Us Code § 57522 - Books and records, balance sheets, and inspection and auditing

Full text of Us Code United States Code § 57522 — Books and records, balance sheets, and inspection and auditing, with citation guidance and answers to common questions.

§ 57522. Books and records, balance sheets, and inspection and auditing

Every contract executed by the Secretary of Transportation under this chapter shall contain provisions requiring (1) that, the contractor and every affiliate, domestic agent, subsidiary, or holding company connected with, or directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, the contractor, to keep its books, records, and accounts, relating to the maintenance, operation, and servicing of the vessels, services, routes, and lines covered by the contract, in such form and under such regulations as may be prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation; (2) that the contractor and every affiliate, domestic agent, subsidiary, or holding company connected with, or directly or indirectly controlling or controlled by, the contractor, to file, upon notice from the Secretary of Transportation, balance sheets, profit and loss statements, and such other statements of financial operations, special report, memoranda of any facts and transactions, which in the opinion of the Secretary of Transportation affect the financial results in, the performance of, or transactions or operations under, such contract; (3) that the Secretary of Transportation shall be authorized to examine and audit the books, records, and accounts of all persons referred to in this section whenever he may deem it necessary or desirable; and (4) that upon the willful failure or refusal of any person described in this section to comply with the contract provisions required by this section, the Secretary of Transportation shall have the right to rescind the contract, and upon such rescission, the United States shall be relieved of all further liability on such contract.

(Added and amended Pub. L. 114–120, title III, §313(c)(1), Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 58.)


Editorial Notes

Codification

Section consists of text of act June 29, 1936, ch. 858, title VIII, §801, 49 Stat. 2011, as amended by Pub. L. 97–31, §12(119), Aug. 6, 1981, 95 Stat. 164. Section 801 of act June 29, 1936, ch. 858, which was formerly set out as a note under section 53101 of this title, was transferred to this section by Pub. L. 114–120, title III, §313(c)(1)(A), Feb. 8, 2016, 130 Stat. 58.

Amendments

2016—Pub. L. 114–120, §313(c)(1)(B)(i), inserted "Books and records, balance sheets, and inspection and auditing" in section catchline.

Pub. L. 114–120, §313(c)(1)(B)(ii), which directed substitution of "this chapter" for "the provision of title VI or VII of this Act", was executed by making the substitution for "the provisions of title VI or VII of this Act" to reflect the probable intent of Congress.

Pub. L. 114–120, §313(c)(1)(B)(iii), struck out ": Provided, That the provisions of this paragraph shall not require the duplication of books, records, and accounts required to be kept in some other form by the Interstate Commerce Commission" after "prescribed by the Secretary of Transportation".

SUBCHAPTER III—MISCELLANEOUS

About This Section

46 U.S.C. § 57522 is part of Title 46 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 46 U.S.C. § 57522. 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

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Sources

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

Frequently Asked Questions About Us Code § 57522

What does United States Code § 57522 cover?

Section 57522 ("Books and records, balance sheets, and inspection and auditing") 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 § 57522?

A common citation format is "United States Code § 57522" (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 § 57522 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.