31 U.S.C.
United States Code, 2023 Edition
Title 31 - MONEY AND FINANCE
SUBTITLE III - FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
CHAPTER 31 - PUBLIC DEBT
SUBCHAPTER I - BORROWING AUTHORITY
From the U.S. Government Publishing Office, www.gpo.gov

### SUBCHAPTER I—BORROWING AUTHORITY

### §3101. Public debt limit

(a) In this section, the current redemption value of an obligation issued on a discount basis and redeemable before maturity at the option of its holder is deemed to be the face amount of the obligation.

(b) The face amount of obligations issued under this chapter and the face amount of obligations whose principal and interest are guaranteed by the United States Government (except guaranteed obligations held by the Secretary of the Treasury) may not be more than $14,294,000,000,000, outstanding at one time, subject to changes periodically made in that amount as provided by law through the congressional budget process described in Rule XLIX 1 of the Rules of the House of Representatives or as provided by section 3101A or otherwise.

(c) For purposes of this section, the face amount, for any month, of any obligation issued on a discount basis that is not redeemable before maturity at the option of the holder of the obligation is an amount equal to the sum of—

(1) the original issue price of the obligation, plus

(2) the portion of the discount on the obligation attributable to periods before the beginning of such month (as determined under the principles of section 1272(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 without regard to any exceptions contained in paragraph (2) of such section).

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 938; Pub. L. 98–34, §1(a), May 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 196; Pub. L. 98–161, Nov. 21, 1983, 97 Stat. 1012; Pub. L. 98–342, §1(a), July 6, 1984, 98 Stat. 313; Pub. L. 98–475, Oct. 13, 1984, 98 Stat. 2206; Pub. L. 99–177, §1, Dec. 12, 1985, 99 Stat. 1037; Pub. L. 99–384, Aug. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 818; Pub. L. 100–119, §1, Sept. 29, 1987, 101 Stat. 754; Pub. L. 101–72, §2, Aug. 7, 1989, 103 Stat. 182; Pub. L. 101–140, §1, Nov. 8, 1989, 103 Stat. 830; Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11901[(a)], Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–560; Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13411(a), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 565; Pub. L. 104–121, title III, §301, Mar. 29, 1996, 110 Stat. 875; Pub. L. 105–33, title V, §5701, Aug. 5, 1997, 111 Stat. 648; Pub. L. 107–199, §1, June 28, 2002, 116 Stat. 734; Pub. L. 108–24, May 27, 2003, 117 Stat. 710; Pub. L. 108–415, §1, Nov. 19, 2004, 118 Stat. 2337; Pub. L. 109–182, Mar. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 289; Pub. L. 110–91, Sept. 29, 2007, 121 Stat. 988; Pub. L. 110–289, div. C, title III, §3083, July 30, 2008, 122 Stat. 2908; Pub. L. 110–343, div. A, title I, §122, Oct. 3, 2008, 122 Stat. 3790; Pub. L. 111–5, div. B, title I, §1604, Feb. 17, 2009, 123 Stat. 366; Pub. L. 111–123, §1, Dec. 28, 2009, 123 Stat. 3483; Pub. L. 111–139, Feb. 12, 2010, 124 Stat. 8; Pub. L. 112–25, title III, §301(a)(1), Aug. 2, 2011, 125 Stat. 251.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large)
--- | --- | ---
3101(a) | 31:757b(last sentence). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, §21; added Feb. 4, 1935, ch. 5, §5, 49 Stat. 21; May 26, 1938, ch. 285, §2, 52 Stat. 447; July 20, 1939, ch. 336, 53 Stat. 1071; June 25, 1940, ch. 419, §302, 54 Stat. 526; Feb. 19, 1941, ch. 7, §2(a), 55 Stat. 7; Mar. 28, 1942, ch. 205, §2, 56 Stat. 189; Apr. 11, 1943, ch. 52, §2, 57 Stat. 63; June 9, 1944, ch. 240, §2, 58 Stat. 272; Apr. 3, 1945, ch. 51, §2, 59 Stat. 47; June 26, 1946, ch. 501, §1, 60 Stat. 316; restated Sept. 2, 1958, Pub. L. 85–912, 72 Stat. 1758; June 30, 1959, Pub. L. 86–74, §1, 73 Stat. 156; June 30, 1967, Pub. L. 90–39, §1, 81 Stat. 99; Apr. 7, 1969, Pub. L. 91–8, §1, 83 Stat. 7; June 30, 1970, Pub. L. 91–301, §1, 84 Stat. 368; Mar. 17, 1971, Pub. L. 92–5, §1, 85 Stat. 5; Sept. 29, 1979, Pub. L. 96–78, §202, 93 Stat. 591.
3101(b) | 31:757b(1st sentence). |
3101(c) | 31:757b–1. | June 30, 1967, Pub. L. 90–39, §2, 81 Stat. 99.

In subsection (a), the words "is deemed to be" are substituted for "shall be considered . . . to be" because a legal fiction is intended.

#### Editorial Notes

#### References in Text

The Rules of the House of Representatives for the One Hundred Sixth Congress were adopted and amended generally by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Sixth Congress, Jan. 6, 1999. Provisions formerly appearing in Rule XLIX, referred to in subsec. (b), were contained in Rule XXIII, which was subsequently repealed by House Resolution No. 5, One Hundred Seventh Congress, Jan. 3, 2001.

Section 1272(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, referred to in subsec. (c), is classified to section 1272(a) of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

#### Amendments

2011—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 112–25 substituted "or as provided by section 3101A or otherwise" for "or otherwise".

2010—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–139 substituted "$14,294,000,000,000" for "$12,394,000,000,000".

2009—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 111–123 substituted "$12,394,000,000,000" for "$12,104,000,000,000".

Pub. L. 111–5 substituted "$12,104,000,000,000" for "$11,315,000,000,000".

2008—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–343 substituted "$11,315,000,000,000" for "$10,615,000,000,000".

Pub. L. 110–289 substituted "$10,615,000,000,000" for "$9,815,000,000,000".

2007—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 110–91 substituted "$9,815,000,000,000" for "$8,965,000,000,000".

2006—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 109–182 substituted "$8,965,000,000,000" for "$8,184,000,000,000".

2004—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 108–415 substituted "$8,184,000,000,000" for "$7,384,000,000,000".

2003—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 108–24 substituted "$7,384,000,000,000" for "$6,400,000,000,000".

2002—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 107–199 substituted "$6,400,000,000,000" for "$5,950,000,000,000".

1997—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 105–33 substituted "$5,950,000,000,000" for "$5,500,000,000,000".

1996—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 104–121 substituted "$5,500,000,000,000" for "$4,900,000,000,000".

1993—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–66 substituted "$4,900,000,000,000" for "$4,145,000,000,000".

1990—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–508 substituted "$4,145,000,000,000" for "$3,122,700,000,000".

1989—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 101–140 substituted "$3,122,700,000,000" for "$2,800,000,000,000".

Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 101–72 amended subsec. (c) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (c) read as follows: "The face amount of beneficial interests and participations (except those held by their issuer) issued under section 302(c) of the National Housing Act (12 U.S.C. 1717(c)) from July 1, 1967, through June 30, 1968, and outstanding at any time shall be included in the amount taken into account in deciding whether the face amount requirement of subsection (b) of this section has been exceeded. This subsection does not require a change in the budgetary accounting for beneficial interests and participations."

1987—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–119 substituted "$2,800,000,000,000" for "$2,111,000,000,000".

1986—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–384, which directed that subsec. (b) be amended by "striking out the dollar limitation contained in such subsection and inserting in lieu thereof '$2,111,000,000,000,' ", was executed by substituting "$2,111,000,000,000," for "$1,847,800,000,000, or $2,078,700,000,000 on and after October 1, 1985," as the probable intent of Congress.

1985—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 99–177 substituted "$1,847,800,000,000, or $2,078,700,000,000 on and after October 1, 1985" for "$1,575,700,000,000, or $1,823,800,000,000 on and after October 1, 1984".

1984—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–475 substituted "$1,575,700,000,000, or $1,823,800,000,000 on and after October 1, 1984," for "$1,573,000,000,000".

Pub. L. 98–342 substituted "$1,573,000,000,000" for "$1,389,000,000,000, or $1,490,000,000,000 on and after October 1, 1983,".

1983—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 98–161 inserted ", or $1,490,000,000,000 on and after October 1, 1983," after "$1,389,000,000,000".

Pub. L. 98–34 substituted "$1,389,000,000,000" for "$400,000,000,000".

#### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

#### Temporary Debt Limit Extension

Pub. L. 118–5, div. D, §401, June 3, 2023, 137 Stat. 48, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, shall not apply for the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [June 3, 2023] and ending on January 1, 2025.

"(b) Special Rule Relating to Obligations Issued During Extension Period.—Effective on January 2, 2025, the limitation in effect under section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, shall be increased to the extent that—

"(1) the face amount of obligations issued under chapter 31 of such title and the face amount of obligations whose principal and interest are guaranteed by the United States Government (except guaranteed obligations held by the Secretary of the Treasury) outstanding on January 2, 2025, exceeds

"(2) the face amount of such obligations outstanding on the date of the enactment of this Act.

"(c) Restoring Congressional Authority Over the National Debt.—

"(1) Extension limited to necessary obligations.—An obligation shall not be taken into account under subsection (b)(1) unless the issuance of such obligation was necessary to fund a commitment incurred pursuant to law by the Federal Government that required payment before January 2, 2025.

"(2) Prohibition on creation of cash reserve during extension period.—The Secretary of the Treasury shall not issue obligations during the period specified in subsection (a) for the purpose of increasing the cash balance above normal operating balances in anticipation of the expiration of such period."

Pub. L. 117–73, Dec. 16, 2021, 135 Stat. 1514, provided: "That the limitation under section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, as most recently increased by Public Law 117–50 (31 U.S.C. 3101 note), is increased by $2,500,000,000,000."

Pub. L. 117–50, §1, Oct. 14, 2021, 135 Stat. 407, provided that: "The limitation under section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, as most recently increased by section 301 of the Bipartisan Budget Act of 2019 [Pub. L. 116–37] (31 U.S.C. 3101 note), is increased by $480,000,000,000."

Pub. L. 116–37, title III, §301, Aug. 2, 2019, 133 Stat. 1057, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, shall not apply for the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Aug. 2, 2019] and ending on July 31, 2021.

"(b) Special Rule Relating to Obligations Issued During Extension Period.—Effective on August 1, 2021, the limitation in effect under section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, shall be increased to the extent that—

"(1) the face amount of obligations issued under chapter 31 of such title and the face amount of obligations whose principal and interest are guaranteed by the United States Government (except guaranteed obligations held by the Secretary of the Treasury) outstanding on August 1, 2021, exceeds

"(2) the face amount of such obligations outstanding on the date of the enactment of this Act.

"(c) Extension Limited to Necessary Obligations.—An obligation shall not be taken into account under subsection (b)(1) unless the issuance of such obligation was necessary to fund a commitment incurred pursuant to law by the Federal Government that required payment before August 1, 2021."

Pub. L. 115–123, div. C, title III, §30301, Feb. 9, 2018, 132 Stat. 132, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, shall not apply for the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 9, 2018] and ending on March 1, 2019.

"(b) Special Rule Relating to Obligations Issued During Extension Period.—Effective on March 2, 2019, the limitation in effect under section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, shall be increased to the extent that—

"(1) the face amount of obligations issued under chapter 31 of such title and the face amount of obligations whose principal and interest are guaranteed by the United States Government (except guaranteed obligations held by the Secretary of the Treasury) outstanding on March 2, 2019, exceeds

"(2) the face amount of such obligations outstanding on the date of the enactment of this Act.

"(c) Restoring Congressional Authority Over the National Debt.—

"(1) Extension limited to necessary obligations.—An obligation shall not be taken into account under subsection (b)(1) unless the issuance of such obligation was necessary to fund a commitment incurred pursuant to law by the Federal Government that required payment before March 2, 2019.

"(2) Prohibition on creation of cash reserve during extension period.—The Secretary of the Treasury shall not issue obligations during the period specified in subsection (a) for the purpose of increasing the cash balance above normal operating balances in anticipation of the expiration of such period."

Pub. L. 115–56, div. C, §101, Sept. 8, 2017, 131 Stat. 1139, provided that:

"(a) In General.—Section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, shall not apply for the period beginning on the date of enactment of this Act [Sept. 8, 2017] and ending on December 8, 2017.

"(b) Special Rule Relating to Obligations Issued During Extension Period.—Effective on December 9, 2017, the limitation in effect under section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, shall be increased to the extent that—

"(1) the face amount of obligations issued under chapter 31 of such title and the face amount of obligations whose principal and interest are guaranteed by the United States Government (except guaranteed obligations held by the Secretary of the Treasury) outstanding on December 9, 2017, exceeds

"(2) the face amount of such obligations outstanding on the date of the enactment of this Act.

