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.
(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), , 126 Stat. 1619.)
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 , substituted, in fourth clause after opening clause, “used” for “use”.
1948—Act , included “tense”, “whoever”, “signature”, “subscription”, “writing” and a broader definition of “person”.
Pub. L. 117–228, § 1, , 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’.”
Pub. L. 112–231, § 1, , 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’.”
Pub. L. 107–207, § 1, , 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’.”
Pub. L. 104–199, § 1, , 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’.”
Pub. L. 119–86, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 119–75, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 119–74, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 119–60, § 3(1), , 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.”
Pub. L. 119–37, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 119–4, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 118–159, § 3(1), , 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.”
Pub. L. 118–158, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 118–83, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 118–47, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 118–42, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 117–328, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 117–229, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 117–103, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 117–58, § 2, , 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.”
Pub. L. 117–43, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 116–260, § 3, , 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), , 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.”
Pub. L. 116–159, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 116–136, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 116–127, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 116–94, § 3, , 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, , 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, , 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.”
Pub. L. 116–93, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 116–6, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 115–245, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 115–244, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 115–141, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 115–56, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 115–31, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 114–113, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, § 1004, , 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.”
Pub. L. 113–235, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 113–76, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 113–67, div. A, § 1(c), , 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.”
Pub. L. 113–6, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 112–74, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 112–55, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 112–10, div. A, title IX, § 9015, , 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.”
Pub. L. 111–118, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 111–117, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 111–8, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 111–5, § 4, , 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.”
Pub. L. 110–329, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 110–161, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 110–116, § 2, , 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.”
Pub. L. 109–289, div. A, title VIII, § 8112, , 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.”
Pub. L. 109–148, div. B, title V, § 5002, , 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.”
Pub. L. 109–115, div. A, title VIII, § 847, , 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.”
Pub. L. 108–447, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 108–199, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 108–7, § 3, , 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.”
Pub. L. 86–70, § 48, , 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.”