US Code

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

5 U.S.C. § 5512

Withholding pay; individuals in arrears

(a)
The pay of an individual in arrears to the United States shall be withheld until he has accounted for and paid into the Treasury of the United States all sums for which he is liable.
(b)
When pay is withheld under subsection (a) of this section, the employing agency, on request of the individual, his agent, or his attorney, shall report immediately to the Attorney General the balance due; and the Attorney General, within 60 days, shall order suit to be commenced against the individual.

Pub. L. 89–55480 Stat. 477Pub. L. 92–310, title II, § 20286 Stat. 202Pub. L. 104–316, title I, § 103(b)110 Stat. 3828(, , ; , , ; , , .)

Historical and Revision Notes

Derivation

U.S. Code

Revised Statutes and

Statutes at Large

 

5 U.S.C. 82.

R.S. § 1766.

Act of June 10, 1921, ch. 18, title III42 Stat. 23section 16 of the Act of March 3, 1933, ch. 21247 Stat. 151764 Stat. 1261In subsection (b), reference to the “General Accounting Office” is substituted for “accounting officers of the Treasury” on authority of the , . The words “on request of” are substituted for “if required to do so by” as more accurately reflecting the intent. Reference to the “Attorney General” is substituted for “Solicitor of the Treasury” and “Solicitor” on authority of , ; section 5 of E.O. 6166, ; and section 1 of 1950 Reorg. Plan No. 2, .

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. 104–3161996—Subsec. (b). substituted “employing agency” for “General Accounting Office”.

Pub. L. 92–3101972—Subsec. (b). struck out “and his sureties” after “against the individual”.