervisory training and experience;

(ii) comprehensive working knowledge of a special and complex subject matter, procedure, or practice, or of the principles of the profession, art, or science involved; and

(iii) to a considerable extent the exercise of independent judgment;

(B) under immediate or general supervision, to perform somewhat difficult work requiring—

(i) professional, scientific, or technical training; and

(ii) to a limited extent, the exercise of independent technical judgment; or

(C) to perform other work of equal importance, difficulty, and responsibility, and requiring comparable qualifications.

(8) Grade GS–8 includes those classes of positions the duties of which are—

(A) to perform, under general supervision, very difficult and responsible work along special technical or supervisory lines in office, business, or fiscal administration, requiring—

(i) considerable specialized or supervisory training and experience;

(ii) comprehensive and thorough working knowledge of a specialized and complex subject matter, procedure, or practice, or of the principles of the profession, art, or science involved; and

(iii) to a considerable extent the exercise of independent judgment; or

(B) to perform other work of equal importance, difficulty, and responsibility, and requiring comparable qualifications.

(9) Grade GS–9 includes those classes of positions the duties of which are—

(A) to perform, under general supervision, very difficult and responsible work along special technical, supervisory, or administrative lines in office, business, or fiscal administration, requiring—

(i) somewhat extended specialized training and considerable specialized, supervisory, or administrative experience which has demonstrated capacity for sound independent work;

(ii) thorough and fundamental knowledge of a special and complex subject matter, or of the profession, art, or science involved; and

(iii) considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment;

(B) with considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, to perform moderately difficult and responsible work, requiring—

(i) professional, scientific, or technical training equivalent to that represented by graduation from a college or university of recognized standing; and

(ii) considerable additional professional, scientific, or technical training or experience which has demonstrated capacity for sound independent work; or

(C) to perform other work of equal importance, difficulty, and responsibility, and requiring comparable qualifications.

(10) Grade GS–10 includes those classes of positions the duties of which are—

(A) to perform, under general supervision, highly difficult and responsible work along special technical, supervisory, or administrative lines in office, business, or fiscal administration, requiring—

(i) somewhat extended specialized, supervisory, or administrative training and experience which has demonstrated capacity for sound independent work;

(ii) thorough and fundamental knowledge of a specialized and complex subject matter, or of the profession, art, or science involved; and

(iii) considerable latitude for the exercise of independent judgment; or

(B) to perform other work of equal importance, difficulty, and responsibility, and requiring comparable qualifications.

(11) Grade GS–11 includes those classes of positions the duties of which are—

(A) to perform, under general administrative supervision and with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, work of marked difficulty and responsibility along special technical, supervisory, or administrative lines in office, business, or fiscal administration, requiring—

(i) extended specialized, supervisory, or administrative training and experience which has demonstrated important attainments and marked capacity for sound independent action or decision; and

(ii) intimate grasp of a specialized and complex subject matter, or of the profession, art, or science involved, or of administrative work of marked difficulty;

(B) with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, to perform responsible work of considerable difficulty requiring somewhat extended professional, scientific, or technical training and experience which has demonstrated important attainments and marked capacity for independent work; or

(C) to perform other work of equal importance, difficulty, and responsibility, and requiring comparable qualifications.

(12) Grade GS–12 includes those classes of positions the duties of which are—

(A) to perform, under general administrative supervision, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, work of a very high order of difficulty and responsibility along special technical, supervisory, or administrative lines in office, business, or fiscal administration, requiring—

(i) extended specialized, supervisory, or administrative training and experience which has demonstrated leadership and attainments of a high order in specialized or administrative work; and

(ii) intimate grasp of a specialized and complex subject matter or of the profession, art, or science involved;

(B) under general administrative supervision, and with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, to perform professional, scientific, or technical work of marked difficulty and responsibility requiring extended professional, scientific, or technical training and experience which has demonstrated leadership and attainments of a high order in professional, scientific, or technical research, practice, or administration; or

(C) to perform other work of equal importance, difficulty, and responsibility, and requiring comparable qualifications.

(13) Grade GS–13 includes those classes of positions the duties of which are—

(A) to perform, under administrative direction, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, work of unusual difficulty and responsibility along special technical, supervisory, or administrative lines, requiring extended specialized, supervisory, or administrative training and experience which has demonstrated leadership and marked attainments;

(B) to serve as assistant head of a major organization involving work of comparable level within a bureau;

(C) to perform, under administrative direction, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, work of unusual difficulty and responsibility requiring extended professional, scientific, or technical training and experience which has demonstrated leadership and marked attainments in professional, scientific, or technical research, practice, or administration; or

(D) to perform other work of equal importance, difficulty, and responsibility, and requiring comparable qualifications.

