Us Code § 1347 - Appropriations or authorizations required for agencies in existence for more than one year

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 1347 — Appropriations or authorizations required for agencies in existence for more than one year, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 1347. Appropriations or authorizations required for agencies in existence for more than one year

(a) An agency in existence for more than one year may not use amounts otherwise available for obligation to pay its expenses without a specific appropriation or specific authorization by law. If the principal duties and powers of the agency are substantially the same as or similar to the duties and powers of an agency established by executive order, the agency established later is deemed to have been in existence from the date the agency established by the order came into existence.

(b) Except as specifically authorized by law, another agency may not use amounts available for obligation to pay expenses to carry out duties and powers substantially the same as or similar to the principal duties and powers of an agency that is prohibited from using amounts under this section.

(Pub. L. 97–258, Sept. 13, 1982, 96 Stat. 925.)

Historical and Revision Notes
Revised SectionSource (U.S. Code)Source (Statutes at Large)
1347(a) 31:696(1st, 2d sentences). June 27, 1944, ch. 286, §213, 58 Stat. 387.
1347(b) 31:696(last sentence).

In the section, the word "agency" is substituted for "agency or instrumentality" because of section 101 of the revised title and for consistency. The words "amounts otherwise available for obligation" are substituted for "any appropriation or fund made available by this or any other Act", and the words "duties and powers" are substituted for "functions", for consistency in the revised title.

In subsection (a), the words "After January 1, 1945" are omitted as executed. The words "including those established by Executive order" are omitted the first time they appear as surplus. The words "from the date . . . came into existence" are substituted for "during the existence" for clarity.

In subsection (b), the word "amounts" is substituted for "appropriations" for consistency in the revised title.

About This Section

31 U.S.C. § 1347 is part of Title 31 of the United States Code. The United States Code is the official codification of federal statutes maintained by the Office of the Law Revision Counsel of the U.S. House of Representatives. Congress amends the Code through new public laws, which are eventually incorporated into the relevant title.

This section may be cited in legal writing as 31 U.S.C. § 1347. For the most current official text, including any recent amendments, use the official source links below. Do not rely on this page as the sole authority for legal citation or litigation.

How to Read This Statute

Statutes are organized by title, chapter, section, and subsection. Pay attention to words like "shall," "may," "and," and "or," because they determine whether a requirement is mandatory or permissive and whether multiple conditions must all be met. Historical notes and amendments often appear at the end of a section.

Using This Page

This page is intended for research and educational use. Lawyers, students, journalists, and compliance professionals can use it as a starting point, but should always verify the current text through an official government source before relying on it for legal advice, filings, or compliance decisions.

Sources

Source: official Us Code text · Last verified 2026-08-27

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 1347

What does United States Code § 1347 cover?

Section 1347 ("Appropriations or authorizations required for agencies in existence for more than one year") is part of the United States Code, the codified statutory law of Us Code. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.

How do I cite Us Code § 1347?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 1347" (Us Code). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.

Is this the official text of Us Code law?

No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Us Code official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Us Code attorney.

How does Us Code § 1347 apply to my situation?

Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Us Code can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.

Sources & Verification

Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Us Code.