Us Code § 158a - Temporary possession of gifts of money or securities to Library of Congress; investment

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 158a — Temporary possession of gifts of money or securities to Library of Congress; investment, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 158a. Temporary possession of gifts of money or securities to Library of Congress; investment

In the case of a gift of money or securities offered to the Library of Congress, if, because of conditions attached by the donor or similar considerations, expedited action is necessary, the Librarian of Congress may take temporary possession of the gift, subject to approval under section 156 of this title. The gift shall be receipted for and invested, reinvested, or retained as provided in section 157 of this title, except that—

(1) a gift of securities may not be invested or reinvested; and

(2) any investment or reinvestment of a gift of money shall be made in an interest bearing obligation of the United States or an obligation guaranteed as to principal and interest by the United States.


If the gift is not so approved within the 12-month period after the Librarian so takes possession, the principal of the gift shall be returned to the donor and any income earned during that period shall be available for use with respect to the Library of Congress as provided by law.

(Mar. 3, 1925, ch. 423, §2 (par.), as added Pub. L. 102–246, §3, Feb. 18, 1992, 106 Stat. 31.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Section is comprised of fourth par. of section 2 of act Mar. 3, 1925, as added by Pub. L. 102–246. First, second, and third pars. of section 2 are classified to sections 156, 157, and 158 of this title, respectively.

About This Section

2 U.S.C. § 158a is part of Title 2 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 2 U.S.C. § 158a. 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

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Sources

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 158a

What does United States Code § 158a cover?

Section 158a ("Temporary possession of gifts of money or securities to Library of Congress; investment") 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 § 158a?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 158a" (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 § 158a 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.