As used in this chapter, unless the context otherwise requires— “ document ” means a Presidential proclamation or Executive order and an order, regulation, rule, certificate, code of fair competition, license, notice, or similar instrument, issued, prescribed, or promulgated by a Federal agency ; “ Federal agency ” or “agency” means the President of the United States, or an executive department, independent board, establishment, bureau, agency, institution, commission, or separate office of the administrative branch of the Government of the United States but not the legislative or judicial branches of the Government; “ person ” means an individual, partnership, association, or corporation; “ publish ” means to circulate for sale or distribution to the public, as determined by the Administrative Committee of the Federal Register; and “ National Archives of the United States ” has the same meaning as in section 2901(11) of this title . ( Pub. L. 90–620 , Oct. 22, 1968 , 82 Stat. 1273 ; Pub. L. 98–497, title I, § 107(b)(2) , Oct. 19, 1984 , 98 Stat. 2286 ; Pub. L. 118–267, § 2(b) , Jan. 4, 2025 , 138 Stat. 2983 .) Historical and Revision Notes Based on 44 U.S. C ode, 1964 ed., § 304 (July 26, 1935, ch. 417, § 4, 49 Stat. 501 ). Editorial Notes Amendments 2025— Pub. L. 118–267 inserted definition of “publish” . 1984— Pub. L. 98–497 inserted definition of “National Archives of the United States” . Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries Effective Date of 1984 Amendment Amendment by Pub. L. 98–497 effective Apr. 1, 1985 , see section 301 of Pub. L. 98–497 , set out as a note under section 2102 of this title .