Us Code § 278b - Working Capital Fund

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 278b — Working Capital Fund, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 278b. Working Capital Fund

(a) Utilization

The Institute is authorized to utilize in the performance of its functions the Working Capital Fund established by the Act of June 29, 1950 (64 Stat. 275).

(b) Availability of Fund

The working capital of the fund shall be available for obligation and payment for any activities authorized by this chapter, and for any activities for which provision is made in the appropriations which reimburse the fund.

(c) Reimbursements

In the performance of authorized activities, the Working Capital Fund shall be available and may be reimbursed for expenses of hire of automobile, hire of consultants, and travel to meetings, to the extent that such expenses are authorized for the appropriations of the Department of Commerce.

(d) Credits

The fund may be credited with advances and reimbursements, including receipts from non-Federal sources, for services performed under the authority of section 273 of this title.

(e) "Cost" defined

As used in this chapter, the term "cost" shall be construed to include directly related expenses and appropriate charges for indirect and administrative expenses.

(f) Distribution of earnings; restoration of prior impairment

The amount of any earned net income resulting from the operation of the fund at the close of each fiscal year shall be paid into the general fund of the Treasury: Provided, That such earned net income may be applied to restore any prior impairment of the fund, and to ensure the availability of working capital necessary to replace equipment and inventories.

(Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, §12, as added Aug. 3, 1956, ch. 906, §2, 70 Stat. 959; amended Pub. L. 95–322, §2(a), July 21, 1978, 92 Stat. 395; Pub. L. 99–73, §5(a), July 29, 1985, 99 Stat. 172; Pub. L. 100–418, title V, §5115(a)(1), Aug. 23, 1988, 102 Stat. 1433.)


Editorial Notes

References in Text

Act of June 29, 1950 (64 Stat. 275), referred to in subsec. (a), was the Deficiency Appropriation Act, 1950. Provisions thereof relating to Working Capital Fund are not classified to the Code.

Prior Provisions

A prior section 12 of act Mar. 3, 1901, ch. 872, as added by act July 22, 1950, ch. 486, §2, 64 Stat. 373, related to equipment purchased by Department of Commerce to carry out investigations, prior to repeal by act Aug. 3, 1956.

Amendments

1988—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 100–418 substituted "Institute" for "National Bureau of Standards".

1985—Subsec. (f). Pub. L. 99–73 struck out "first" after "may be applied", and inserted provisions relating to working capital for replacement of equipment and inventories.

1978—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 95–322 struck out ", and additional amounts as from time to time may be required for the purposes of said fund are authorized to be appropriated" after "(64 Stat. 275)".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1985 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 99–73 effective Oct. 1, 1984, see section 5(c) of Pub. L. 99–73, set out as an Effective Date note under section 275c of this title.

About This Section

15 U.S.C. § 278b is part of Title 15 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 15 U.S.C. § 278b. 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

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 278b

What does United States Code § 278b cover?

Section 278b ("Working Capital Fund") 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 § 278b?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 278b" (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 § 278b 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.