1 U.S.C. § 1
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.
1 U.S.C. § 1
EDITORIAL NOTES
AMENDMENTS2012- 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".
STATUTORY NOTES AND RELATED SUBSIDIARIES
SHORT TITLE OF 2022 AMENDMENT 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'."
SHORT TITLE OF 2012 AMENDMENT 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'."
SHORT TITLE OF 2002 AMENDMENT 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'."
SHORT TITLE OF 1996 AMENDMENT 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'."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 118-83 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 118-47 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 118-42 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 117-328 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 117-229 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 117-103 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 117-58 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 117-43 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 116-260 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 116-159 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 116-136 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 116-127 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 116-94 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 116-93 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 116-6 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 115-245 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 115-244 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 115-141 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 115-56 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 115-31 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 114-113 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 114-94 Pub. L. 114-94, div. A, §10041004,, 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 113-235 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 113-76 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 113-67 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 113-6 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 112-74 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 112-55 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 112-10 Pub. L. 112-10, div. A, title IX, §90159015,, 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 111-118 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 111-117 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 111-8 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 111-5 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 110-329 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 110-161 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 110-116 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 109-289 Pub. L. 109-289, div. A, title VIII, §81128112,, 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 109-148 Pub. L. 109-148, div. B, title V, §50025002,, 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 109-115 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 108-447 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 108-199 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."
REFERENCES IN PUB. L. 108-7 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."
CONTINENTAL UNITED STATESPub. 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."