"(c) Restoring Congressional Authority Over the National Debt.—

"(1) Extension limited to necessary obligations.—An obligation shall not be taken into account under section 101(b)(1) unless the issuance of such obligation was necessary to fund a commitment incurred pursuant to law by the Federal Government that required payment before December 9, 2017.

"(2) Prohibition on creation of cash reserve during extension period.—The Secretary of the Treasury shall not issue obligations during the period specified in section 101(a) for the purpose of increasing the cash balance above normal operating balances in anticipation of the expiration of such period."

Pub. L. 114–74, title IX, §§901, 902, Nov. 2, 2015, 129 Stat. 620, 621, provided that:

#### "SEC. 901. TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF PUBLIC DEBT LIMIT.

"(a) In General.—Section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, shall not apply for the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 2, 2015] and ending on March 15, 2017.

"(b) Special Rule Relating to Obligations Issued During Extension Period.—Effective March 16, 2017, the limitation in effect under section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, shall be increased to the extent that—

"(1) the face amount of obligations issued under chapter 31 of such title and the face amount of obligations whose principal and interest are guaranteed by the United States Government (except guaranteed obligations held by the Secretary of the Treasury) outstanding on March 16, 2017, exceeds

"(2) the face amount of such obligations outstanding on the date of the enactment of this Act.

#### "SEC. 902. RESTORING CONGRESSIONAL AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONAL DEBT.

"(a) Extension Limited to Necessary Obligations.—An obligation shall not be taken into account under section 901(b)(1) unless the issuance of such obligation was necessary to fund a commitment incurred pursuant to law by the Federal Government that required payment before March 16, 2017.

"(b) Prohibition on Creation of Cash Reserve During Extension Period.—The Secretary of the Treasury shall not issue obligations during the period specified in section 901(a) for the purpose of increasing the cash balance above normal operating balances in anticipation of the expiration of such period."

Pub. L. 113–83, Feb. 15, 2014, 128 Stat. 1011, provided that:

#### "SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE.

"This Act may be cited as the 'Temporary Debt Limit Extension Act'.

#### "SEC. 2. TEMPORARY EXTENSION OF PUBLIC DEBT LIMIT.

"(a) In General.—Section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, shall not apply for the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 15, 2014] and ending on March 15, 2015.

"(b) Special Rule Relating to Obligations Issued During Extension Period.—Effective March 16, 2015, the limitation in effect under section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, shall be increased to the extent that—

"(1) the face amount of obligations issued under chapter 31 of such title and the face amount of obligations whose principal and interest are guaranteed by the United States Government (except guaranteed obligations held by the Secretary of the Treasury) outstanding on March 16, 2015, exceeds

"(2) the face amount of such obligations outstanding on the date of the enactment of this Act.

#### "SEC. 3. RESTORING CONGRESSIONAL AUTHORITY OVER THE NATIONAL DEBT.

"(a) Extension Limited to Necessary Obligations.—An obligation shall not be taken into account under section 2(b)(1) unless the issuance of such obligation was necessary to fund a commitment incurred pursuant to law by the Federal Government that required payment before March 16, 2015.

"(b) Prohibition on Creation of Cash Reserve During Extension Period.—The Secretary of the Treasury shall not issue obligations during the period specified in section 2(a) for the purpose of increasing the cash balance above normal operating balances in anticipation of the expiration of such period."

#### Default Prevention

Pub. L. 113–46, div. B, §1002, Oct. 17, 2013, 127 Stat. 566, provided that:

"(a) Short Title.—This section may be cited as the 'Default Prevention Act of 2013'.

"(b) Certification.—Not later than 3 days after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2013], the President may submit to Congress a written certification that absent a suspension of the limit under section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, the Secretary of the Treasury would be unable to issue debt to meet existing commitments.

"(c) Suspension.—

"(1) In general.—Section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, shall not apply for the period beginning on the date on which the President submits to Congress a certification under subsection (b) and ending on February 7, 2014.

"(2) Special rule relating to obligations issued during suspension period.—Effective February 8, 2014, the limitation in section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, as increased by section 3101A of such title and section 2 of the No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013 [Pub. L. 113–3] (31 U.S.C. 3101 note), is increased to the extent that—

"(A) the face amount of obligations issued under chapter 31 of such title and the face amount of obligations whose principal and interest are guaranteed by the United States Government (except guaranteed obligations held by the Secretary of the Treasury) outstanding on February 8, 2014, exceeds

"(B) the face amount of such obligations outstanding on the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2013].

An obligation shall not be taken into account under subparagraph (A) unless the issuance of such obligation was necessary to fund a commitment incurred by the Federal Government that required payment before February 8, 2014.

"(d) Disapproval.—If there is enacted into law within 22 calendar days after Congress receives a written certification by the President under subsection (b) a joint resolution disapproving the President's exercise of authority to suspend the debt ceiling under subsection (e), effective on the date of enactment of the joint resolution, subsection (c) is amended to read as follows:

" '(c) Suspension.—

" '(1) In general.—Section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, shall not apply for the period beginning on the date on which the President submits to Congress a certification under subsection (b) and ending on the date of enactment of the joint resolution pursuant to section 1002(e) of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014 [Pub. L. 113–46; subsec. (e) of this note].

" '(2) Special rule relating to obligations issued during suspension period.—Effective on the day after the date of enactment of the joint resolution pursuant to section 1002(e) of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014, the limitation in section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, as increased by section 3101A of such title and section 2 of the No Budget, No Pay Act of 2013 [Pub. L. 113–3] (31 U.S.C. 3101 note), is increased to the extent that—

" '(A) the face amount of obligations issued under chapter 31 of such title and the face amount of obligations whose principal and interest are guaranteed by the United States Government (except guaranteed obligations held by the Secretary of the Treasury) outstanding on the day after the date of enactment of the joint resolution pursuant to section 1002(e) of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014, exceeds

" '(B) the face amount of such obligations outstanding on the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 17, 2013].

An obligation shall not be taken into account under subparagraph (A) unless the issuance of such obligation was necessary to fund a commitment incurred by the Federal Government that required payment before the day after the date of enactment of the joint resolution pursuant to section 1002(e) of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014 [Pub. L. 113–46; subsec. (e) of this note].'.

"(e) Disapproval Process.—

"(1) Contents of joint resolution.—For the purpose of this subsection, the term 'joint resolution' means only a joint resolution—

"(A) disapproving the President's exercise of authority to suspend the debt limit that is introduced within 14 calendar days after the date on which the President submits to Congress the certification under subsection (b);

"(B) which does not have a preamble;

"(C) the title of which is only as follows: 'Joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the President's exercise of authority to suspend the debt limit, as submitted under section 1002(b) of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014 on ____________' (with the blank containing the date of such submission); and

"(D) the matter after the resolving clause of which is only as follows: 'That Congress disapproves of the President's exercise of authority to suspend the debt limit, as exercised pursuant to the certification under section 1002(b) of the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2014.'.

"(2) Expedited consideration in house of representatives.—

"(A) Reporting and discharge.—Any committee of the House of Representatives to which a joint resolution is referred shall report it to the House of Representatives without amendment not later than 5 calendar days after the date of introduction of a joint resolution described in paragraph (1). If a committee fails to report the joint resolution within that period, the committee shall be discharged from further consideration of the joint resolution and the joint resolution shall be referred to the appropriate calendar.

"(B) Proceeding to consideration.—After each committee authorized to consider a joint resolution reports it to the House of Representatives or has been discharged from its consideration, it shall be in order, not later than the sixth day after introduction of a joint resolution under paragraph (1), to move to proceed to consider the joint resolution in the House of Representatives. All points of order against the motion are waived. Such a motion shall not be in order after the House of Representatives has disposed of a motion to proceed on a joint resolution. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the motion to its adoption without intervening motion. The motion shall not be debatable. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is disposed of shall not be in order.

"(C) Consideration.—The joint resolution shall be considered as read. All points of order against the joint resolution and against its consideration are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the joint resolution to its passage without intervening motion except 2 hours of debate equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. A motion to reconsider the vote on passage of the joint resolution shall not be in order.

"(3) Expedited procedure in senate.—

"(A) Reconvening.—Upon receipt of a certification under subsection (b), if the Senate would otherwise be adjourned, the majority leader of the Senate, after consultation with the minority leader of the Senate, shall notify the Members of the Senate that, pursuant to this subsection, the Senate shall convene not later than the thirteenth calendar day after receipt of such certification.

"(B) Placement on calendar.—Upon introduction in the Senate, the joint resolution shall be immediately placed on the calendar.

"(C) Floor consideration.—

"(i) In general.—Notwithstanding rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, it is in order at any time during the period beginning on the day after the date on which Congress receives a certification under subsection (b) and ending on the 6th day after the date of introduction of a joint resolution under paragraph (1) (even if a previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) to move to proceed to the consideration of the joint resolution, and all points of order against the joint resolution (and against consideration of the joint resolution) are waived. The motion to proceed is not debatable. The motion is not subject to a motion to postpone. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in order. If a motion to proceed to the consideration of the joint resolution is agreed to, the joint resolution shall remain the unfinished business until disposed of.

"(ii) Consideration.—Consideration of the joint resolution, and on all debatable motions and appeals in connection therewith, shall be limited to not more than 10 hours, which shall be divided equally between the majority and minority leaders or their designees. A motion further to limit debate is in order and not debatable. An amendment to, or a motion to postpone, or a motion to proceed to the consideration of other business, or a motion to recommit the joint resolution is not in order.

"(iii) Vote on passage.—If the Senate has voted to proceed to a joint resolution, the vote on passage of the joint resolution shall occur immediately following the conclusion of consideration of the joint resolution, and a single quorum call at the conclusion of the debate if requested in accordance with the rules of the Senate.

"(iv) Rulings of the chair on procedure.—Appeals from the decisions of the Chair relating to the application of the rules of the Senate, as the case may be, to the procedure relating to a joint resolution shall be decided without debate.

"(4) Amendment not in order.—A joint resolution of disapproval considered pursuant to this subsection shall not be subject to amendment in either the House of Representatives or the Senate.

"(5) Coordination with action by other house.—

"(A) In general.—If, before passing the joint resolution, one House receives from the other a joint resolution—

"(i) the joint resolution of the other House shall not be referred to a committee; and

"(ii) the procedure in the receiving House shall be the same as if no joint resolution had been received from the other House, except that the vote on passage shall be on the joint resolution of the other House.

"(B) Treatment of joint resolution of other house.—If the Senate fails to introduce or consider a joint resolution under this subsection, the joint resolution of the House of Representatives shall be entitled to expedited floor procedures under this subsection.

"(C) Treatment of companion measures.—If, following passage of the joint resolution in the Senate, the Senate then receives the companion measure from the House of Representatives, the companion measure shall not be debatable.

"(D) Consideration after passage.—

"(i) In general.—If Congress passes a joint resolution, the period beginning on the date the President is presented with the joint resolution and ending on the date the President signs, allows to become law without his signature, or vetoes and returns the joint resolution (but excluding days when either House is not in session) shall be disregarded in computing the calendar day period described in subsection (d).

"(ii) Debate on a veto message.—Debate on a veto message in the Senate under this subsection shall be 1 hour equally divided between the majority and minority leaders or their designees.

"(6) Rules of house of representatives and senate.—This subsection is enacted by Congress—

"(A) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and House of Representatives, respectively, and as such it is deemed a part of the rules of each House, respectively, but applicable only with respect to the procedure to be followed in that House in the case of a joint resolution, and it supersedes other rules only to the extent that it is inconsistent with such rules; and

"(B) with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as relating to the procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of that House."

#### Temporary Suspension of Debt Ceiling

Pub. L. 113–3, §2, Feb. 4, 2013, 127 Stat. 51, provided that:

"(a) Suspension.—Section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, shall not apply for the period beginning on the date of the enactment of this Act [Feb. 4, 2013] and ending on May 18, 2013.

"(b) Special Rule Relating to Obligations Issued During Suspension Period.—Effective May 19, 2013, the limitation in section 3101(b) of title 31, United States Code, as increased by section 3101A of such title, is increased to the extent that—

"(1) the face amount of obligations issued under chapter 31 of such title and the face amount of obligations whose principal and interest are guaranteed by the United States Government (except guaranteed obligations held by the Secretary of the Treasury) outstanding on May 19, 2013, exceeds

"(2) the face amount of such obligations outstanding on the date of the enactment of this Act.

An obligation shall not be taken into account under paragraph (1) unless the issuance of such obligation was necessary to fund a commitment incurred by the Federal Government that required payment before May 19, 2013."

#### Treatment of Certain Obligations of United States

Pub. L. 104–115, §1(a)–(c), Mar. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 825, authorized Secretary of the Treasury to issue to each Federal fund obligations of United States under this chapter before Mar. 30, 1996, in amount not to exceed certain designated limits, exempted such obligations from public debt limit and provided for termination of such exemption, and defined "Federal fund" for purpose of section.

