1 U.S.C. § 1 (GENERAL PROVISIONS)
§ 1. Words denoting number, gender, and so forth
In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress, unless the context indicates otherwise—
words importing the singular include and apply to several persons, parties, or things;
words importing the plural include the singular;
words importing the masculine gender include the feminine as well;
words used in the present tense include the future as well as the present;
the words “insane” and “insane person” shall include every idiot, insane person, and person non compos mentis;
the words “person” and “whoever” include corporations, companies, associations, firms, partnerships, societies, and joint stock companies, as well as individuals;
“officer” includes any person authorized by law to perform the duties of the office;
“signature” or “subscription” includes a mark when the person making the same intended it as such;
“oath” includes affirmation, and “sworn” includes affirmed;
“writing” includes printing and typewriting and reproductions of visual symbols by photographing, multigraphing, mimeographing, manifolding, or otherwise.
(July 30, 1947, ch. 388, 61 Stat. 633; June 25, 1948, ch. 645, § 6, 62 Stat. 859; Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 655, § 1, 65 Stat. 710; Pub. L. 112–231, § 2(a), Dec. 28, 2012, 126 Stat. 1619.)
heading: Editorial Notes
heading: Amendments
text: 2012—Pub. L. 112–231, in fifth clause after opening clause, struck out “and ‘lunatic’ ” before “shall include every” and “lunatic,” before “insane person,”.
1951—Act Oct. 31, 1951, substituted, in fourth clause after opening clause, “used” for “use”.
1948—Act June 25, 1948, included “tense”, “whoever”, “signature”, “subscription”, “writing” and a broader definition of “person”.
heading: Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
heading: Short Title of 2022 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 117–228, § 1, Dec. 13, 2022, 136 Stat. 2305, provided that: “This Act [enacting section 1738C of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, amending section 7 of this title, repealing section 1738C of Title 28, and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 7 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Respect for Marriage Act’.”
heading: Short Title of 2012 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 112–231, § 1, Dec. 28, 2012, 126 Stat. 1619, provided that: “This Act [amending this section and sections 92a, 215, and 215a of Title 12, Banks and Banking] may be cited as the ‘21st Century Language Act of 2012’.”
heading: Short Title of 2002 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 107–207, § 1, Aug. 5, 2002, 116 Stat. 926, provided that: “This Act [enacting section 8 of this title] may be cited as the ‘Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002’.”
heading: Short Title of 1996 Amendment
text: Pub. L. 104–199, § 1, Sept. 21, 1996, 110 Stat. 2419, provided that: “This Act [enacting section 7 of this title and section 1738C of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure] may be cited as the ‘Defense of Marriage Act’.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 119–86
text: Pub. L. 119–86, § 3, Apr. 30, 2026, 140 Stat. 773, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 119–75
text: Pub. L. 119–75, § 3, Feb. 3, 2026, 140 Stat. 174, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 119–74
text: Pub. L. 119–74, § 3, Jan. 23, 2026, 140 Stat. 5, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 119–60
text: Pub. L. 119–60, § 3(1), Dec. 18, 2025, 139 Stat. 748, provided that:
“In this Act [National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, see Tables for classification]:
“(1) In divisions A through D, the term ‘this Act’ refers to divisions A through D.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 119–37
text: Pub. L. 119–37, § 3, Nov. 12, 2025, 139 Stat. 496, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, and Extensions Act, 2026, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 119–4
text: Pub. L. 119–4, § 3, Mar. 15, 2025, 139 Stat. 10, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 118–159
text: Pub. L. 118–159, § 3(1), Dec. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 1799, provided that:
“In this Act [Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, see Tables for classification]:
“(1) In divisions A through D, the term ‘this Act’ refers to divisions A through D.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 118–158
text: Pub. L. 118–158, § 3, Dec. 21, 2024, 138 Stat. 1723, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 118–83
text: Pub. L. 118–83, § 3, Sept. 26, 2024, 138 Stat. 1524, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 118–47
text: Pub. L. 118–47, § 3, Mar. 23, 2024, 138 Stat. 461, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 118–42
text: Pub. L. 118–42, § 3, Mar. 9, 2024, 138 Stat. 26, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 117–328
text: Pub. L. 117–328, § 3, Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 4461, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 117–229
text: Pub. L. 117–229, § 3, Dec. 16, 2022, 136 Stat. 2308, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Further Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2023, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 117–103
text: Pub. L. 117–103, § 3, Mar. 15, 2022, 136 Stat. 51, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 117–58
text: Pub. L. 117–58, § 2, Nov. 15, 2021, 135 Stat. 442, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 117–43
text: Pub. L. 117–43, § 3, Sept. 30, 2021, 135 Stat. 344, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 116–260
text: Pub. L. 116–260, § 3, Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 1185, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
Pub. L. 116–260, div. K, title VII, § 7034(q)(7), Dec. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 1754, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in titles I through VII [of div. K of Pub. L. 116–260, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of such titles.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 116–159
text: Pub. L. 116–159, § 3, Oct. 1, 2020, 134 Stat. 709, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 116–136
text: Pub. L. 116–136, § 3, Mar. 27, 2020, 134 Stat. 285, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 116–127
text: Pub. L. 116–127, § 3, Mar. 18, 2020, 134 Stat. 178, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Families First Coronavirus Response Act, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 116–94
text: Pub. L. 116–94, § 3, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2536, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
Pub. L. 116–94, div. F, title VI, § 612, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2815, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in this division [div. F of Pub. L. 116–94, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of this division.”
