Title 16 — Conservation

Chapter 5B — Wildlife Restoration

§ 669b. Authorization of appropriations

Statutory text

In general

An amount equal to all revenues accruing each fiscal year (beginning with the fiscal year 1975) from any tax imposed on specified articles by sections 4161(b) and 4181 of title 26, shall, subject to the exemptions in section 4182 of such title, be covered into the Federal aid to wildlife restoration fund in the Treasury (hereinafter referred to as the “fund”) and is authorized to be appropriated and made available until expended to carry out the purposes of this chapter. So much of such appropriations apportioned to any State for any fiscal year as remains unexpended at the close thereof is authorized to be made available for expenditure in that State until the close of the succeeding fiscal year. Any amount apportioned to any State under the provisions of this chapter which is unexpended or unobligated at the end of the period during which it is available for expenditure on any project is authorized to be made available for expenditure by the Secretary of the Interior in carrying out the provisions of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act [16 U.S.C. 715 et seq.].

There is established in the Federal aid to wildlife restoration fund a subaccount to be known as the “Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account”. There are authorized to be appropriated for the purposes of the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account $50,000,000 in fiscal year 2001 for apportionment in accordance with this chapter to carry out State wildlife conservation and restoration programs. Further, interest on amounts transferred shall be treated in a manner consistent with 16 U.S.C. 669(b)(1)).1

Investment of unexpended amounts

The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest in interest-bearing obligations of the United States such portion of the fund as is not, in his judgment, required for meeting a current year’s withdrawals. For purposes of such investment, the Secretary of the Treasury may—

acquire obligations at the issue price and purchase outstanding obligations at the market price; and

sell obligations held in the fund at the market price.

The interest on obligations held in the fund—

shall be credited to the fund;

constitute the sums available for allocation by the Secretary under section 4407 of this title; and

shall become available for apportionment under this chapter at the beginning of fiscal year 2033.

Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account

Amounts transferred to the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account shall supplement, but not replace, existing funds available to the States from the sport fish restoration account and wildlife restoration account and shall be used for the development, revision, and implementation of wildlife conservation and restoration programs and should be used to address the unmet needs for a diverse array of wildlife and associated habitats, including species that are not hunted or fished, for wildlife conservation, wildlife conservation education, and wildlife-associated recreation projects. Such funds may be used for new programs and projects as well as to enhance existing programs and projects.

Funds may be used by a State or an Indian tribe for the planning and implementation of its wildlife conservation and restoration program and wildlife conservation strategy, as provided in sections 669c(d) and (e) of this title, including wildlife conservation, wildlife conservation education, and wildlife-associated recreation projects. Such funds may be used for new programs and projects as well as to enhance existing programs and projects.

Priority for funding from the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account shall be for those species with the greatest conservation need as defined by the State wildlife conservation and restoration program.

Obligation of amounts in State

Notwithstanding subsections (a) and (b) of this section, with respect to amounts transferred to the Wildlife Conservation and Restoration Account, so much of such amounts apportioned to any State for any fiscal year as remains unexpended at the close thereof shall remain available for obligation in that State until the close of the second succeeding fiscal year.

Footnotes

1 So in original. Probably should be “paragraph (1) of subsection (b)”.

Legislative history

Reconstructed from this section’s Code source credit and amendment notes, resolved against the local Statutes at Large. Editorial notes are evidence, not the law that made the change.

