In determining the meaning of any Act of Congress , unless the context indicates otherwise— words importing the singular include and apply to several persons, parties, or things; words importing the plural include the singular; words importing the masculine gender include the feminine as well; words used in the present tense include the future as well as the present; the words “insane” and “insane person” shall include every idiot, insane person, and person non compos mentis; the words “person” and “whoever” include corporations, companies, associations, firms, partnerships, societies, and joint stock companies, as well as individuals; “officer” includes any person authorized by law to perform the duties of the office; “signature” or “subscription” includes a mark when the person making the same intended it as such; “oath” includes affirmation, and “sworn” includes affirmed; “writing” includes printing and typewriting and reproductions of visual symbols by photographing, multigraphing, mimeographing, manifolding, or otherwise. (July 30, 1947, ch. 388, 61 Stat. 633 ; June 25, 1948, ch. 645, § 6, 62 Stat. 859 ; Oct. 31, 1951, ch. 655, § 1, 65 Stat. 710 ; Pub. L. 112–231, § 2(a) , Dec. 28, 2012 , 126 Stat. 1619 .) Editorial Notes Amendments 2012— Pub. L. 112–231 , in fifth clause after opening clause, struck out “and ‘lunatic’ ” before “shall include every” and “lunatic,” before “insane person,”. 1951—Act Oct. 31, 1951 , substituted, in fourth clause after opening clause, “used” for “use”. 1948—Act June 25, 1948 , included “tense”, “whoever”, “signature”, “subscription”, “writing” and a broader definition of “person”. Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries Short Title of 2022 Amendment Pub. L. 117–228, § 1 , Dec. 13, 2022 , 136 Stat. 2305 , provided that: “This Act [enacting section 1738C of Title 28 , Judiciary and Judicial Procedure, amending section 7 of this title , repealing section 1738C of Title 28 , and enacting provisions set out as notes under section 7 of this title ] may be cited as the ‘Respect for Marriage Act’.” Short Title of 2012 Amendment Pub. L. 112–231, § 1 , Dec. 28, 2012 , 126 Stat. 1619 , provided that: “This Act [amending this section and sections 92a, 215, and 215a of Title 12, Banks and Banking] may be cited as the ‘21st Century Language Act of 2012’.” Short Title of 2002 Amendment Pub. L. 107–207, § 1 , Aug. 5, 2002 , 116 Stat. 926 , provided that: “This Act [enacting section 8 of this title ] may be cited as the ‘ Born-Alive Infants Protection Act of 2002 ’.” Short Title of 1996 Amendment Pub. L. 104–199, § 1 , Sept. 21, 1996 , 110 Stat. 2419 , provided that: “This Act [enacting section 7 of this title and section 1738C of Title 28 , Judiciary and Judicial Procedure] may be cited as the ‘ Defense of Marriage Act ’.” References in Pub. L. 119–103 Pub. L. 119–103, § 3 , Sept. 2, 2026 , 140 Stat. 987 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2027, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 119–86 Pub. L. 119–86, § 3 , Apr. 30, 2026 , 140 Stat. 773 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Homeland Security and Further Additional Continuing Appropriations Act, 2026, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 119–75 Pub. L. 119–75, § 3 , Feb. 3, 2026 , 140 Stat. 174 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2026, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 119–74 Pub. L. 119–74, § 3 , Jan. 23, 2026 , 140 Stat. 5 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Commerce, Justice, Science; Energy and Water Development; and Interior and Environment Appropriations Act, 2026, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 119–60 Pub. L. 119–60, § 3(1) , Dec. 18, 2025 , 139 Stat. 748 , provided that: “In this Act [National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026, see Tables for classification]: “(1) In divisions A through D, the term ‘this Act’ refers to divisions A through D.” References in Pub. L. 119–37 Pub. L. 119–37, § 3 , Nov. 12, 2025 , 139 Stat. 496 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Continuing Appropriations, Agriculture, Legislative Branch, Military Construction and Veterans Affairs , and Extensions Act, 2026, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 119–4 Pub. L. 119–4, § 3 , Mar. 15, 2025 , 139 Stat. 10 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Full-Year Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 118–159 Pub. L. 118–159, § 3(1) , Dec. 23, 2024 , 138 Stat. 1799 , provided that: “In this Act [Servicemember Quality of Life Improvement and National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2025, see Tables for classification]: “(1) In divisions A through D, the term ‘this Act’ refers to divisions A through D.” References in Pub. L. 118–158 Pub. L. 118–158, § 3 , Dec. 21, 2024 , 138 Stat. 1723 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2025, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 118–83 Pub. L. 118–83, § 3 , Sept. 26, 2024 , 138 Stat. 1524 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2025, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 118–47 