#### Timely Payment of March 1996 Social Security Benefits Guaranteed

Pub. L. 104–103, §1, Feb. 8, 1996, 110 Stat. 55, as amended by Pub. L. 104–115, §1(d), Mar. 12, 1996, 110 Stat. 825, authorized Secretary of the Treasury to issue, before Mar. 1, 1996, obligations of United States under this chapter in amount equal to monthly insurance benefits payable in March 1996 under title II of Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 401 et seq.), exempted such obligations from public debt limit and provided for termination of such exemption.

#### Repeal of Permanent Increase in Public Debt Limit

Pub. L. 98–302, §1, May 25, 1984, 98 Stat. 217, which permanently increased the public debt limit by $30,000,000,000 effective May 25, 1984, was repealed by Pub. L. 98–342, §1(b), July 6, 1984, 98 Stat. 313, effective on and after July 6, 1984.

#### Temporary Increases in Public Debt Limit

The public debt limit set forth in this section was temporarily increased for limited periods by the following acts:

Oct. 28, 1990, Pub. L. 101–467, §106, 104 Stat. 1087—Increase to $3,230,000,000,000 for the period Oct. 28, 1990, to Nov. 5, 1990.

Aug. 9, 1990, Pub. L. 101–350, §1, 104 Stat. 403, as amended Oct. 2, 1990, Pub. L. 101–405, §1, 104 Stat. 878; Oct. 9, 1990, Pub. L. 101–412, §114, 104 Stat. 897; Oct. 19, 1990, Pub. L. 101–444, §114, 104 Stat. 1033; Oct. 25, 1990, Pub. L. 101–461, §114, 104 Stat. 1078—Increase to $3,195,000,000,000 for the period Aug. 9, 1990, to Oct. 27, 1990.

Aug. 7, 1989, Pub. L. 101–72, §1, 103 Stat. 182—Increase of $70,000,000,000 for the period Aug. 7, 1989, to Oct. 31, 1989.

Aug. 10, 1987, Pub. L. 100–84, 101 Stat. 550—Increase to $2,352,000,000,000 for the period Aug. 10, 1987, to Sept. 23, 1987.

May 15, 1987, Pub. L. 100–40, §1(a), 101 Stat. 308, as amended July 30, 1987, Pub. L. 100–80, §1(a), 101 Stat. 542—Increase to $2,320,000,000,000 for the period May 15, 1987, to August 6, 1987. [Section 1(b) of Pub. L. 100–80 provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (a) [amending section 1(a) of Pub. L. 100–40] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [July 30, 1987]."]

Nov. 14, 1985, Pub. L. 99–155, §1, 99 Stat. 814—Provided for a temporary increase of an amount determined by the Secretary of the Treasury as necessary, but not to exceed a public debt limit of $1,903,800,000,000 for the period Nov. 14, 1985, to Dec. 6, 1985.

June 28, 1982, Pub. L. 97–204, 96 Stat. 130—Increase of $743,100,000,000 for the period June 28, 1982, to Sept. 30, 1982.

Sept. 30, 1981, Pub. L. 97–49, 95 Stat. 956—Increase of $679,800,000,000 for the period Oct. 1, 1981, to Sept. 30, 1982.

#### Repeals of Temporary Increases in Public Debt Limit

Pub. L. 103–12, Apr. 6, 1993, 107 Stat. 42, providing for a temporary increase in public debt limit to $4,370,000,000,000 for the period Apr. 6, 1993, to Sept. 30, 1993, was repealed by Pub. L. 103–66, title XIII, §13411(b), Aug. 10, 1993, 107 Stat. 565, effective Aug. 10, 1993.

Pub. L. 99–509, title VIII, §8201, Oct. 21, 1986, 100 Stat. 1968, providing for a temporary increase in public debt limit of $189,000,000,000 for the period Oct. 21, 1986, to May 15, 1987, was repealed by Pub. L. 100–40, §1(b), May 15, 1987, 101 Stat. 308, effective May 15, 1987.

Pub. L. 97–270, Sept. 30, 1982, 96 Stat. 1156, providing for a temporary increase in public debt limit of $890,200,000,000 for the period Oct. 1, 1982, to Sept. 30, 1983, was repealed by Pub. L. 98–34, §1(b), May 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 196, effective May 26, 1983.

The following acts which temporarily increased the public debt limit for limited periods were repealed by Pub. L. 97–258, §5(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1068:

Pub. L. 97–48, Sept. 30, 1981, 95 Stat. 955, provided for a temporary increase of $599,800,000,000 for the period Sept. 30, 1981, to Sept. 30, 1981.

Pub. L. 97–2, Feb. 7, 1981, 95 Stat. 4, provided for a temporary increase of $585,000,000,000 for the period Feb. 7, 1981, to Sept. 30, 1981.

Pub. L. 96–556, §1, Dec. 19, 1980, 94 Stat. 3261, provided for a temporary increase of $535,100,000,000 for the period Oct. 1, 1980, to Sept. 30, 1981.

Pub. L. 96–286, §1, June 28, 1980, 94 Stat. 598, provided for a temporary increase of $525,000,000,000 for the period June 28, 1980, to Feb. 28, 1981.

Pub. L. 96–78, title I, §101(a), Sept. 29, 1979, 93 Stat. 589, as amended Pub. L. 96–256, May 30, 1980, 94 Stat. 421; Pub. L. 96–264, §1, June 6, 1980, 94 Stat. 439, provided for a temporary increase of $479,000,000,000 for the period Sept. 29, 1979, to June 30, 1980.

Pub. L. 96–5, §1, Apr. 2, 1979, 93 Stat. 8, providing for a temporary increase of $430,000,000,000 for the period Apr. 2, 1979, to Sept. 30, 1979, was also repealed by Pub. L. 96–79, title I, §101(b), Sept. 29, 1979, 93 Stat. 589.

Pub. L. 95–333, §1, Aug. 3, 1978, 92 Stat. 419, providing for a temporary increase of $398,000,000,000 in the public debt limit for the period Oct. 3, 1978, to Mar. 31, 1979, was also repealed by Pub. L. 96–5, §2, Apr. 2, 1979, 93 Stat. 8.

Pub. L. 95–120, §1, Oct. 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 1090, as amended, providing for a temporary increase of $352,000,000,000 in the public debt limit for the period Oct. 4, 1977, to July 31, 1978, was also repealed by Pub. L. 95–333, §2, Aug. 3, 1978, 92 Stat. 419.

Pub. L. 94–334, §1, June 30, 1976, 90 Stat. 793, providing for a temporary increase of $300,000,000,000 in the public debt limit for the period Apr. 1, 1977, to Sept. 30, 1977, was also repealed by Pub. L. 95–120, §2, Oct. 4, 1977, 91 Stat. 1090.

Pub. L. 94–232, §1, Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 217, provided for a temporary increase of $227,000,000,000 for the period Mar. 15, 1976, to June 30, 1976.

Pub. L. 94–132, §1, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 693, providing for a temporary increase of $195,000,000,000 in the public debt limit for the period Nov. 14, 1975, to Mar. 15, 1976, was also repealed by Pub. L. 94–232, §2, Mar. 15, 1976, 90 Stat. 217.

Pub. L. 94–47, §1, June 30, 1975, 89 Stat. 246, providing for a temporary increase of $177,000,000,000 in the public debt limit for the period June 30, 1975, to Nov. 15, 1975, was also repealed by Pub. L. 94–132, §2, Nov. 14, 1975, 89 Stat. 693.

Pub. L. 94–3, §1, Feb. 19, 1975, 89 Stat. 5, providing for a temporary increase of $131,000,000,000 in the public debt limit for the period Feb. 19, 1975, to June 30, 1975, was also repealed by Pub. L. 94–47, §2, June 30, 1975, 89 Stat. 246.

Pub. L. 93–325, §1, June 30, 1974, 88 Stat. 285, providing for a temporary increase of $95,000,000,000 in the public debt limit for the period June 30, 1974, to Mar. 31, 1975, was also repealed by Pub. L. 94–3, §2, Feb. 19, 1975, 89 Stat. 5.

Pub. L. 93–173, §1, Dec. 3, 1973, 87 Stat. 691, providing for a temporary increase of $75,700,000,000 in the public debt limit for the period of Dec. 3, 1973, to June 30, 1974, was also repealed by Pub. L. 93–325, §2, June 30, 1974, 88 Stat. 285, eff. June 30, 1974.

Pub. L. 92–599, title I, §101, Oct. 27, 1972, 86 Stat. 1324, as amended Pub. L. 93–53, §1, July 1, 1973, 87 Stat. 134, providing for a temporary increase of $65,000,000,000 in the public debt limit for the period of Nov. 1, 1972, to Nov. 30, 1973, was also repealed by Pub. L. 93–173, §2, Dec. 3, 1973, 87 Stat. 691, eff. Dec. 3, 1973.

Pub. L. 92–250, Mar. 15, 1972, 86 Stat. 63, as amended Pub. L. 92–336, title I, §1, July 1, 1972, 86 Stat. 406, provided for a temporary increase of $20,000,000,000 for the period Mar. 15, 1972, to Oct. 31, 1972.

Pub. L. 92–5, title I, §2(a), Mar. 17, 1971, 85 Stat. 5, as amended July 1, 1972, Pub. L. 92–336, title I, §1, 86 Stat. 406, provided for a temporary increase of $30,000,000,000 for the period of Mar. 17, 1971, to Oct. 31, 1972.

Pub. L. 91–301, §2, June 30, 1970, 84 Stat. 368, providing for a temporary increase of $15,000,000,000 in the public debt limit for the period of June 30, 1970, to June 30, 1971, was also repealed by Pub. L. 92–5, title I, §2(b), Mar. 17, 1971, 85 Stat. 5, eff. Mar. 17, 1971.

Pub. L. 91–8, §2, Apr. 7, 1969, 83 Stat. 7, provided for a temporary increase of $12,000,000,000 for the period Apr. 7, 1969, to June 30, 1970.

Pub. L. 90–3, Mar. 2, 1967, 81 Stat. 4, provided for a temporary increase from $285,000,000,000 to $336,000,000,000 for the period Mar. 2, 1967.

Pub. L. 89–472, June 24, 1966, 80 Stat. 221, provided for a temporary increase from $285,000,000,000 to $330,000,000,000 for the period July 1, 1966, to June 30, 1967.

Pub. L. 89–49, June 24, 1965, 79 Stat. 172, provided for a temporary increase from $285,000,000,000 to $328,000,000,000 for the period July 1, 1965, to June 30, 1966.

Pub. L. 88–327, June 29, 1964, 78 Stat. 255, provided for a temporary increase from $285,000,000,000 to $324,000,000,000 for the period June 29, 1964, to June 30, 1965.

Pub. L. 88–187, Nov. 26, 1963, 77 Stat. 342, provided for a temporary increase from $285,000,000,000 to $309,000,000,000 for the period Dec. 1, 1963, to June 30, 1964 and a further increase of $6,000,000,000 for the period Dec. 1, 1963 through June 29, 1964 because of variations in the timing of revenue receipts.

Pub. L. 88–106, Aug. 27, 1963, 77 Stat. 131, provided for a temporary increase from $285,000,000,000 to $309,000,000,000 for the period Sept. 1, 1963, to Nov. 30, 1963.

Pub. L. 88–30, §1(2), May 29, 1963, 77 Stat. 50, provided for a temporary increase from $285,000,000,000 to $309,000,000,000 for the period July 1, 1963, to Aug. 31, 1963.

Pub. L. 88–30, §1(1), May 29, 1963, 77 Stat. 50, provided for a temporary increase from $285,000,000,000 to $307,000,000,000 for the period May 29, 1963, to June 30, 1963.

Pub. L. 87–512, §1(3), July 1, 1962, 76 Stat. 124, provided for a temporary increase from $285,000,000,000 to $300,000,000,000 for the period June 25, 1963, to June 30, 1963.

Pub. L. 87–512, §1(2), July 1, 1962, 76 Stat. 124, provided for a temporary increase from $285,000,000,000 to $305,000,000,000 for the period Apr. 1, 1963, to June 24, 1963.

Pub. L. 87–512, §1(1), July 1, 1962, 76 Stat. 124, provided for a temporary increase from $285,000,000,000 to $308,000,000,000 for the period July 1, 1962, to Mar. 31, 1963.

Pub. L. 87–414, Mar. 13, 1962, 76 Stat. 23, provided for a temporary increase from $285,000,000,000 to $300,000,000,000 for the period Mar. 13, 1962, to June 30, 1962.

Pub. L. 87–69, June 30, 1961, 75 Stat. 148, provided for a temporary increase from $285,000,000,000 to $298,000,000,000 for the period July 1, 1961, to June 30, 1962.