1937
Pub. L. 75–899 § 3 · 50 Stat. 917
Enacted · 16 U.S.C. § 669b
Sept. 2, 1937, ch. 899, § 3, 50 Stat. 917
Source evidence
Code source credit
Sept. 2, 1937, ch. 899, § 3, 50 Stat. 917
Enacted provision · exact public law section
Sec. 3. An amount equal to the revenue accruing during the fiscal “The Federal aid to wild life-restoration fund” set apart. 47 Stat. 264. year ending June 30, 1939, and each fiscal year thereafter, from the tax imposed by section 610, title IV, of the Revenue Act of 1932 (47 Stat. 169), as heretofore or hereafter extended and amended, on fire-arms, shells, and cartridges, is hereby authorized to be set apart in the Treasury as a special fund to be known as “The Federal aid to wildlife-restoration fund” and is hereby authorized to be appropriated Availability. and made available until expended for the purposes of this Act. So much of such appropriation apportioned to any State for any Use of balance. fiscal year as remains unexpended at the close thereof is authorized to be made available for expenditure in that State until the close of the succeeding fiscal year. Any amount apportioned to any State under the provisions of this Act which is unexpended or unobligated at the end of the period during which it is available for expenditure on any project is authorized to be made available for expenditure by 16 U. S. C. §§ 715–715r. the Secretary of Agriculture in carrying out the provisions of the Migratory Bird Conservation Act.
1970
Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act Amendments of 1970
Pub. L. 91–503 title I § 101 · 84 Stat. 1097
Inserted · 16 U.S.C. § 669b
Pub. L. 91–503 inserted provisions for the deposit of the 10 per cent tax on pistols and revolvers under section 4181 of title 26 into the Federal aid to wildlife restoration fund beginning in fiscal year 1971
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Pub. L. 91–503 inserted provisions for the deposit of the 10 per cent tax on pistols and revolvers under section 4181 of title 26 into the Federal aid to wildlife restoration fund beginning in fiscal year 1971.
Enacted provision · exact public law section
Sec. 101. The first sentence of section 3 of the Federal Aid in Wildlife Restoration Act of September 2, 1937 (16 U.S.C. 669b), is 50 Stat. 917. amended to read as follows: “An amount equal to all revenues accruing each fiscal year (beginning with the fiscal year 1971) from any tax imposed on specified articles by section 4181 of the Internal Revenue 68A Stat. 490. 83 Stat. 269. Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. 4181) shall, subject to the exemptions in section 4182 of such Code, be covered into the Federal aid to wildlife restoration fund in the Treasury (hereinafter referred to as the ‘fund’) and is authorized to be appropriated and made available until expended to carry out the purposes of this Act.”
1972
Pub. L. 92–558 title I § 101(a) · 86 Stat. 1172
1. Substituted · 16 U.S.C. § 669b
  Pub. L. 92–558 substituted “(beginning with the fiscal year 1975)” for “(beginning with the fiscal year 1971)”
2. Inserted · 16 U.S.C. § 669b
  Pub. L. 92–558 inserted reference to section 4161(b) of title 26
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Pub. L. 92–558 substituted “(beginning with the fiscal year 1975)” for “(beginning with the fiscal year 1971)” and inserted reference to section 4161(b) of title 26.
Enacted provision · exact public law section
(a) The first sentence of section 3 of the Federal Aid in 84 Stat. 1097. Wildlife Restoration Act of September 2, 1937 (16 U.S.C. 669b), is amended to read as follows: “An amount equal to all revenues accruing each fiscal year (beginning with the fiscal year 1975) from any tax imposed on specified articles by sections 4161(b) and 4181 of the Post, p. 1173. 68A Stat. 490. 83 Stat. 269. Internal Revenue Code of 1954 (26 U.S.C. 4161(b), 4181) shall, subject to the exemptions in section 4182 of such Code, be covered into the Federal aid to wildlife restoration fund in the Treasury (hereinafter referred to as the ‘fund’) and is authorized to be appropriated and made available until expended to carry out the purposes of this Act.”
1986
Tax Reform Act of 1986
Pub. L. 99–514 § 2 · 100 Stat. 2085
Substituted · 16 U.S.C. § 669b
Pub. L. 99–514 substituted “Internal Revenue Code of 1986” for “Internal Revenue Code of 1954”, which for purposes of codification was translated as “title 26” thus requiring no change in text
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Pub. L. 99–514 substituted “Internal Revenue Code of 1986” for “Internal Revenue Code of 1954”, which for purposes of codification was translated as “title 26” thus requiring no change in text.
Enacted provision · exact public law section