Pub. L. 118–47, § 3 , Mar. 23, 2024 , 138 Stat. 461 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 118–42 Pub. L. 118–42, § 3 , Mar. 9, 2024 , 138 Stat. 26 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2024, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 117–328 Pub. L. 117–328, § 3 , Dec. 29, 2022 , 136 Stat. 4461 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2023, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 117–229 Pub. L. 117–229, § 3 , Dec. 16, 2022 , 136 Stat. 2308 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Further Continuing Appropriations and Extensions Act, 2023, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 117–103 Pub. L. 117–103, § 3 , Mar. 15, 2022 , 136 Stat. 51 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2022, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 117–58 Pub. L. 117–58, § 2 , Nov. 15, 2021 , 135 Stat. 442 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 117–43 Pub. L. 117–43, § 3 , Sept. 30, 2021 , 135 Stat. 344 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Extending Government Funding and Delivering Emergency Assistance Act, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 116–260 Pub. L. 116–260, § 3 , Dec. 27, 2020 , 134 Stat. 1185 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2021, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” Pub. L. 116–260, div. K, title VII, § 7034(q)(7) , Dec. 27, 2020 , 134 Stat. 1754 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in titles I through VII [of div. K of Pub. L. 116–260 , see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of such titles.” References in Pub. L. 116–159 Pub. L. 116–159, § 3 , Oct. 1, 2020 , 134 Stat. 709 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 116–136 Pub. L. 116–136, § 3 , Mar. 27, 2020 , 134 Stat. 285 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act or the CARES Act, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 116–127 Pub. L. 116–127, § 3 , Mar. 18, 2020 , 134 Stat. 178 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Families First Coronavirus Response Act, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 116–94 Pub. L. 116–94, § 3 , Dec. 20, 2019 , 133 Stat. 2536 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Further Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” Pub. L. 116–94, div. F, title VI, § 612 , Dec. 20, 2019 , 133 Stat. 2815 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in this division [div. F of Pub. L. 116–94 , see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of this division.” Pub. L. 116–94, div. H, title IV, § 420 , Dec. 20, 2019 , 133 Stat. 3017 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in this division [div. H of Pub. L. 116–94 , see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of this division.” References in Pub. L. 116–93 Pub. L. 116–93, § 3 , Dec. 20, 2019 , 133 Stat. 2318 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2020, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 116–6 Pub. L. 116–6, § 3 , Feb. 15, 2019 , 133 Stat. 14 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2019, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 115–245 Pub. L. 115–245, § 3 , Sept. 28, 2018 , 132 Stat. 2981 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [ Department of Defense and Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education Appropriations Act, 2019 and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2019, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 115–244 Pub. L. 115–244, § 3 , Sept. 21, 2018 , 132 Stat. 2897 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Energy and Water, Legislative Branch, and Military Construction and Veterans Affairs Appropriations Act, 2019, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 115–141 Pub. L. 115–141, § 3 , Mar. 23, 2018 , 132 Stat. 350 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2018, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 115–56 Pub. L. 115–56, § 3 , Sept. 8, 2017 , 131 Stat. 1129 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Continuing Appropriations Act, 2018 and Supplemental Appropriations for Disaster Relief Requirements Act, 2017, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 115–31 Pub. L. 115–31, § 3 , May 5, 2017 , 131 Stat. 137 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 114–113 Pub. L. 114–113, § 3 , Dec. 18, 2015 , 129 Stat. 2244 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2016, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 114–94 Pub. L. 114–94, div. A, § 1004 , Dec. 4, 2015 , 129 Stat. 1322 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in this division [see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of this division.” References in Pub. L. 113–235 Pub. L. 113–235, § 3 , Dec. 16, 2014 , 128 Stat. 2132 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 113–76 Pub. L. 113–76, § 3 , Jan. 17, 2014 , 128 Stat. 7 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2014, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 113–67 Pub. L. 113–67, div. A, § 1(c) , Dec. 26, 2013 , 127 Stat. 1166 