Pub. L. 86–564, title I, §101, June 30, 1960, 74 Stat. 290, provided for a temporary increase from $285,000,000,000 to $293,000,000,000 for the period July 1, 1960, to June 30, 1961.

Pub. L. 86–74, §2, June 30, 1959, 73 Stat. 156, provided for a temporary increase from $285,000,000,000 to $295,000,000,000 for the period July 1, 1959, to June 30, 1960.

Pub. L. 85–336, Feb. 26, 1958, 72 Stat. 27, provided for a temporary increase from $275,000,000,000 to $280,000,000,000 for the period Feb. 26, 1958, to June 30, 1959.

July 9, 1956, ch. 536, 70 Stat. 519, provided for a temporary increase from $275,000,000,000 to $278,000,000,000 for the period July 1, 1956, to June 30, 1957.

Aug. 28, 1954, ch. 1037, 68 Stat. 895, as amended by act June 30, 1955, ch. 256, 69 Stat. 241, provided for a temporary increase from $275,000,000,000 to $281,000,000,000 for the period Aug. 28, 1954, to June 30, 1956.

#### Restoration of Trust Fund Investments

Provisions requiring the Secretary of the Treasury to restore certain Federal trust funds and Government accounts to the position they would have been if the debt limitation of 31 U.S.C. 3101(b) had not prevented them from investing funds during specific periods were contained in the following acts:

Pub. L. 101–508, title XI, §11901(b), Nov. 5, 1990, 104 Stat. 1388–560.

Pub. L. 101–140, title III, §301, Nov. 8, 1989, 103 Stat. 833.

Pub. L. 99–177, title II, §272, Dec. 12, 1985, 99 Stat. 1095.

1 See References in Text note below.

### §3101A. Presidential modification of the debt ceiling

(a) In General.—

(1) $900 billion.—

(A) Certification.—If, not later than December 31, 2011, the President submits a written certification to Congress that the President has determined that the debt subject to limit is within $100,000,000,000 of the limit in section 3101(b) and that further borrowing is required to meet existing commitments, the Secretary of the Treasury may exercise authority to borrow an additional $900,000,000,000, subject to the enactment of a joint resolution of disapproval enacted pursuant to this section. Upon submission of such certification, the limit on debt provided in section 3101(b) (referred to in this section as the "debt limit") is increased by $400,000,000,000.

(B) Resolution of disapproval.—Congress may consider a joint resolution of disapproval of the authority under subparagraph (A) as provided in subsections (b) through (f). The joint resolution of disapproval considered under this section shall contain only the language provided in subsection (b)(2). If the time for disapproval has lapsed without enactment of a joint resolution of disapproval under this section, the debt limit is increased by an additional $500,000,000,000.

(2) Additional amount.—

(A) Certification.—If, after the debt limit is increased by $900,000,000,000 under paragraph (1), the President submits a written certification to Congress that the President has determined that the debt subject to limit is within $100,000,000,000 of the limit in section 3101(b) and that further borrowing is required to meet existing commitments, the Secretary of the Treasury may, subject to the enactment of a joint resolution of disapproval enacted pursuant to this section, exercise authority to borrow an additional amount equal to—

(i) $1,200,000,000,000, unless clause (ii) or (iii) applies;

(ii) $1,500,000,000,000 if the Archivist of the United States has submitted to the States for their ratification a proposed amendment to the Constitution of the United States pursuant to a joint resolution entitled "Joint resolution proposing a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution of the United States"; or

(iii) if a joint committee bill to achieve an amount greater than $1,200,000,000,000 in deficit reduction as provided in section 401(b)(3)(B)(i)(II) of the Budget Control Act of 2011 is enacted, an amount equal to the amount of that deficit reduction, but not greater than $1,500,000,000,000, unless clause (ii) applies.

(B) Resolution of disapproval.—Congress may consider a joint resolution of disapproval of the authority under subparagraph (A) as provided in subsections (b) through (f). The joint resolution of disapproval considered under this section shall contain only the language provided in subsection (b)(2). If the time for disapproval has lapsed without enactment of a joint resolution of disapproval under this section, the debt limit is increased by the amount authorized under subparagraph (A).

(b) Joint Resolution of Disapproval.—

(1) In general.—Except for the $400,000,000,000 increase in the debt limit provided by subsection (a)(1)(A), the debt limit may not be raised under this section if, within 50 calendar days after the date on which Congress receives a certification described in subsection (a)(1) or within 15 calendar days after Congress receives the certification described in subsection (a)(2) (regardless of whether Congress is in session), there is enacted into law a joint resolution disapproving the President's exercise of authority with respect to such additional amount.

(2) Contents of joint resolution.—For the purpose of this section, the term "joint resolution" means only a joint resolution—

(A)(i) for the certification described in subsection (a)(1), that is introduced on September 6, 7, 8, or 9, 2011 (or, if the Senate was not in session, the next calendar day on which the Senate is in session); and

(ii) for the certification described in subsection (a)(2), that is introduced between the date the certification is received and 3 calendar days after that date;

(B) which does not have a preamble;

(C) the title of which is only as follows: "Joint resolution relating to the disapproval of the President's exercise of authority to increase the debt limit, as submitted under section 3101A of title 31, United States Code, on ____________" (with the blank containing the date of such submission); and

(D) the matter after the resolving clause of which is only as follows: "That Congress disapproves of the President's exercise of authority to increase the debt limit, as exercised pursuant to the certification under section 3101A(a) of title 31, United States Code.".

(c) Expedited Consideration in House of Representatives.—

(1) Reconvening.—Upon receipt of a certification described in subsection (a)(2), the Speaker, if the House would otherwise be adjourned, shall notify the Members of the House that, pursuant to this section, the House shall convene not later than the second calendar day after receipt of such certification.

(2) Reporting and discharge.—Any committee of the House of Representatives to which a joint resolution is referred shall report it to the House without amendment not later than 5 calendar days after the date of introduction of a joint resolution described in subsection (a). If a committee fails to report the joint resolution within that period, the committee shall be discharged from further consideration of the joint resolution and the joint resolution shall be referred to the appropriate calendar.

(3) Proceeding to consideration.—After each committee authorized to consider a joint resolution reports it to the House or has been discharged from its consideration, it shall be in order, not later than the sixth day after introduction of a joint resolution under subsection (a), to move to proceed to consider the joint resolution in the House. All points of order against the motion are waived. Such a motion shall not be in order after the House has disposed of a motion to proceed on a joint resolution addressing a particular submission. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the motion to its adoption without intervening motion. The motion shall not be debatable. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is disposed of shall not be in order.

(4) Consideration.—The joint resolution shall be considered as read. All points of order against the joint resolution and against its consideration are waived. The previous question shall be considered as ordered on the joint resolution to its passage without intervening motion except two hours of debate equally divided and controlled by the proponent and an opponent. A motion to reconsider the vote on passage of the joint resolution shall not be in order.

(d) Expedited Procedure in Senate.—

(1) Reconvening.—Upon receipt of a certification under subsection (a)(2), if the Senate has adjourned or recessed for more than 2 days, the majority leader of the Senate, after consultation with the minority leader of the Senate, shall notify the Members of the Senate that, pursuant to this section, the Senate shall convene not later than the second calendar day after receipt of such message.

(2) Placement on calendar.—Upon introduction in the Senate, the joint resolution shall be immediately placed on the calendar.

(3) Floor consideration.—

(A) In general.—Notwithstanding Rule XXII of the Standing Rules of the Senate, it is in order at any time during the period beginning on the day after the date on which Congress receives a certification under subsection (a) and, for the certification described in subsection (a)(1), ending on September 14, 2011, and for the certification described in subsection (a)(2), on the 6th day after the date on which Congress receives a certification under subsection (a) (even though a previous motion to the same effect has been disagreed to) to move to proceed to the consideration of the joint resolution, and all points of order against the joint resolution (and against consideration of the joint resolution) are waived. The motion to proceed is not debatable. The motion is not subject to a motion to postpone. A motion to reconsider the vote by which the motion is agreed to or disagreed to shall not be in order. If a motion to proceed to the consideration of the resolution is agreed to, the joint resolution shall remain the unfinished business until disposed of.

(B) Consideration.—Consideration of the joint resolution, and on all debatable motions and appeals in connection therewith, shall be limited to not more than 10 hours, which shall be divided equally between the majority and minority leaders or their designees. A motion further to limit debate is in order and not debatable. An amendment to, or a motion to postpone, or a motion to proceed to the consideration of other business, or a motion to recommit the joint resolution is not in order.

(C) Vote on passage.—If the Senate has voted to proceed to a joint resolution, the vote on passage of the joint resolution shall occur immediately following the conclusion of consideration of the joint resolution, and a single quorum call at the conclusion of the debate if requested in accordance with the rules of the Senate.

(D) Rulings of the chair on procedure.—Appeals from the decisions of the Chair relating to the application of the rules of the Senate, as the case may be, to the procedure relating to a joint resolution shall be decided without debate.

(e) Amendment Not in Order.—A joint resolution of disapproval considered pursuant to this section shall not be subject to amendment in either the House of Representatives or the Senate.

(f) Coordination With Action by Other House.—

(1) In general.—If, before passing the joint resolution, one House receives from the other a joint resolution—

(A) the joint resolution of the other House shall not be referred to a committee; and

(B) the procedure in the receiving House shall be the same as if no joint resolution had been received from the other House until the vote on passage, when the joint resolution received from the other House shall supplant the joint resolution of the receiving House.

(2) Treatment of joint resolution of other house.—If the Senate fails to introduce or consider a joint resolution under this section, the joint resolution of the House shall be entitled to expedited floor procedures under this section.

(3) Treatment of companion measures.—If, following passage of the joint resolution in the Senate, the Senate then receives the companion measure from the House of Representatives, the companion measure shall not be debatable.

(4) Consideration after passage.—(A) If Congress passes a joint resolution, the period beginning on the date the President is presented with the joint resolution and ending on the date the President signs, allows to become law without his signature, or vetoes and returns the joint resolution (but excluding days when either House is not in session) shall be disregarded in computing the appropriate calendar day period described in subsection (b)(1).

(B) Debate on a veto message in the Senate under this section shall be 1 hour equally divided between the majority and minority leaders or their designees.

(5) Veto override.—If within the appropriate calendar day period described in subsection (b)(1), Congress overrides a veto of the joint resolution with respect to authority exercised pursuant to paragraph (1) or (2) of subsection (a), the limit on debt provided in section 3101(b) shall not be raised, except for the $400,000,000,000 increase in the limit provided by subsection (a)(1)(A).

(6) Sequestration.—(A) If within the 50-calendar day period described in subsection (b)(1), the President signs the joint resolution, the President allows the joint resolution to become law without his signature, or Congress overrides a veto of the joint resolution with respect to authority exercised pursuant to paragraph (1) of subsection (a), there shall be a sequestration to reduce spending by $400,000,000,000. OMB shall implement the sequestration forthwith.

(B) OMB shall implement each half of such sequestration in accordance with section 255, section 256, and subsections (c), (d), (e), and (f) of section 253 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, and for the purpose of such implementation the term "excess deficit" means the amount specified in subparagraph (A).

(g) Rules of House of Representatives and Senate.—This subsection and subsections (b), (c), (d), (e), and (f) (other than paragraph (6)) are enacted by Congress—

(1) as an exercise of the rulemaking power of the Senate and House of Representatives, respectively, and as such it is deemed a part of the rules of each House, respectively, but applicable only with respect to the procedure to be followed in that House in the case of a joint resolution, and it supersedes other rules only to the extent that it is inconsistent with such rules; and

(2) with full recognition of the constitutional right of either House to change the rules (so far as relating to the procedure of that House) at any time, in the same manner, and to the same extent as in the case of any other rule of that House.

(Added Pub. L. 112–25, title III, §301(a)(2), Aug. 2, 2011, 125 Stat. 251.)

#### Editorial Notes

#### References in Text

Section 401(b)(3)(B)(i)(II) of the Budget Control Act of 2011, referred to in subsec. (a)(2)(A)(iii), is section 401(b)(3)(B)(i)(II) of title IV of Pub. L. 112–25, which is set out in a note under section 900 of Title 2, The Congress.

Section 255, section 256, and subsections (c), (d), (e), and (f) of section 253 of the Balanced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act of 1985, referred to in subsec. (f)(6)(B), are classified to sections 905, 906, and 903(c) to (f), respectively, of Title 2, The Congress.

### §3102. Bonds

(a) With the approval of the President, the Secretary of the Treasury may borrow on the credit of the United States Government amounts necessary for expenditures authorized by law and may issue bonds of the Government for the amounts borrowed and may buy, redeem, and make refunds under section 3111 of this title. The Secretary may issue bonds authorized by this section to the public and to Government accounts at any annual interest rate and prescribe conditions under section 3121 of this title.