Pub. L. 116–94, div. H, title IV, § 420, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 3017, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in this division [div. H of Pub. L. 116–94, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of this division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 116–93
text: Pub. L. 116–93, § 3, Dec. 20, 2019, 133 Stat. 2318, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 116–6
text: Pub. L. 116–6, § 3, Feb. 15, 2019, 133 Stat. 14, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 115–245
text: Pub. L. 115–245, § 3, Sept. 28, 2018, 132 Stat. 2981, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 115–244
text: Pub. L. 115–244, § 3, Sept. 21, 2018, 132 Stat. 2897, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 115–141
text: Pub. L. 115–141, § 3, Mar. 23, 2018, 132 Stat. 350, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 115–56
text: Pub. L. 115–56, § 3, Sept. 8, 2017, 131 Stat. 1129, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 and Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 115–31
text: Pub. L. 115–31, § 3, May 5, 2017, 131 Stat. 137, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 114–113
text: Pub. L. 114–113, § 3, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2244, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 114–94
text: Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, § 1004, Dec. 4, 2015, 129 Stat. 1322, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in this division [see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of this division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 113–235
text: Pub. L. 113–235, § 3, Dec. 16, 2014, 128 Stat. 2132, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 113–76
text: Pub. L. 113–76, § 3, Jan. 17, 2014, 128 Stat. 7, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 113–67
text: Pub. L. 113–67, div. A, § 1(c), Dec. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 1166, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 113–6
text: Pub. L. 113–6, § 3, Mar. 26, 2013, 127 Stat. 199, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in division A, B, C, D, or E of this Act [Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 112–74
text: Pub. L. 112–74, § 3, Dec. 23, 2011, 125 Stat. 787, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 112–55
text: Pub. L. 112–55, § 3, Nov. 18, 2011, 125 Stat. 552, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 112–10
text: Pub. L. 112–10, div. A, title IX, § 9015, Apr. 15, 2011, 125 Stat. 102, provided that: “Any reference to ‘this Act’ in this division [Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2011, see Tables for classification] shall apply solely to this division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 111–118
text: Pub. L. 111–118, § 3, Dec. 19, 2009, 123 Stat. 3409, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 111–117
text: Pub. L. 111–117, § 3, Dec. 16, 2009, 123 Stat. 3035, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 111–8
text: Pub. L. 111–8, § 3, Mar. 11, 2009, 123 Stat. 525, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 111–5
text: Pub. L. 111–5, § 4, Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 116, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 110–329
text: Pub. L. 110–329, § 3, Sept. 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 3574, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ or ‘this joint resolution’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 110–161
text: Pub. L. 110–161, § 3, Dec. 26, 2007, 121 Stat. 1845, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 110–116
text: Pub. L. 110–116, § 2, Nov. 13, 2007, 121 Stat. 1295, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referencing only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 109–289
text: Pub. L. 109–289, div. A, title VIII, § 8112, Sept. 29, 2006, 120 Stat. 1299, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in this division [Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007, see Tables for classification] shall be referring only to the provisions of this division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 109–148
text: Pub. L. 109–148, div. B, title V, § 5002, Dec. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2813, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in either division A [Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2006, see Tables for classification] or division B [Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico and Pandemic Influenza, 2006, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 109–115
text: Pub. L. 109–115, div. A, title VIII, § 847, Nov. 30, 2005, 119 Stat. 2507, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in this division [Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of this division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 108–447
text: Pub. L. 108–447, § 3, Dec. 8, 2004, 118 Stat. 2810, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 108–199
text: Pub. L. 108–199, § 3, Jan. 23, 2004, 118 Stat. 4, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: References in Pub. L. 108–7
text: Pub. L. 108–7, § 3, Feb. 20, 2003, 117 Stat. 12, provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this joint resolution [Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.”
heading: Continental United States
text: Pub. L. 86–70, § 48, June 25, 1959, 73 Stat. 154, provided that: “Whenever the phrase ‘continental United States’ is used in any law of the United States enacted after the date of enactment of this Act [June 25, 1959], it shall mean the 49 States on the North American Continent and the District of Columbia, unless otherwise expressly provided.”