(14) Grade GS–14 includes those classes of positions the duties of which are—

(A) to perform, under general administrative direction, with wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, work of exceptional difficulty and responsibility along special technical, supervisory, or administrative lines which has demonstrated leadership and unusual attainments;

(B) to serve as head of a major organization within a bureau involving work of comparable level;

(C) to plan and direct or to plan and execute major professional, scientific, technical, administrative, fiscal, or other specialized programs, requiring extended training and experience which has demonstrated leadership and unusual attainments in professional, scientific, or technical research, practice, or administration, or in administrative, fiscal, or other specialized activities; or

(D) to perform consulting or other professional, scientific, technical, administrative, fiscal, or other specialized work of equal importance, difficulty, and responsibility, and requiring comparable qualifications.

(15) Grade GS–15 includes those classes of positions the duties of which are—

(A) to perform, under general administrative direction, with very wide latitude for the exercise of independent judgment, work of outstanding difficulty and responsibility along special technical, supervisory, or administrative lines which has demonstrated leadership and exceptional attainments;

(B) to serve as head of a major organization within a bureau involving work of comparable level;

(C) to plan and direct or to plan and execute specialized programs of marked difficulty, responsibility, and national significance, along professional, scientific, technical, administrative, fiscal, or other lines, requiring extended training and experience which has demonstrated leadership and unusual attainments in professional, scientific, or technical research, practice, or administration, or in administrative, fiscal, or other specialized activities; or

(D) to perform consulting or other professional, scientific, technical, administrative, fiscal, or other specialized work of equal importance, difficulty, and responsibility, and requiring comparable qualifications.

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 446; Pub. L. 101–509, title V, §529 [title I, §102(b)(1)], Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1427, 1443.)

Historical and Revision Notes

DerivationU.S. CodeRevised Statutes and 
Statutes at Large

 
5 U.S.C. 1111. 
Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, §601, 63 Stat. 959.
Sept. 1, 1954, ch. 1208, §107, 68 Stat. 1108.

 
5 U.S.C. 1112. 
Oct. 28, 1949, ch. 782, §602, 63 Stat. 959.

  
 
Sept. 1, 1954, ch. 1208, §108, 68 Stat. 1108.

  
 
June 20, 1958, Pub. L. 85–462, §13(a), 72 Stat. 214.

Former sections 1111 and 1112 are combined and restated.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The General Schedule, referred to in text, is set out under section 5332 of this title.

Amendments

1990—Pub. L. 101–509 struck out "18" before "grades" in introductory provisions and struck out pars. (16) to (18) which described grades GS–16 to GS–18.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1990 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 101–509 effective on such date as the President shall determine, but not earlier than 90 days, and not later than 180 days, after Nov. 5, 1990, see section 529 [title III, §305] of Pub. L. 101–509, set out as a note under section 5301 of this title.

Job Evaluation Policy Act of 1970

Pub. L. 91–216, May 17, 1970, 84 Stat. 72, provided: "That this Act may be cited as the 'Job Evaluation Policy Act of 1970'.

"Title I—Congressional Findings With Respect to Job Evaluation and Ranking in the Executive Branch

"Sec. 101. The Congress hereby finds that—

"(1) the tremendous growth required in the activities of the Federal Government in order to meet the country's needs during the past several decades has led to the need for employees in an ever-increasing and changing variety of occupations and professions, many of which did not exist when the basic principles of job evaluation and ranking were established by the Classification Act of 1923 [Act Mar. 4, 1923, ch. 265, 42 Stat. 1488]. The diverse and constantly changing nature of these occupations and professions requires that the Federal Government reassess its approach to job evaluation and ranking better to fulfill its role as an employer and assure efficient economical administration;

"(2) the large number and variety of job evaluation and ranking systems in the executive branch have resulted in significant inequities in selection, promotion, and pay of employees in comparable positions among these systems;

"(3) little effort has been made by Congress or the executive branch to consolidate or coordinate the various job evaluation and ranking systems, and there has been no progress toward the establishment of a coordinated system in which job evaluation and ranking, regardless of the methods used, is related to a unified set of principles providing coherence and equity throughout the executive branch;

"(4) within the executive branch, there has been no significant study of, or experimentation with the several recognized methods of job evaluation and ranking to determine which of those methods are most appropriate for use and application to meet the present and future needs of the Federal Government; and

"(5) notwithstanding the recommendations resulting from the various studies conducted during the last twenty years, the Federal Government has not taken the initiative to implement those recommendations with respect to the job evaluation and ranking systems within the executive branch, with the result that such systems have not, in many cases, been adapted or administered to meet the rapidly changing needs of the Federal Government.