(b) The Secretary shall offer the bonds authorized under this section first as a popular loan under regulations of the Secretary that allow the people of the United States as nearly as possible an equal opportunity to participate in subscribing to the offered bonds. However, the bonds may be offered in a way other than as a popular loan when the Secretary decides the other way is in the public interest.

(c)(1) When the Secretary decides it is in the public interest in making a bond offering under this section, the Secretary may—

(A) make full allotments on receiving applications for smaller amounts of bonds to subscribers applying before the closing date the Secretary sets for filing applications;

(B) reject or reduce allotments on receiving applications filed after the closing date or for larger amounts;

(C) reject or reduce allotments on receiving applications from incorporated banks and trust companies for their own account and make full allotments or increase allotments to other subscribers; and

(D) prescribe a graduated scale of allotments.

(2) The Secretary shall prescribe regulations applying to all popular loan subscribers similarly situated governing a reduction or increase of an allotment under paragraph (1) of this subsection.

(d) The Secretary may make special arrangements for subscriptions from members of the armed forces. However, bonds issued to those members must be the same as other bonds of the same issue.

(e) The Secretary may dispose of any part of a bond offering not taken and may prescribe the price and way of disposition.

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 938; Pub. L. 97–452, §1(5), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2467; Pub. L. 98–34, §2, May 26, 1983, 97 Stat. 196; Pub. L. 98–302, §2, May 25, 1984, 98 Stat. 217; Pub. L. 99–272, title XIII, §13212, Apr. 7, 1986, 100 Stat. 325; Pub. L. 100–203, title IX, §9403, Dec. 22, 1987, 101 Stat. 1330–377; Pub. L. 100–647, title VI, §6301, Nov. 10, 1988, 102 Stat. 3755.)

Historical and Revision Notes
1982 Act
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large)
--- | --- | ---
3102(a) | 31:752(1st par.). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, §1(1st par.), 40 Stat. 288; restated Apr. 4, 1918, ch. 44, §1, 40 Stat. 502; July 9, 1918, ch. 142, §1, 40 Stat. 844; Mar. 3, 1931, ch. 433, 46 Stat. 1506; Feb. 4, 1935, ch. 5, §1, 49 Stat. 20; May 26, 1938, ch. 285, §1, 52 Stat. 447.
| 31:752(2d par. less form of bonds). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, §1(2d par. less form of bonds), 40 Stat. 288; restated Apr. 4, 1918, ch. 44, §1, 40 Stat. 502; Mar. 17, 1971, Pub. L. 92–5, §3, 85 Stat. 5; July 1, 1973, Pub. L. 93–53, §2, 87 Stat. 135; Mar. 15, 1976, Pub. L. 94–232, §3(a), 90 Stat. 217; June 30, 1976, Pub. L. 94–334, §2, 90 Stat. 793; Oct. 4, 1977, Pub. L. 95–120, §3, 91 Stat. 1090; Aug. 3, 1978, Pub. L. 95–333, §3, 92 Stat. 419; Apr. 2, 1979, Pub. L. 96–5, §3, 93 Stat. 8; Sept. 29, 1979, Pub. L. 96–78, §102, 93 Stat. 589; Oct. 3, 1980, Pub. L. 96–377, §2, 94 Stat. 1512.
3102(b) | 31:752(3d par. 1st sentence words before 4th comma). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, §1(3d par.), 40 Stat. 288; restated Apr. 4, 1918, ch. 44, §1, 40 Stat. 502.
| 31:752(4th par. related to a popular loan). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, §1(4th par.); added Jan. 30, 1934, ch. 6, §14(a)(1), 48 Stat. 343.
3102(c)(1) | 31:752(3d par. 1st sentence words between 4th comma and proviso), (4th par. related to allotments). |
3102(c)(2) | 31:752(3d par. 1st sentence proviso). |
3102(d) | 31:752(3d par. last sentence). |
3102(e) | 31:752(3d par. 2d sentence). |

In subsection (a), the word "amounts" is substituted for "sum or sums" for consistency. The words "as in his judgment may be" are omitted as surplus. The words "for expenditures authorized by law" are substituted for "for the purposes of this Act . . . and to meet expenditures authorized for the national security and defense and other public purposes authorized by law" because they are inclusive and for consistency. The words "under section 3111 of this title" are substituted for "at or before maturity, of any outstanding bonds, notes, certificates of indebtedness, or Treasury bills of the United States" because of the restatement. The words "prescribe conditions under section 3121 of this title" are substituted for the text of 31:752(2d par. 1st sentence less form of bonds, 2d sentence) because of the restatement. The words "at any annual interest rate" are added for clarity and to more precisely define the 4.25 percent limitation. The words "bonds may not be issued under this section to the public, or sold by a Government account to the public, with a rate of interest exceeding 4¼ per centum per annum in an amount which would cause" are omitted as surplus.

In subsections (b), (d), and (e), the words "not less than par" are omitted as superseded by section 3 of the Public Debt Act of 1942 (ch. 205, 56 Stat. 189), restated in section 3121 of the revised title.

In subsection (b), the words "under regulations of the Secretary that allow" are substituted for "under such regulations, prescribed by the Secretary of the Treasury from time to time, as will in his opinion give" to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "subscribing to the offered bonds" are substituted for "therein" for clarity. The words "However . . . when the Secretary decides the other way is in the public interest" are substituted for "Notwithstanding the provisions of the foregoing paragraph, the Secretary of the Treasury may from time to time, when he deems it to be in the public interest" to eliminate unnecessary words.

In subsection (c)(1), before clause (A), the words "and may from time to time adopt any or all of said methods, should any such action" in 31:752(3d par. 1st sentence words between 4th comma and proviso) are omitted because of the restatement. The word "decides" is substituted for "deemed" in 31:752(3d par. 1st sentence words between 4th comma and proviso) and "deems" in 31:752a(4th par. related to allotments) for consistency. The words "in making a bond offering under this section" are added for clarity.

In subsection (c)(2), the word "regulations" is substituted for "general rules" for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.

In subsection (d), the words "members of armed forces" are substituted for "persons in the military or naval forces of the United States" for clarity and consistency with title 10.

1983 Act
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large)
--- | --- | ---
3102(a) | 31 App.:752(2d par. less form of bonds). | Sept. 3, 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, §289(c), 96 Stat. 572.

#### Editorial Notes

#### Amendments

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–647 struck out at end: "However, the face amount of bonds issued under this section and held by the public with interest rates of more than 4.25 percent a year may not be more than $270,000,000,000."

1987—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–203 substituted "$270,000,000,000" for "$250,000,000,000".

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–272 substituted "$250,000,000,000" for "$200,000,000,000".

1984—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–302 substituted "$200,000,000,000" for "$150,000,000,000".

1983—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 98–34 substituted "$150,000,000,000" for "$110,000,000,000".

Pub. L. 97–452 substituted "$110,000,000,000" for "$70,000,000,000".

### §3103. Notes

(a) With the approval of the President, the Secretary of the Treasury may borrow on the credit of the United States Government amounts necessary for expenditures authorized by law and may issue notes of the Government for the amounts borrowed and may buy, redeem, and make refunds under section 3111 of this title. The Secretary may prescribe conditions under section 3121 of this title. Notwithstanding section 3121(a)(5) of this title, the payment date of each series of notes issued shall be at least one year but not more than 10 years from the date of issue.

(b) The Government may redeem any part of a series of notes before maturity by giving at least 4 months' notice but not more than one year's notice.

(c) The holder of a note of one series issued under this section with the same issue date as another series of notes issued under this section may convert, at par value, a note of the holder for a note of the other series.

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 939.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large)
--- | --- | ---
3103(a), (b) | 31:753(a)(less form of notes, certificates of indebtedness, and Treasury bills). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, §18(a)(less form of notes, certificates of indebtedness, and Treasury bills); added Mar. 3, 1919, ch. 100, §1, 40 Stat. 1309; Nov. 23, 1921, ch. 136, §1401, 42 Stat. 321; Jan. 30, 1934, ch. 6, §14(a)(3), 48 Stat. 343; restated Feb. 4, 1935, ch. 5, §4, 49 Stat. 20; June 30, 1967, Pub. L. 90–39, §4, 81 Stat. 99; Mar. 15, 1976, Pub. L. 94–232, §3(b), 90 Stat. 217.
3103(c) | 31:753(c). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, §18(c); added Mar. 3, 1919, ch. 100, §1, 40 Stat. 1310.

In subsection (a), the words "In addition to the bonds and certificates of indebtedness and war-savings certificates authorized by this Act, and amendments thereto" are omitted as unnecessary. The words "subject to the limitation imposed by section 757b of this title" are omitted as surplus. The word "Government" is added for consistency. The words "for expenditures authorized by law" are substituted for "for the purposes of this Act . . . and to meet public expenditures authorized by law" for clarity and because they are inclusive. The words "under section 3111 of this title" are substituted for "at or before maturity, of any outstanding bonds, notes, certificates of indebtedness, or Treasury bills of the United States" because of the restatement. The words "denomination or denominations" are omitted because section 3121(a) of the revised title consolidates this authority in one section for the various types of debt instruments. The words "under section 3121 of this title" are substituted for "containing such terms and conditions, and at such rate or rates of interest" because of the restatement. The words "at not less than par (except as provided in section 754b of this title)" are omitted as superseded by section 3 of the Public Debt Act of 1942 (ch. 205, 56 Stat. 189), restated in section 3121 of the revised title. The words "Notwithstanding section 3121(a)(5) of this title" are added for clarity because the section cited contains the general authority to which subsection (a)(last sentence) of this section is an exception.

In subsection (b), the words "at the option of" and "and under such rules and regulations and during such period as he may prescribe" are omitted as surplus.

Subsection (c) is substituted for 31:753(c) to eliminate unnecessary words and for clarity and consistency.

### §3104. Certificates of indebtedness and Treasury bills

(a) The Secretary of the Treasury may borrow on the credit of the United States Government amounts necessary for expenditures authorized by law and may buy, redeem, and make refunds under section 3111 of this title. For amounts borrowed, the Secretary may issue—

(1) certificates of indebtedness of the Government; and

(2) Treasury bills of the Government.

(b) The Secretary may prescribe conditions for issuing certificates of indebtedness and Treasury bills under section 3121 of this title and conditions under which the certificates and bills may be redeemed before maturity. Notwithstanding section 3121(a)(5) of this title, the payment date of certificates of indebtedness and Treasury bills may not be more than one year after the date of issue.

(c) Treasury bills issued under this section may not be accepted before maturity to pay principal or interest on obligations of governments of foreign countries that are held by the United States Government.

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 939.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large)
--- | --- | ---
3104(a) | 31:754(a)(1st, 2d sentences). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, §5(a)(less form of certificates of indebtedness and Treasury bills, finality), 40 Stat. 290; Apr. 4, 1918, ch. 44, §4, 40 Stat. 504; Mar. 3, 1919, ch. 100, §3, 40 Stat. 1311; restated June 17, 1929, ch. 26, 46 Stat. 19; Feb. 4, 1935, ch. 5, §§2, 3, 49 Stat. 20.
3104(b) | 31:754(a)(3d sentence)(less form of certificates of indebtedness and Treasury bills, finality). |
3104(c) | 31:754(a)(last sentence). |

In subsection (a), before clause (1), the words "In addition to the bonds and notes authorized by sections 752, 753, and 757c of this title" are omitted as unnecessary. The words "subject to the limitation imposed by section 757b of this title" are omitted as surplus. The words "for expenditures authorized by law" are substituted for "for the purposes of this Act . . . and to meet public expenditures authorized by law" for clarity and because they are inclusive. The words "under section 3111 of this title" are substituted for "at or before maturity, of any outstanding bonds, notes, certificates of indebtedness or Treasury bills of the United States" because of the restatement. The words "at not less than par" are omitted as superseded by section 3 of the Public Debt Act of 1942 (ch. 205, 56 Stat. 189), restated in section 3121 of the revised title. The text of 31:754(a)(2d sentence) is omitted as superseded by section 3121(a) of the revised title. In clause (1), the words "and at such rate or rates of interest, payable at such time or times as he may prescribe" are omitted because they are superseded by section 3121(a), (b)(1), and (c) of the revised title. In clause (2), the words "on a discount basis and payable at maturity without interest" are omitted because they are superseded by section 3121(a) of the revised title. The words "of the Government" are added for consistency.

In subsection (b), the words "terms and" after "upon such" are omitted as surplus. The words "for issuing . . . under section 3121 of this title" are substituted for "subject to such terms and conditions" because of the restatement. The words "Notwithstanding section 3121(a)(5) of this title" are substituted for "shall be payable at such time" for clarity because the section cited contains the general authority to which subsection (c)(last sentence) of this section is an exception.

In subsection (c), the words "account of" are omitted as surplus.

