US Code

Public Law 119-73 (01/23/2026)

5 U.S.C. § 4503

Agency awards

The head of an agency may pay a cash award to, and incur necessary expense for the honorary recognition of, an employee who—
(1)
by his suggestion, invention, superior accomplishment, or other personal effort contributes to the efficiency, economy, or other improvement of Government operations or achieves a significant reduction in paperwork; or
(2)
performs a special act or service in the public interest in connection with or related to his official employment.

Pub. L. 89–55480 Stat. 443Pub. L. 95–454, title V, § 502(a)92 Stat. 1183(, , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Derivation

U.S. Code

Revised Statutes and

Statutes at Large

 

5 U.S.C. 2123(a).

Sept. 1, 1954, ch. 1208, § 304(a), 68 Stat. 1113.

The word “employee” is substituted for “civilian officers and employees of the Government” in view of the definition of “employee” in section 4501.

Standard changes are made to conform with the definitions applicable and the style of this title as outlined in the preface to the report.

Editorial Notes

Amendments

Pub. L. 95–4541978—Par. (1). inserted “or achieves a significant reduction in paperwork”.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1978 Amendment

Pub. L. 95–454, title V, § 504(a)92 Stat. 1184Pub. L. 95–454, , , provided that amendment by was effective on first day of first applicable pay period which began on or after , except it could take effect with respect to any category or categories of positions before such day to extent prescribed by Director of Office of Personnel Management.