"Title II—Statement of Policy

"Sec. 201. It is the sense of Congress that—

"(1) the executive branch shall, in the interest of equity, efficiency, and good administration, operate under a coordinated job evaluation and ranking system for all civilian positions, to the greatest extent practicable;

"(2) the system shall be designed so as to utilize such methods of job evaluation and ranking as are appropriate for use in the executive branch, taking into account the various occupational categories of positions therein; and

"(3) the United States Civil Service Commission shall be authorized to exercise general supervision and control over such a system.

"Title III—Preparation of a Job Evaluation and Ranking Plan By the Civil Service Commission and Reports and Recommendations to Congress

"Sec. 301. The Civil Service Commission, through such organizational unit which it shall establish within the Commission and which shall report directly to the Commission, shall prepare a comprehensive plan for the establishment of a coordinated system of job evaluation and ranking for civilian positions, in the executive branch. The plan shall include, among other things—

"(1) provision for the establishment of a method or methods for evaluating jobs and alining them by level;

"(2) a time schedule for the conversion of existing job evaluation and ranking systems into the coordinated system;

"(3) provision that the Civil Service Commission shall have general supervision of and control over the coordinated job evaluation and ranking system, including, if the Commission deems it appropriate, the authority to approve or disapprove the adoption, use and administration in the executive branch of the method or methods established under that system;

"(4) provision for the establishment of procedures for the periodic review by the Civil Service Commission of the effectiveness of the method or methods adopted for use under the system; and

"(5) provision for maintenance of the system to meet the changing needs of the executive branch in the future.

"Sec. 302. In carrying out its functions under section 301 of this Act, the Commission shall consider all recognized methods of job evaluation and ranking.

"Sec. 303. The Civil Service Commission is authorized to secure directly from any executive agency, as defined by section 105 of title 5, United States Code, or any bureau, office, or part thereof, information, suggestions, estimates, statistics, and technical assistance for the purposes of this Act; and each such executive agency or bureau, office, or part thereof is authorized and directed to furnish such information, suggestions, estimates, statistics, and technical assistance directly to the Civil Service Commission upon request by the Commission.

"Sec. 304. (a) Within one year after the date of enactment of this Act, the Commission shall submit to the President and the Congress an interim progress report on the current status and results of its activities under this Act, together with its current findings.

"(b) Within two years after the date of enactment of this Act [Mar. 17, 1970]—

"(1) the Civil Service Commission shall complete its functions under this Act and shall transmit to the President a comprehensive report of the result of its activities, together with its recommendations (including its draft of proposed legislation to carry out such recommendations), and

"(2) the President shall transmit that report (including the recommendations and draft of proposed legislation of the Commission) to the Congress, together with such recommendations as the President deems appropriate.

"(c) The Commission shall submit to the Committees on Post Office and Civil Service of the Senate and House of Representatives once each calendar month, or at such other intervals as may be directed by those committees, or either of them, an interim progress report on the then current status and results of the activities of the Commission under this Act, together with the then current findings of the Commission.

"(d) The Commission shall periodically consult with, and solicit the views of, appropriate employee and professional organizations.

"(e) The organizational unit established under section 301 of this Act shall cease to exist upon the submission of the report to the Congress under subsection (b) of this section."
5 U.S.C. § 8412 (2024) — Title 5: GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES / Chapter 84 / Subchapter II / Section 8412: Immediate retirement
Immediate retirement
Status: in_force

(a) An employee or Member who is separated from the service after attaining the applicable minimum retirement age under subsection (h) and completing 30 years of service is entitled to an annuity.

(b) An employee or Member who is separated from the service after becoming 60 years of age and completing 20 years of service is entitled to an annuity.

(c) An employee or Member who is separated from the service after becoming 62 years of age and completing 5 years of service is entitled to an annuity.

(d)(1) An employee who is separated from the service, except by removal for cause on charges of misconduct or delinquency—

(A) after completing 25 years of service as a law enforcement officer, member of the Capitol Police or Supreme Court Police, firefighter, nuclear materials courier, or customs and border protection officer, or any combination of such service totaling at least 25 years, or

(B) after becoming 50 years of age and completing 20 years of service as a law enforcement officer, member of the Capitol Police or Supreme Court Police, firefighter, nuclear materials courier, or customs and border protection officer, or any combination of such service totaling at least 20 years,

is entitled to an annuity.