### §3105. Savings bonds and savings certificates

(a) With the approval of the President, the Secretary of the Treasury may issue savings bonds and savings certificates of the United States Government and may buy, redeem, and make refunds under section 3111 of this title. Proceeds from the bonds and certificates shall be used for expenditures authorized by law. Savings bonds and certificates may be issued on an interest-bearing basis, on a discount basis, or on an interest-bearing and discount basis. Savings bonds shall mature not more than 20 years from the date of issue. Savings certificates shall mature not more than 10 years from the date of issue. The difference between the price paid and the amount received on redeeming a savings bond or certificate is interest under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.).

(b)(1) The Secretary may—

(A) fix the investment yield for savings bonds; and

(B) change the investment yield on an outstanding savings bond, except that the yield on a bond for the period held may not be decreased below the minimum yield for the period guaranteed on the date of issue.

(2) The Secretary may prescribe regulations providing that—

(A) owners of savings bonds may keep the bonds after maturity or after a period beyond maturity during which the bonds have earned interest and continue to earn interest at rates consistent with paragraph (1) of this subsection; and

(B) savings bonds earning a different rate of interest before the regulations are prescribed shall earn a rate of interest consistent with paragraph (1).

(c) The Secretary may prescribe for savings bonds and savings certificates issued under this section—

(1) the form and amount of an issue and series;

(2) the way in which they will be issued;

(3) the conditions, including restrictions on transfer, to which they will be subject;

(4) conditions governing their redemption;

(5) their sales price and denominations;

(6) a way to evidence payments for or on account of them and to provide for the exchange of savings certificates for savings bonds; and

(7) the maximum amount issued in a year that may be held by one person.

(d) The Secretary may authorize financial institutions to make payments to redeem savings bonds and savings notes. A financial institution may be a paying agent only if the institution—

(1) is incorporated under the laws of the United States, a State, the District of Columbia, or a territory or possession of the United States;

(2) in the usual course of business accepts, subject to withdrawal, money for deposit or the purchase of shares;

(3) is under the supervision of a banking authority of the jurisdiction in which it is incorporated;

(4) has a regular office to do business; and

(5) is qualified under regulations prescribed by the Secretary in carrying out this subsection.

(e)(1) The Secretary may prescribe a way in which a check issued to an individual (except a trust or estate) as a refund for taxes imposed under subtitle A of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.) may become a series E savings bond. However, a check may become a bond only if the claim for a refund is filed by the last day prescribed by law for filing the return (determined without any extensions) for the taxable year for which the refund is made. The Secretary may prescribe the time and way in which the check becomes a bond.

(2) A bond issued under this subsection is deemed to be a series E bond issued under this section, except that the bond shall bear an issue date of the first day of the first month beginning after the close of the taxable year for which the bond is issued. The Secretary also may provide that a bond issued to joint payees may be redeemed by either payee alone.

(f)(1)(A) The Secretary shall provide each State, in digital or other electronic form, with information describing any applicable savings bond which has an applicable address that is within such State, including—

(i) the name and applicable address of the registered owner; and

(ii) the name and applicable address of any registered co-owner or beneficiary.

(B) The information provided under subparagraph (A) may include the serial number of any applicable savings bond.

(C)(i) For purposes of this paragraph, the term "applicable address" means, with respect to any applicable savings bond—

(I) the registered address for the registered owner, co-owner, or beneficiary (as applicable) of such bond; or

(II) if such information is available to the Secretary, the last known address for the registered owner, co-owner, or beneficiary (as applicable) of such bond.

(ii) For purposes of clause (i), if the information described in subclause (II) of clause (i) with respect to any individual is available to the Secretary, subclause (I) of such clause shall not apply.

(2)(A) Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall prescribe such regulations or other guidance as may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this subsection, including rules to—

(i) protect the privacy of the owners of applicable savings bonds;

(ii) prevent fraud; and

(iii) ensure that any information provided to a State under this subsection shall be used solely to carry out the purposes of this subsection.

(B) Except as deemed necessary to protect privacy or prevent fraud or misuse of savings bond information, any regulations or guidance prescribed by the Secretary pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall not have the effect of prohibiting, restricting, or otherwise preventing a State from obtaining all information described in paragraph (1)(A).

(3) Not later than 12 months after the date of enactment of this subsection, and annually thereafter for each year during the 5-year period beginning after the date of enactment of this subsection, the Secretary shall submit to the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate, the Committee on Ways and Means of the House of Representatives, and the Committee on Finance of the Senate a report assessing all efforts to satisfy the requirement under paragraph (1)(A).

(4) Any State that receives information described in paragraph (1)(A) with respect to an applicable savings bond may use such information to locate the owner of such bond pursuant to the same standards and requirements as are applicable under—

(A) the abandoned property rules and regulations of such State; and

(B) any regulations or guidance promulgated under this subsection.

(5) For purposes of this subsection, the Secretary may disclose to the public any information with respect to any applicable savings bond which a State may disclose to the public pursuant to paragraph (4).

(6) For purposes of this subsection, the term "applicable savings bond" means a savings bond which—

(A) is more than 3 years past its date of final maturity;

(B)(i) is in paper form; or

(ii) is in paperless or electronic form and for which—

(I) there is no designated bank account or routing information; or

(II) the designated bank account or routing information is incorrect; and

(C) has not been redeemed.

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 940; Pub. L. 97–452, §1(6), (7), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2467, 2468; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, §745(a), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5011; Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title I, §122(a), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5311.)

Historical and Revision Notes
1982 Act
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large)
--- | --- | ---
3105(a) | 31:757c(a)(1st sentence), (b)(1)(1st sentence), (d)(1st sentence). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, §22(a)–(d)(1st sentence); added Feb. 4, 1935, ch. 5, §6, 49 Stat. 21; restated Feb. 19, 1941, ch. 7, §3, 55 Stat. 7; Mar. 26, 1951, ch. 19, §1, 65 Stat. 26; Apr. 20, 1957, Pub. L. 85–17, §1, 71 Stat. 15; Sept. 22, 1959, Pub. L. 86–346, §101(b), 73 Stat. 621; Dec. 1, 1969, Pub. L. 91–130, §§1, 2(b), 83 Stat. 272; Aug. 24, 1970, Pub. L. 91–388, §3, 84 Stat. 830; Mar. 15, 1976, Pub. L. 94–232, §4, 90 Stat. 217; Apr. 2, 1979, Pub. L. 96–5, §4, 93 Stat. 8; Oct. 3, 1980, Pub. L. 96–377, §1, 94 Stat. 1512.
3105(b)(1) | 31:757c(b)(1)(2d sentence proviso, last sentence). |
3105(b)(2) | 31:757c(b)(3). |
3105(b)(3) | 31:757c(b)(2). |
3105(c) | 31:757c(a)(last sentence), (b)(1)(2d sentence less proviso, 3d, 4th sentences), (c). |
3105(d) | 31:757c(h). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, §22(h); added Apr. 11, 1943, ch. 52, §3, 57 Stat. 63; restated Apr. 3, 1945, ch. 51, §3, 59 Stat. 47; Oct. 17, 1968, Pub. L. 90–595, §1, 82 Stat. 1155.
3105(e) | 31:757c(j). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, §22(j); added July 1, 1973, Pub. L. 93–53, §3(a), 87 Stat. 135.

In subsection (a), the words "through the United States Postal Service or otherwise" and "Treasury" before "savings" are omitted as surplus. The words "and may buy, redeem, and make refunds under section 3111 of this title" are added because of the restatement. The words "for expenditures authorized by law" are substituted for "to meet any public expenditures authorized by law, and to retire any outstanding obligations of the United States bearing interest or issued on a discount basis" for clarity and because they are inclusive. The word "combination" is omitted as surplus.

In subsection (b)(1), the words "Except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection" are added for clarity. The word "conditions" is substituted for "terms" for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The word "calendar" is omitted as surplus. The words "(or, beginning on October 1, 1976, if later)" are omitted as executed.

In subsection (b)(3), the words "at their option" and "upon them" are omitted as surplus. The last sentence is substituted for 31:757c(b)(2)(B) for clarity.

In subsection (c), before clause (1), the words "subject to the limitation imposed by section 757b of this title" are omitted as surplus. The words "issued under this section" are added for clarity. In clause (3), the words "terms and" are omitted as surplus. The words "consistent with subsections (b) to (d) of this section" are omitted as unnecessary because of the restatement. In clause (4), the words "before maturity" are omitted as surplus. In clause (6), the words "a way to evidence payments for" are substituted for "issue, or cause to be issued, stamps, or may provide any other means to evidence payments for" because they are inclusive. The text of 31:757c(c)(last sentence) is omitted because section 5 of the Public Debt Act of 1942 (ch. 205, 56 Stat. 189), ended the authority of the Postmaster General to issue stamps. In clause (7), the word "maximum" is added for clarity. The words "at any one time" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (d), before clause (1), the words "under such regulations as he may prescribe", "or permit", and "commercial banks, trust companies, savings banks, savings and loan associations, building and loan associations (including cooperative banks), credit unions, cash depositories, industrial banks, and similar" are omitted as surplus. In clause (1), the words "Commonwealth of the Philippine Islands" in section 22(h) of the Second Liberty Bond Act (ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288) are omitted because of Proclamation No. 2695 (July 24, 1946, 60 Stat. 1352) proclaiming the independence of the Philippines. In clause (3), the words "department or equivalent" are omitted as surplus. In clause (5), the word "duly" is omitted as surplus.

In subsection (e)(1), the words "by regulations" are omitted as unnecessary. The words "a way" are added, and the words "However, a check may become a bond" are substituted for "This subsection shall apply", for clarity.

In subsection (e)(2), the words "Except as provided in paragraph (2)" are omitted as unnecessary. The words "is deemed to be" are substituted for "shall be treated for all purposes of law as" because a legal fiction is intended. The words "calendar" and "In the case of . . . under this subsection" are omitted as surplus.

1983 Act
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large)
--- | --- | ---
3105(b)(1) | 31 App.:757c(b)(1) (2d sentence). | Sept. 3, 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, §289(a)(1)(A), (B), (D), 96 Stat. 571.
3105(b)(2) | 31 App.:757c(b)(3) |
3105(b)(3) | 31 App.:757c(b)(2). |
3105(c) | 31 App.:757c(b)(1) (3d sentence). | Sept. 3, 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, §289(a)(1)(C), 96 Stat. 571.

In subsection (b)(1), before clause (A), the words "and except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection" are added for clarity. In clause (B), the word "change'' is substituted for "provide for increases and decreases in" to eliminate unnecessary words. The word "investment" is omitted the 2d time it appears as surplus.

#### Editorial Notes

#### References in Text

The date of enactment of this subsection, referred to in subsec. (f)(2)(A), (3), is the date of enactment of Pub. L. 117–328, which was approved Dec. 29, 2022.

#### Amendments

2022—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 117–328 added subsec. (f).

1994—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 103–465 amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows:

"(b)(1) With the approval of the President and except as provided in paragraph (2) of this subsection, the Secretary may—

"(A) fix the investment yield for savings bonds; and

"(B) change the investment yield on an outstanding savings bond, except that the yield on a bond for the period held may not be decreased below the minimum yield for the period guaranteed on the date of issue.

"(2) The investment yield on a series E savings bond shall be at least 4 percent a year compounded semiannually beginning on the first day of the month beginning after the date of issue of the bond and ending on the last day of the month before the date of redemption.

"(3) With the approval of the President, the Secretary may prescribe regulations providing that—

"(A) owners of series E and H savings bonds may keep the bonds after maturity or after a period beyond maturity during which the bonds have earned interest and continue to earn interest at rates consistent with paragraph (1) of this subsection; and

"(B) series E and H savings bonds earning a different rate of interest before the regulations are prescribed shall earn a rate of interest consistent with paragraph (1)."

1986—Subsecs. (a), (e)(1). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954".

1983—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–452, §1(6), added par. (1) and redesignated former par. (1) as (2), in par. (2) as so redesignated, struck out provision that except as provided in former par. (2), the interest rate on, and the issue price of, savings bonds and savings certificates and the conditions under which they might be redeemed might not yield more than 5.5 percent a year compounded semiannually, struck out former par. (2) which provided that the Secretary with the President's approval might fix the yield on savings bonds at any percent per year compounded semiannually, but that total increases in a six-month period might not exceed one percent a year compounded semiannually, redesignated provisions of par. (3) as subpars. (A) and (B), and, in subpar. (B), as so redesignated, substituted provisions that series E and H savings bonds earning a different rate of interest before the regulations are prescribed shall earn a rate of interest consistent with par. (1) for provision that series E and H savings bonds earning a higher rate of interest before the regulations were prescribed would continue to earn a higher rate of interest consistent with par. (1).

Subsec. (c)(5). Pub. L. 97–452, §1(7), struck out "(expressed in terms of the maturity value)" after "denominations".

#### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

#### Effective Date of 2022 Amendment

Pub. L. 117–328, div. T, title I, §122(b), Dec. 29, 2022, 136 Stat. 5313, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall take effect on the date of enactment of this Act [Dec. 29, 2022]."

