§1501 — Title 31 Money and Finance | U.S. Code

Summary

The government can only record an amount as an obligation when there is written proof showing it fits one of nine allowed types. These include a written, law‑allowed contract signed before the funding period ends for goods, property, or services; a loan with repayment terms; orders the law requires; orders without advertising for emergencies, perishable food, or small purchases; grants or subsidies that are fixed by law, under authorized agreements, or under approved plans; potential costs from lawsuits; employee pay or travel expenses; public utility bills; and other legal liabilities charged to an available appropriation or fund. When an agency tells Congress about its obligations, it must report only the amounts that meet these rules.

Title 31, §1501

Money and Finance — Source: USLM XML via OLRC

(a)An amount shall be recorded as an obligation of the United States Government only when supported by documentary evidence of—

(1)a binding agreement between an agency and another person (including an agency) that is—

(A)in writing, in a way and form, and for a purpose authorized by law; and

(B)executed before the end of the period of availability for obligation of the appropriation or fund used for specific goods to be delivered, real property to be bought or leased, or work or service to be provided;

(2)a loan agreement showing the amount and terms of repayment;

(3)an order required by law to be placed with an agency;

(4)an order issued under a law authorizing purchases without advertising—

(A)when necessary because of a public exigency;

(B)for perishable subsistence supplies; or

(C)within specific monetary limits;

(5)a grant or subsidy payable—

(A)from appropriations made for payment of, or contributions to, amounts required to be paid in specific amounts fixed by law or under formulas prescribed by law;

(B)under an agreement authorized by law; or

(C)under plans approved consistent with and authorized by law;

(6)a liability that may result from pending litigation;

(7)employment or services of persons or expenses of travel under law;

(8)services provided by public utilities; or

(9)other legal liability of the Government against an available appropriation or fund.

(b)A statement of obligations provided to Congress or a committee of Congress by an agency shall include only those amounts that are obligations consistent with subsection (a) of this section.

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large) 1501(a)31:200(a).Aug. 26, 1954, ch. 935, § 1311(a), (e), 68 Stat. 830, 831. 1501(b)31:200(e). In subsection (a), before clause (1), the words “After August 26, 1954” are omitted as executed. In clause (1), the words “an agency and another person (including an agency)” are substituted for “the parties thereto, including Government agencies” for clarity. In clause (2), the word “valid” is omitted as unnecessary. In clause (6), the words “brought under authority of law” are omitted as surplus. In clause (9), the word “legally” is omitted as surplus. In subsection (b), the words “consistent with” are substituted for “as defined in” for clarity and for consistency with section 1108 of the revised title. The word “valid” is omitted as unnecessary.

§1501 Documentary evidence requirement for Government obligations

Summary

Title 31, §1501

Notes & Related Subsidiaries

Historical and Revision Notes

Citations & Metadata