(2)(A) In this paragraph—

(i) the term "affected individual" means an individual covered under this chapter who—

(I) is performing service in a covered position;

(II) while on duty, becomes ill or is injured as a direct result of the performance of such duties before the date on which the individual becomes entitled to an annuity under paragraph (1) of this subsection or subsection (e), as applicable;

(III) because of the illness or injury described in subclause (II), is permanently unable to render useful and efficient service in the employee's covered position, as determined by the agency in which the individual was serving when such individual incurred the illness or injury; and

(IV) is appointed to a position in the civil service that—

(aa) is not a covered position; and

(bb) is within an agency that regularly appoints individuals to supervisory or administrative positions related to the activities of the former covered position of the individual;

(ii) the term "covered position" means a position as a law enforcement officer, customs and border protection officer, firefighter, air traffic controller, nuclear materials courier, member of the Capitol Police, or member of the Supreme Court Police.

(B) Unless an affected individual files an election described in subparagraph (E), creditable service by the affected individual in a position described in subparagraph (A)(i)(IV) shall be treated as creditable service in a covered position for purposes of this chapter and determining the amount to be deducted and withheld from the pay of the affected individual under section 8422.

(C) Subparagraph (B) shall only apply if the affected employee transitions to a position described in subparagraph (A)(i)(IV) without a break in service exceeding 3 days.

(D) The service of an affected individual shall no longer be eligible for treatment under subparagraph (B) if such service occurs after the individual—

(i) is transferred to a supervisory or administrative position related to the activities of the former covered position of the individual; or

(ii) meets the age and service requirements that would subject the individual to mandatory separation under section 8425 if such individual had remained in the former covered position.

(E) In accordance with procedures established by the Director of the Office of Personnel Management, an affected individual may file an election to have any creditable service performed by the affected individual treated in accordance with this chapter without regard to subparagraph (B).

(F) Nothing in this paragraph shall be construed to apply to such affected individual any other pay-related laws or regulations applicable to a covered position.

(e) An employee who is separated from the service, except by removal for cause on charges of misconduct or delinquency—

(1) after completing 25 years of service as an air traffic controller, or

(2) after becoming 50 years of age and completing 20 years of service as an air traffic controller,

is entitled to an annuity.

(f) A Member who is separated from the service, except by resignation or expulsion—

(1) after completing 25 years of service, or

(2) after becoming 50 years of age and completing 20 years of service,

is entitled to an annuity.

(g)(1) An employee or Member who is separated from the service after attaining the applicable minimum retirement age under subsection (h) and completing 10 years of service is entitled to an annuity. This subsection shall not apply to an employee or Member who is entitled to an annuity under any other provision of this section.

(2) An employee or Member entitled to an annuity under this subsection may defer the commencement of such annuity by written election. The date to which the commencement of the annuity is deferred may not precede the 31st day after the date of filing the election, and must precede the date on which the employee or Member becomes 62 years of age.

(3) The Office shall prescribe regulations under which an election under paragraph (2) shall be made.

(h)(1) The applicable minimum retirement age under this subsection is—

(A) for an individual whose date of birth is before January 1, 1948, 55 years of age;

(B) for an individual whose date of birth is after December 31, 1947, and before January 1, 1953, 55 years of age plus the number of months in the age increase factor determined under paragraph (2)(A);

(C) for an individual whose date of birth is after December 31, 1952, and before January 1, 1965, 56 years of age;

(D) for an individual whose date of birth is after December 31, 1964, and before January 1, 1970, 56 years of age plus the number of months in the age increase factor determined under paragraph (2)(B); and

(E) for an individual whose date of birth is after December 31, 1969, 57 years of age.

(2)(A) For an individual whose date of birth occurs during the 5-year period consisting of calendar years 1948 through 1952, the age increase factor shall be equal to two-twelfths times the number of months in the period beginning with January 1948 and ending with December of the year in which the date of birth occurs.

(B) For an individual whose date of birth occurs during the 5-year period consisting of calendar years 1965 through 1969, the age increase factor shall be equal to two-twelfths times the number of months in the period beginning with January 1965 and ending with December of the year in which the date of birth occurs.

(Added Pub. L. 99–335, title I, §101(a), June 6, 1986, 100 Stat. 524; amended Pub. L. 99–556, title I, §105(a), Oct. 27, 1986, 100 Stat. 3131; Pub. L. 101–428, §3(a), Oct. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 929; Pub. L. 105–261, div. C, title XXXI, §3154(g), Oct. 17, 1998, 112 Stat. 2255; Pub. L. 106–553, §1(a)(2) [title III, §308(c)(1)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2762, 2762A–87; Pub. L. 110–161, div. E, title V, §535(b)(2), Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 2076; Pub. L. 117–225, §3(b)(1), Dec. 9, 2022, 136 Stat. 2294.)