#### Effective Date of 1994 Amendment

Pub. L. 103–465, title VII, §745(b), Dec. 8, 1994, 108 Stat. 5011, provided that: "The amendment made by this section [amending this section] shall apply to bonds issued after October 31, 1994."

#### Transitional Rule

Pub. L. 97–248, title II, §289(b), Sept. 3, 1982, 96 Stat. 57, provided that for a savings bond issued before the 30th day after Sept. 3, 1982, for purposes of sections 757c and 757c–2 of former Title 31, the minimum yield for the period held is the scheduled investment yield for the period in effect on the 30th day.

#### Executive Documents

#### Ex. Ord. No. 11981. Interagency Committee for the Purchase of United States Bonds

Ex. Ord. No. 11981, Mar. 29, 1977, 42 F.R. 17095, provided:

By virtue of the authority vested in me by the Constitution and statutes of the United States of America, and as President of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. (a) There is hereby established the Interagency Committee for the Purchase of United States Savings Bonds (hereinafter referred to as the Committee). The Committee shall consist of a Chairman, who is to be appointed by the President for a term of two years, and the heads of Federal agencies. Each member of the Committee is responsible for the success of the Payroll Savings Program in his agency.

(b) Members of the Committee may designate an alternate, who shall serve as a member of the Committee whenever the regular member is unable to attend any meeting of the Committee. The alternate member may be authorized to act for the regular member in all appropriate matters relating to the Committee. In the case of an executive or military department, a Deputy Secretary or an Under Secretary may be designated as an alternate member. In the case of any other Federal agency, the alternate member shall be designated from among the officials thereof of appropriate rank.

(c) The Chairman will designate the Federal Payroll Savings Officer of the Savings Bonds Division, Department of the Treasury, to act as his liaison officer with members of the Committee.

Sec. 2. The Committee shall perform the following functions and duties:

(a) Formulating and presenting to the Federal agencies a plan of organization and sales promotion whereby the Payroll Savings Plan and Military Bond Allotment Plan, hereinafter referred to as the Plans, will be made available to all uniformed and civilian personnel of the government for the purchase of Savings Bonds, and whereby all such personnel will be urged to participate.

(b) Assisting the Federal agencies in installing the Plans and in solving any special problems that may develop in connection therewith.

(c) Acting as a clearinghouse for Federal agencies in compiling and disseminating such statistics and information with respect to the implementation and sales promotion of the Plans as may be appropriate.

(d) Recommending to the Federal agencies any methods for improvements in the program adopted pursuant to the Plans.

(e) The Committee will meet, and will be available to meet with the President, at least once each calendar year and at such other times as may be necessary to carry out its responsibilities.

Sec. 3. Each Federal agency shall institute and put into operation, as soon as practicable, a plan of organization and sales promotion recommended by the Committee, with such modifications as particular circumstances may render advisable.

Sec. 4. As used in this Order, the term "Federal agencies" means departments, agencies, and establishments of the Executive branch of the Government.

Sec. 5. This Order supersedes Executive Order No. 11532 of June 2, 1970.

Jimmy Carter.

#### Ex. Ord. No. 13968. Promoting Redemption of Savings Bonds

Ex. Ord. No. 13968, Dec. 18, 2020, 85 F.R. 83745, provided:

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:

Section 1. Purpose. Since 1935, the Department of the Treasury (Department) has issued savings bonds to the American public. Backed by the full faith and credit of the United States Government, these bonds are extremely safe investments that were designed to be accessible even to inexperienced investors. Indeed, over the years, savings bonds have proved to be a popular birthday or graduation gift, helping introduce younger Americans to the rewards of investing in our country's future. Among other things, savings bonds provided the United States with a critical source of financing during World War II.

By law, savings bonds never expire, and there is no deadline for owners to redeem them. It is currently estimated that more than 75 million matured savings bonds, issued as far back as 1935, remain unredeemed. The total value of these unredeemed savings bonds is approximately $27 billion.

Above and beyond any legal requirements applicable to savings bonds, the Department should take all appropriate action to make sure that those Americans who invested in the future success of their country have the opportunity to receive the remuneration to which they are lawfully entitled. Under my Administration, the Department has already undertaken significant measures to reunite matured savings bonds with their rightful owners. For example, the Department in 2019 released an online tool known as "Treasury Hunt" to help individuals determine if they are the owners of matured unredeemed savings bonds. This order is the next step in ensuring that owners of matured savings bonds have a full opportunity to redeem their bonds.

Sec. 2. Updating Records. The Department shall work to digitize and make electronically searchable sufficient information to identify the registered owner of any matured unredeemed savings bond, including the name and registered address of such owner and of any registered beneficiaries. In particular, the Department shall complete its ongoing pilot project to assess the feasibility and cost of digitizing and making these records searchable and accessible, which is being carried out in conjunction with multiple vendors, before the end of calendar year 2020. If the pilot project is successful, a vendor shall be selected to begin digitizing savings bond records. When digitizing records, the Department shall, to the extent feasible, focus first on the bond-issuance years that represent the highest percentage of matured unredeemed debt.

Sec. 3. Information Accessibility. Within 30 days of beginning to receive data from the digitization of records described in section 2 of this order, the Department shall incorporate into the data accessible through Treasury Hunt information collected from the digitized records, in a secure manner and consistent with applicable law, including the Privacy Act [5 U.S.C. 552a]. The Department shall work to ensure that this information can be used through Treasury Hunt to help individuals determine if they are the owners of matured unredeemed savings bonds.

Sec. 4. Customer Research. The Department shall conduct customer research to determine why individuals do not redeem savings bonds upon maturity, any barriers individuals encounter when they do attempt to redeem their bonds, and the feasibility of modifying redemption methods or developing alternative redemption methods in order to mitigate, overcome, or avoid any such barriers.

Sec. 5. Collaboration with States. The Department shall engage with States and State associations to obtain additional data and information to help the Department identify owners of unredeemed bonds, to learn best practices employed by the States regarding the redemption of mature bonds, and to encourage the States to add direct links to Treasury Hunt to States' unclaimed property websites or other appropriate State publications or information portals.

Sec. 6. Public Reporting. Within 6 months of the date of this order [Dec. 18, 2020], the Secretary of the Treasury shall publish a report on actions and initiatives undertaken by the Department to implement this order.

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, 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.

Donald J. Trump.

### §3106. Retirement and savings bonds

(a) With the approval of the President, the Secretary of the Treasury may issue retirement and savings bonds of the United States Government and may buy, redeem, and make refunds under section 3111 of this title. The proceeds from the bonds shall be used for expenditures authorized by law. Retirement and savings bonds may be issued only on a discount basis. The maturity period of the bonds shall be at least 10 years from the date of issue but not more than 30 years from the date of issue. The difference between the price paid and the amount received on redeeming a bond is interest under the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 1 et seq.).

(b) With the approval of the President, the Secretary may allow owners of retirement and savings bonds to keep the bonds after maturity and continue to earn interest on them at rates that are consistent with the rate of investment yield provided by retirement and savings bonds.

(c) Section 3105(c)(1)–(5) of this title applies to this section. Sections 3105(c)(6) and (d) and 3126 of this title apply to this section to the extent consistent with this section. The Secretary may prescribe the maximum amount of retirement and savings bonds issued under this section in a year that may be held by one person. However, the maximum amount shall be at least $3,000.

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 941; Pub. L. 97–452, §1(8), Jan. 12, 1983, 96 Stat. 2468; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095.)

Historical and Revision Notes
1982 Act
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large)
--- | --- | ---
3106(a) | 31:757c–2(a)(1st sentence), (b)(1)(1st sentence), (c)(1st sentence). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, §22A(a)–(c)(1st sentence), (d); added Nov. 8, 1966, Pub. L. 89–800, §5, 80 Stat. 1514.
3106(b) | 31:757c–2(b)(1)(2d sentence words after 1st comma), (2). |
3106(c) | 31:757c–2(a)(last sentence), (b)(1)(2d sentence words before 1st comma, 3d, last sentences), (d). |

In subsection (a), the words "In addition to the United States savings bonds authorized to be issued under section 757c of this title" are omitted as surplus. The words "through the United States Postal Service or otherwise" are omitted as surplus and unnecessary because of 39:411. The words "and may buy, redeem, and make refunds under section 3111 of this title" are added because of the restatement. The words "and to retire any outstanding obligations of the United States bearing interest or issued on a discount basis" are omitted as unnecessary because of section 3111 of the revised title. The words "as the terms thereof may provide" are omitted because of the restatement.

In subsection (b), the word "conditions" is substituted for "terms" for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. The words "by regulations" are omitted as unnecessary. The words "at their option" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (c), the words "Section 3105(c)(1)–(5) of this title applies to this section" are substituted for 31:757c–2(a)(last sentence) and (b)(1)(2d sentence words before 1st comma, 3d sentence) to eliminate unnecessary words. The words "by regulations" are omitted as unnecessary.

1983 Act
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large)
--- | --- | ---
3106(b) | 31 App.:757c–2 (b)(1) (2d sentence). | Sept. 3, 1982, Pub. L. 97–248, §289(a)(2), 96 Stat. 571.

#### Editorial Notes

#### Amendments

1986—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954".

1983—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 97–452 struck out provisions that the issue price of retirement and savings bonds and the conditions under which they could be redeemed could give an investment yield of not more than 5 percent a year compounded semiannually.

### §3107. Increasing interest rates and investment yields on retirement bonds

With the approval of the President, the Secretary of the Treasury may increase by regulation the interest rate or investment yield on an offering of bonds issued under this chapter that are described in sections 405(b) and 409(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. 405(b), 409(a)), as in effect before the enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1984. The increased yield shall be for interest accrual periods specified in the regulations so that the interest rate or investment yield on the bonds for those periods is consistent with the interest rate or investment yield on a new offering of those bonds.

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 941; Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, §491(d)(59), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 852.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large)
--- | --- | ---
3107 | 31:752(last par.). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, §1(last par.); added Dec. 24, 1980, Pub. L. 96–595, §2(a), 94 Stat. 3465.

The words "interest rate" are added for consistency in the chapter and with 26:405(b) and 409(a).

#### Editorial Notes

#### References in Text

Sections 405(b) and 409(a) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. 405(b), 409(a)), referred to in text, were repealed by Pub. L. 98–369, div. A, title IV, §491(a), (b), July 18, 1984, 98 Stat. 848.

Enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1984, referred to in text, means the date of enactment of division A of Pub. L. 98–369, which was approved July 18, 1984.

#### Amendments

1984—Pub. L. 98–369 inserted ", as in effect before the enactment of the Tax Reform Act of 1984" after "(26 U.S.C. 405(b), 409(a))".

#### Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

#### Effective Date of 1984 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 98–369 applicable to obligations issued after Dec. 31, 1983, see section 491(f)(1) of Pub. L. 98–369, set out as a note under section 62 of Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.

### §3108. Prohibition against circulation privilege

An obligation issued under sections 3102–3104(a)(1) and 3105–3107 of this title may not bear the circulation privilege.

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 942.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large)
--- | --- | ---
3108 | 31:753(d)(1st sentence). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, §18(d)(1st sentence); added Mar. 3, 1919, ch. 100, §1, 40 Stat. 1310.
| 31:757c(d)(last sentence). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, §22(d)(last sentence); added Feb. 4, 1935, ch. 5, §6, 49 Stat. 21; restated Feb. 19, 1941, ch. 7, §3, 55 Stat. 8.
| 31:757c–2(c)(last sentence). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, §22A(c)(last sentence); added Nov. 8, 1966, Pub. L. 89–800, §5, 80 Stat. 1515.
| 31:758. | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, §7(1st sentence), 40 Stat. 291.

The reference in 31:758 to certificates authorized under 31:757 is omitted because the authority under 31:757 was ended by section 2(b)(3) of the Public Debt Act of 1941 (ch. 7, 55 Stat. 7).

### §3109. Tax and loss bonds

(a) The Secretary of the Treasury may issue tax and loss bonds of the United States Government and may buy, redeem, and make refunds under section 3111 of this title. The proceeds of the tax and loss bonds shall be used for expenditures authorized by law. Tax and loss bonds are nontransferrable except as provided by the Secretary, bear no interest, and shall be issued in amounts needed to allow persons to comply with section 832(e) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 832(e)). The Secretary may prescribe the amount of tax and loss bonds and the conditions under which the bonds will be issued as required by section 832(e).

(b) For a taxable year in which amounts are deducted from the mortgage guaranty account referred to in section 832(e)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 832(e)(3)), an amount of tax and loss bonds bought under section 832(e)(2) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 832(e)(2)) shall be redeemed for the amount deducted from the account. The amount redeemed shall be applied as necessary to pay taxes due because of the inclusion under section 832(b)(1)(E) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (26 U.S.C. 832(b)(1)(E)) of amounts in gross income. The Secretary also may prescribe additional ways to redeem the bonds.