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [Bipartisan Budget Act of 2013, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 113–6 Pub. L. 113–6, § 3 , Mar. 26, 2013 , 127 Stat. 199 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in division A, B, C, D, or E of this Act [Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2013, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 112–74 Pub. L. 112–74, § 3 , Dec. 23, 2011 , 125 Stat. 787 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [ Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2012 , see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 112–55 Pub. L. 112–55, § 3 , Nov. 18, 2011 , 125 Stat. 552 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [ Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2012 , see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 112–10 Pub. L. 112–10, div. A, title IX, § 9015 , Apr. 15, 2011 , 125 Stat. 102 , provided that: “Any reference to ‘this Act’ in this division [ Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2011 , see Tables for classification] shall apply solely to this division.” References in Pub. L. 111–118 Pub. L. 111–118, § 3 , Dec. 19, 2009 , 123 Stat. 3409 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [ Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010 , see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 111–117 Pub. L. 111–117, § 3 , Dec. 16, 2009 , 123 Stat. 3035 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [ Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2010 , see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 111–8 Pub. L. 111–8, § 3 , Mar. 11, 2009 , 123 Stat. 525 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [ Omnibus Appropriations Act, 2009 , see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 111–5 Pub. L. 111–5, § 4 , Feb. 17, 2009 , 123 Stat. 116 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [ American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 , see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 110–329 Pub. L. 110–329, § 3 , Sept. 30, 2008 , 122 Stat. 3574 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ or ‘this joint resolution’ contained in any division of this Act [Consolidated Security, Disaster Assistance, and Continuing Appropriations Act, 2009, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 110–161 Pub. L. 110–161, § 3 , Dec. 26, 2007 , 121 Stat. 1845 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [ Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2008 , see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 110–116 Pub. L. 110–116, § 2 , Nov. 13, 2007 , 121 Stat. 1295 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referencing only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 109–289 Pub. L. 109–289, div. A, title VIII, § 8112 , Sept. 29, 2006 , 120 Stat. 1299 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in this division [ Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2007 , see Tables for classification] shall be referring only to the provisions of this division.” References in Pub. L. 109–148 Pub. L. 109–148, div. B, title V, § 5002 , Dec. 30, 2005 , 119 Stat. 2813 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in either division A [ Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2006 , see Tables for classification] or division B [Emergency Supplemental Appropriations Act to Address Hurricanes in the Gulf of Mexico and Pandemic Influenza, 2006, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 109–115 Pub. L. 109–115, div. A, title VIII, § 847 , Nov. 30, 2005 , 119 Stat. 2507 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in this division [Transportation, Treasury, Housing and Urban Development, the Judiciary, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act, 2006, see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of this division.” References in Pub. L. 108–447 Pub. L. 108–447, § 3 , Dec. 8, 2004 , 118 Stat. 2810 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [ Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005 , see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 108–199 Pub. L. 108–199, § 3 , Jan. 23, 2004 , 118 Stat. 4 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this Act [ Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2004 , see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” References in Pub. L. 108–7 Pub. L. 108–7, § 3 , Feb. 20, 2003 , 117 Stat. 12 , provided that: “Except as expressly provided otherwise, any reference to ‘this Act’ contained in any division of this joint resolution [ Consolidated Appropriations Resolution, 2003 , see Tables for classification] shall be treated as referring only to the provisions of that division.” Continental United States Pub. L. 86–70, § 48 , June 25, 1959 , 73 Stat. 154 , provided that: “Whenever the phrase ‘continental United States’ is used in any law of the United States enacted after the date of enactment of this Act [ June 25, 1959 ], it shall mean the 49 States on the North American Continent and the District of Columbia, unless otherwise expressly provided.”