Editorial Notes

Amendments

2022—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 117–225 designated existing provisions as par. (1), redesignated former pars. (1) and (2) as subpars. (A) and (B), respectively, of par. (1), and added par. (2).

2007—Subsec. (d)(1), (2). Pub. L. 110–161 substituted "nuclear materials courier, or customs and border protection officer," for "or nuclear materials courier,".

2000—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 106–553 inserted "or Supreme Court Police" after "Capitol Police" in pars. (1) and (2).

1998—Subsec. (d)(1), (2). Pub. L. 105–261 substituted "firefighter, or nuclear materials courier" for "or firefighter".

1990—Subsec. (d)(1), (2). Pub. L. 101–428 substituted "officer, member of the Capitol Police," for "officer".

1986—Subsec. (g). Pub. L. 99–556 designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 117–225 effective Dec. 9, 2022, and applicable to an individual who suffers an illness or injury described in certain Code provisions on or after the date that is 2 years after Dec. 9, 2022, see section 3(f) of Pub. L. 117–225, set out as a note under section 8336 of this title.

Effective Date of 2007 Amendment; Transition Rules

Amendment by Pub. L. 110–161 effective on the later of June 30, 2008, or the first day of the first pay period beginning at least 6 months after Dec. 26, 2007, with transition rules and rights of election, see section 535(e) of Pub. L. 110–161, set out as a note under section 3307 of this title.

Effective Date of 2000 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 106–553 effective on the first day of the first applicable pay period that begins on Dec. 21, 2000, and applicable only to an individual who is employed as a member of the Supreme Court Police after Dec. 21, 2000, see section 1(a)(2) [title III, §308(i), (j)] of Pub. L. 106–553, set out in a Supreme Court Police Retirement note under section 8331 of this title.

Effective Date of 1998 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 105–261 effective at the beginning of the first pay period that begins after Oct. 17, 1998, and applicable only to an individual who is employed as a nuclear materials courier, as defined by section 8331(27) or 8401(33) of this title, after Oct. 17, 1998, see section 3154(m), (n) of Pub. L. 105–261, set out as a note under section 8331 of this title.

Regulations

For provisions relating to promulgation of regulations to carry out the amendments made by Pub. L. 117–225, see section 3(e) of Pub. L. 117–225, set out as a note under section 8336 of this title.
5 U.S.C. § 2305 (2024) — Title 5: GOVERNMENT ORGANIZATION AND EMPLOYEES / Chapter 23 / Section 2305: Responsibility of the Government Accountability Office
Responsibility of the Government Accountability Office
Status: in_force

If requested by either House of the Congress (or any committee thereof), or if considered necessary by the Comptroller General, the Government Accountability Office shall conduct audits and reviews to assure compliance with the laws, rules, and regulations governing employment in the executive branch and in the competitive service and to assess the effectiveness and soundness of Federal personnel management.

(Added Pub. L. 95–454, title I, §101(a), Oct. 13, 1978, 92 Stat. 1118, §2304; amended Pub. L. 102–378, §2(6), Oct. 2, 1992, 106 Stat. 1346; Pub. L. 104–66, title II, §2181(e), Dec. 21, 1995, 109 Stat. 732; Pub. L. 108–271, §8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; renumbered §2305, Pub. L. 112–199, title I, §109(a)(1), Nov. 27, 2012, 126 Stat. 1470.)

Editorial Notes

Prior Provisions

A prior section 2305 was renumbered section 2306 of this title.

Amendments

2012—Pub. L. 112–199 renumbered section 2304 of this title as this section.

2004—Pub. L. 108–271 substituted "Government Accountability Office" for "General Accounting Office" in section catchline and text.

1995—Pub. L. 104–66 struck out subsec. (a) designation before "If requested by" and struck out subsec. (b) which read as follows: "The General Accounting Office shall prepare and submit an annual report to the President and the Congress on the activities of the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Office of Personnel Management. The report shall include a description of—

"(1) significant actions taken by the Board to carry out its functions under this title; and

"(2) significant actions of the Office of Personnel Management, including an analysis of whether or not the actions of the Office are in accord with merit system principles and free from prohibited personnel practices."

1992—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 102–378 substituted "The" for "the" at beginning of first sentence.