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 942; Pub. L. 99–514, §2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large)
--- | --- | ---
3109(a) | 31:757c–3(1st–3d sentences). | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, §26; added Jan. 2, 1968, Pub. L. 90–240, §5(f), 81 Stat. 778.
3109(b) | 31:757c–3(4th, last sentences). |

In subsection (a), the words "and may buy, redeem, and make refunds under section 3111 of this title" are substituted for "and to retire any outstanding obligations of the United States issued under this Act" for consistency. The words "subject to the limitations imposed by section 757b of this title" are omitted as surplus. The word "conditions" is substituted for "terms and conditions" because it is inclusive.

#### Editorial Notes

#### Amendments

1986—Pub. L. 99–514 substituted "Internal Revenue Code of 1986" for "Internal Revenue Code of 1954" wherever appearing.

### §3110. Sale of obligations of governments of foreign countries

(a) With the approval of the President, the Secretary of the Treasury may sell obligations of the government of a foreign country when the obligations were acquired under—

(1) the First Liberty Bond Act and matured before June 16, 1947;

(2) the Second Liberty Bond Act and matured before October 16, 1938; or

(3) section 7(a) of the Victory Liberty Loan Act.

(b) The Secretary may prescribe the conditions and frequency for receiving payment under obligations of a government of a foreign country acquired under the laws referred to in subsection (a) of this section. A sale of an obligation acquired under those Acts shall at least equal the purchase price and accrued interest. The proceeds of obligations sold under this section and payments received from governments on the principal of their obligations shall be used to redeem or buy (for not more than par value and accrued interest) bonds of the United States Government issued under this chapter. If those bonds cannot be redeemed or bought, the Secretary shall redeem or buy other outstanding interest-bearing obligations of the Government that are subject to redemption or which can be bought at not more than par value and accrued interest.

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 942.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large)
--- | --- | ---
3110 | 31:801. | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, §3, 40 Stat. 289.
| 31:802, 803. | Mar. 3, 1919, ch. 100, §§7(b), 8, 40 Stat. 1312, 1313.
| 31:804. | Apr. 24, 1917, ch. 4, §3, 40 Stat. 35.

In the section, the words "government of a foreign country" are substituted for "foreign governments" for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code.

In subsection (a), the text of 31:801 and 802 (related to converting certain obligations of foreign governments into obligations bearing a higher rate of interest or with a longer term to maturity) is omitted as executed.

In subsection (b), the text of 31:804 is omitted as unnecessary. The word "conditions" is substituted for "terms and conditions" because it is inclusive. The words "unless otherwise hereafter provided by law" are omitted as surplus.

#### Editorial Notes

#### References in Text

The First Liberty Bond Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(1), is act Apr. 24, 1917, ch. 4, 40 Stat. 35, which enacted sections 746, 755, 755a, 759, 764, 774, and 804 of former Title 31 and section 462a of Title 12, Banks and Banking, and amended sections 745 and 768 of former Title 31, and was repealed by Pub. L. 97–258, §5(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1072.

The Second Liberty Bond Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(2), is act Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, which enacted sections 747, 752 to 754b, 757, 757b, 757c to 757e, 758, 760, 765, 766, 771, 773, and 801 and amended sections 745, 764, 769, and 774 of former Title 31, and was repealed by Pub. L. 97–258, §5(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1072.

Section 7(a) of the Victory Liberty Loan Act, referred to in subsec. (a)(3), is section 7(a) of act Mar. 3, 1919, ch. 100, 40 Stat. 1309, and was repealed by Pub. L. 97–258, §5(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1072.

### §3111. New issue used to buy, redeem, or refund outstanding obligations

An obligation may be issued under this chapter to buy, redeem, or refund, at or before maturity, outstanding bonds, notes, certificates of indebtedness, Treasury bills, or savings certificates of the United States Government. Under regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury, money received from the sale of an obligation and other money in the general fund of the Treasury may be used in making the purchases, redemptions, or refunds.

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 942.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large)
--- | --- | ---
3111 | 31:754a. | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, §19; added Jan. 30, 1934, ch. 6, §14(a)(4), 48 Stat. 343; restated Mar. 28, 1942, ch. 205, §4, 56 Stat. 189.

The words "regulations of" are substituted for "rules, regulations, terms, and conditions . . . may prescribe" to eliminate unnecessary words.

### §3112. Sinking fund for retiring and cancelling bonds and notes

(a) The Department of the Treasury has a sinking fund for retiring bonds and notes issued under this chapter. Amounts in the fund are appropriated for payment of bonds and notes at maturity or for their redemption or purchase before maturity by the Secretary of the Treasury. The fund is available until all the bonds and notes are retired.

(b) For each fiscal year, an amount is appropriated equal to—

(1) the interest that would have been payable during the fiscal year for which the appropriation is made on the bonds and notes bought, redeemed, or paid out of the fund during that or prior years;

(2) 2.5 percent of the total amount of bonds and notes issued under the First Liberty Bond Act, the Second Liberty Bond Act, the Third Liberty Bond Act, the Fourth Liberty Bond Act, and the Victory Liberty Loan Act and outstanding on July 1, 1920, less an amount equal to the par amount of obligations of governments of foreign countries that the United States Government held on July 1, 1920; and

(3) 2.5 percent of the total amount expended after June 29, 1933, from appropriations made or authorized in sections 301 and 302 of the Emergency Relief and Construction Act of 1932.

(c) The Secretary may prescribe the price and conditions for paying, redeeming, and buying bonds and notes under this section. The average cost of bonds and notes bought under this section may not be more than par value and accrued interest. Bonds and notes bought, redeemed, or paid out of the sinking fund must be canceled and retired and may not be reissued.

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 943.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large)
--- | --- | ---
3112(a) | 31:767(less 2d sentence related to price, terms, and conditions, 3d, 4th sentences). | Mar. 3, 1919, ch. 100, §6, 40 Stat. 1311; Mar. 2, 1923, ch. 179, 42 Stat. 1427; May 29, 1928, ch. 901, §1(21), 45 Stat. 987; Jan. 30, 1934, ch. 6, §14(b), 48 Stat. 344.
3112(b) | 31:767(last sentence). |
| 31:767b. | Mar. 3, 1933, ch. 212, §1(last par. on p. 1492), 47 Stat. 1492; Mar. 15, 1934, ch. 70, §1(2d complete par. on p. 428), 48 Stat. 428.
3112(c) | 31:767(2d sentence related to price, terms, and conditions, 3d, 4th sentences). |

In subsection (a), the word "cumulative" is omitted as surplus. The words "under this chapter" are substituted for "under the First Liberty Bond Act, the Second Liberty Bond Act, the Third Liberty Bond Act, the Fourth Liberty Bond Act, or under this Act, and outstanding on July 1, 1920, and of bonds and notes thereafter issued, under any of such Acts or under any of such Acts as amended" to eliminate unnecessary words, reference to laws that have been executed, and to reflect consolidation of the public debt authority in the revised chapter. The words "and all additions thereto" are omitted as surplus.

Subsection (b)(1) and (2) is substituted for 31:767(last sentence) to eliminate unnecessary words.

In subsection (b)(3), the text of 31:767b(related to 31:767a) is omitted as obsolete.

In subsection (c), the word "conditions" is substituted for "terms and conditions" because it is inclusive.

#### Editorial Notes

#### References in Text

The First Liberty Bond Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is act Apr. 24, 1917, ch. 4, 40 Stat. 35, which enacted sections 746, 755, 755a, 759, 764, 774, and 804 of former Title 31 and section 462a of Title 12, Banks and Banking, and amended sections 745 and 768 of former Title 31, and was repealed by Pub. L. 97–258, §5(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1072.

The Second Liberty Bond Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is act Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, which enacted sections 747, 752 to 754b, 757, 757b, 757c to 757e, 758, 760, 765, 766, 771, 773, and 801 and amended sections 745, 764, 769, and 774 of former Title 31, and was repealed by Pub. L. 97–258, §5(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1072.

The Third Liberty Bond Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is act Apr. 4, 1918, ch. 44, 40 Stat. 502, which enacted sections 765, 766, and 774 and amended sections 752, 752a, 754, and 771 of former Title 31, and was repealed by Pub. L. 97–258, §5(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1072.

The Fourth Liberty Bond Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is act July 9, 1918, ch. 142, 40 Stat. 844, which enacted sections 750 and 772 and amended sections 752 and 774 of former Title 31, and was repealed by Pub. L. 97–258, §5(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1072.

The Victory Liberty Loan Act, referred to in subsec. (b)(2), is act Mar. 3, 1919, ch. 100, 40 Stat. 1309, which enacted sections 749, 753, 763, 767, 802, and 803 and amended sections 750, 754, and 774 of former Title 31 and section 343 of Title 15, Commerce and Trade, and was repealed by Pub. L. 97–258, §5(b), Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 1072.

Sections 301 and 302 of the Emergency Relief and Construction Act of 1932, referred to in subsec. (b)(3), are sections 301 and 302 of act July 21, 1932, ch. 520, 47 Stat. 709, which are not classified to the Code.

### §3113. Accepting gifts

(a) To provide the people of the United States with an opportunity to make gifts to the United States Government to be used to reduce the public debt—

(1) the Secretary of the Treasury may accept for the Government a gift of—

(A) money made only on the condition that it be used to reduce the public debt;

(B) an obligation of the Government included in the public debt made only on the condition that the obligation be canceled and retired and not reissued; and

(C) other intangible personal property made only on the condition that the property is sold and the proceeds from the sale used to reduce the public debt; and

(2) the Administrator of General Services may accept for the Government a gift of tangible property made only on the condition that it be sold and the proceeds from the sale be used to reduce the public debt.

(b) The Secretary and the Administrator each may reject a gift under this section when the rejection is in the interest of the Government.

(c) The Secretary and the Administrator shall convert a gift either of them accepts under subsection (a)(1)(C) or (2) of this section to money on the best terms available. If a gift accepted under subsection (a) of this section is subject to a gift or inheritance tax, the Secretary or the Administrator may pay the tax out of the proceeds of the gift or the proceeds of the redemption or sale of the gift.

(d) The Treasury has an account into which money received as gifts and proceeds from the sale or redemption of gifts under this section shall be deposited. The Secretary shall use the money in the account to pay at maturity, or to redeem or buy before maturity, an obligation of the Government included in the public debt. An obligation of the Government that is paid, redeemed, or bought with money from the account shall be canceled and retired and may not be reissued. Money deposited in the account is appropriated and may be expended to carry out this section.

(e)(1) The Secretary shall redeem a direct obligation of the Government bearing interest or sold on a discount basis on receiving it when the obligation—

(A) is given to the Government;

(B) becomes the property of the Government under the conditions of a trust; or

(C) is payable on the death of the owner to the Government (or to an officer of the Government in the officer's official capacity).

(2) If the gift or transfer to the Government is subject to a gift or inheritance tax, the Secretary shall pay the tax out of the proceeds of redemption.

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 943.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised Section | Source (U.S. Code) | Source (Statutes at Large)
--- | --- | ---
3113(a) | 31:901(less (b)(proviso)). | June 27, 1961, Pub. L. 87–58, 75 Stat. 119.
3113(b) | 31:901(b)(proviso). |
3113(c) | 31:902, 903. |
3113(d) | 31:904. |
3113(e) | 31:757e. | Sept. 24, 1917, ch. 56, 40 Stat. 288, §24; added Apr. 3, 1945, ch. 51, §4, 59 Stat. 48.

In subsection (a), before clause (1), the words "In order" are omitted as surplus. The words "To provide" are substituted for "to afford" for clarity. The words "for the purpose" are omitted as unnecessary. In clauses (1) and (2), the word "for" is substituted for "on behalf of" for consistency. The word "realized" is omitted as surplus. In clause (2), the word "tangible" is substituted for "real or personal" to eliminate unnecessary words.

In subsections (b) and (c), the words "as the case may be" are omitted as unnecessary.

In subsection (c), the words "under applicable law" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (d), the words "on the books of" and "special" are omitted as surplus. The words "proceeds from the sale or redemption of gifts" are substituted for "all money received as a result of the conversion into money of gifts of property other than money received" for clarity and consistency.

In subsection (e)(1), the word "Secretary" is substituted for "Treasurer of the United States" because of the source provisions restated in section 321(c) of the revised title. In clause (A), the word "given" is substituted for "is donated . . . is bequeathed by will" to eliminate unnecessary words. In clause (B), the word "conditions" is substituted for "terms" for consistency in the revised title and with other titles of the United States Code. In clause (C), the words "by its terms" are omitted as surplus.

In subsection (e)(2), the words "under applicable law" and "bequest" are omitted as surplus. The words "and shall deposit the balance in the Treasury as miscellaneous receipts or as otherwise authorized by law" are omitted as surplus because of section 3302(a) of the revised title. The text of 31:757e(last sentence) is omitted because of the restatement.