Independent establishment — Us Code Code § 104

Us Code Code § 104 — Independent establishment. Reproduced from the official United States Code, with a citation summary, verification link, and related provisions.

§ 104. Independent establishment

For the purpose of this title, "independent establishment" means—

(1) an establishment in the executive branch (other than the United States Postal Service or the Postal Regulatory Commission) which is not an Executive department, military department, Government corporation, or part thereof, or part of an independent establishment; and

(2) the Government Accountability Office.

(Pub. L. 89–554, Sept. 6, 1966, 80 Stat. 379; Pub. L. 91–375, §6(c)(2), Aug. 12, 1970, 84 Stat. 775; Pub. L. 108–271, §8(b), July 7, 2004, 118 Stat. 814; Pub. L. 109–435, title VI, §604(b), Dec. 20, 2006, 120 Stat. 3241.)

Historical and Revision Notes

The section is supplied to avoid the necessity for defining "independent establishment" each time it is used in this title.

Certain agencies are not independent establishments under the definition since they are constituent agencies or parts of an independent establishment. However, these agencies would continue to be subject to the provisions of this title applicable to the independent establishment of which they are a constituent or part. Also, the definition does not expand or abridge any rights or authority possessed by these agencies as no substantive changes are intended, see section 7(a) of the bill.


Editorial Notes

Amendments

2006—Par. (1). Pub. L. 109–435 substituted "Postal Regulatory Commission" for "Postal Rate Commission".

2004—Par. (2). Pub. L. 108–271 substituted "Government Accountability Office" for "General Accounting Office".

1970—Par. (1). Pub. L. 91–375 inserted "(other than the United States Postal Service or the Postal Rate Commission)" after "executive branch".


Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1970 Amendment

Amendment by Pub. L. 91–375 effective within 1 year after Aug. 12, 1970, on date established therefor by Board of Governors of United States Postal Service and published by it in Federal Register, see section 15(a) of Pub. L. 91–375, set out as an Effective Date note preceding section 101 of Title 39, Postal Service.

About This Section

5 U.S.C. § 104 is part of Title 5 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 5 U.S.C. § 104. 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

At a glance

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Statute text is transcribed from the official United States Code. Confirm it against the primary source before relying on it:

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Common questions

What is the source of United States Code § 104?

The text above is transcribed from the United States Code, the codified statutes of Us Code. The official publisher link appears under "Verify the text" on this page.

What subject does United States Code § 104 address?

It addresses "Independent establishment". Read the section together with the surrounding provisions listed under "Nearby provisions" for the full picture.

Is United States Code § 104 still in force?

Statutes are amended, repealed, and renumbered every session. Confirm the current version at the official Us Code source before relying on this text.

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