SEC. 2. INTERNAL REVENUE CODE OF 1986. (a) Redesignation of 1954 Code.— The Internal Revenue Title enacted August 16, 1954, as heretofore, hereby, or hereafter amended, may be cited as the “Internal Revenue Code of 1986”. (b) References in Laws, Etc.— Except when inappropriate, any reference in any law, Executive order, or other document— (1) to the Internal Revenue Code of 1954 shall include a reference to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and (2) to the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 shall include a reference to the provisions of law formerly known as the Internal Revenue Code of 1954.
1989
North American Wetlands Conservation Act
Pub. L. 101–233 § 7(a)(1) · 103 Stat. 1968
1. Amended · 16 U.S.C. § 669b
  Pub. L. 101–233 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a)
2. Added · 16 U.S.C. § 669b
  Pub. L. 101–233 added subsec. (b)
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Pub. L. 101–233 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).
Enacted provision · exact public law section
(1) Section 3 of the Act of September 2, 1937 (16 U.S.C. 669b), is amended— (A) by inserting “ (a)” before “An amount” in the first sentence thereof; and (B) by adding at the end thereof the following: “(b) (1) The Secretary of the Treasury shall invest in interest-bearing obligations of the United States such portion of the fund as is not, in his judgment, required for meeting a current year’s withdrawals. For purposes of such investment, the Secretary of the Treasury may— “(A) acquire obligations at the issue price and purchase outstanding obligations at the market price; and “(B) sell obligations held in the fund at the market price. “(2) The interest on obligations held in the fund— “(A) shall be credited to the fund; “(B) constitute the sums available for allocation by the Secretary under section 8 of the North American Wetlands Conservation Act; and “(C) shall become available for apportionment under this Act at the beginning of fiscal year 2006”.
Effective date note
Pub. L. 101–233, § 7(a)(3), Dec. 13, 1989, 103 Stat. 1975, provided that: “The amendments made by this subsection of this Act [amending this section and section 669c of this title] take effect October 1, 1989.”
2000
Pub. L. 106–553 § 1(a)(2)(tIX)(s902)(d)(1) · 114 Stat. 2762
1. Amended · 16 U.S.C. § 669b(a)
  Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title IX, § 902(d)(1)], designated existing provisions as par. (1)
2. Added · 16 U.S.C. § 669b(a)
  Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title IX, § 902(d)(1)], added par. (2)
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title IX, § 902(d)(1)], designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).
Enacted provision · exact public law section
(2) H.R. 5548, as introduced on October 25, 2000.
2000
Pub. L. 106–553 § 1(a)(2)(tIX)(s902)(d)(2) · 114 Stat. 2762
Added · 16 U.S.C. § 669b(c); 16 U.S.C. § 669b(d)
Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title IX, § 902(d)(2)], added subsecs. (c) and (d)
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title IX, § 902(d)(2)], added subsecs. (c) and (d).
Enacted provision · exact public law section
(2) H.R. 5548, as introduced on October 25, 2000.
2005
Pub. L. 109–75 § 1 · 119 Stat. 2034
Substituted · 16 U.S.C. § 669b(b)(2)(C)
Pub. L. 109–75 substituted “2016” for “2006”
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 109–75 substituted “2016” for “2006”.
Enacted provision · exact public law section
SECTION 1. AVAILABILITY OF SURPLUS FUNDS IN WILDLIFE RESTORATION FUND. Section 3(b)(2)(C) of the Pittman-Robertson Wildlife Restoration Act (16 U.S.C. 669b(b)(2)(C) is amended by striking “2006” and inserting “2016”.
2015
Department of the Treasury Appropriations Act, 2016
Pub. L. 114–113 div. G title I § 120 · 129 Stat. 2242
Substituted · 16 U.S.C. § 669b(b)(2)(C)
Pub. L. 114–113 substituted “2026” for “2016”
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 114–113 substituted “2026” for “2016”.
Enacted provision · exact public law section
Sec. 120. None of the funds appropriated or otherwise made available by this or any other Act or source to the Department of the Treasury, the Bureau of Engraving and Printing, and the United States Mint, individually or collectively, may be used to consolidate any or all functions of the Bureau of Engraving and Printing and the United States Mint without the explicit approval of the House Committee on Financial Services; the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs; and the Committees on Appropriations of the House of Representatives and the Senate.
2025
Pub. L. 119–40 § 2 · 139 Stat. 662
Substituted · 16 U.S.C. § 669b(b)(2)(C)
Pub. L. 119–40 substituted “2033” for “2026”
Unresolved: Pub. L. 119–40 was not found in the local Statutes at Large index.
Source evidence
Code amendment note
Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 119–40 substituted “2033” for “2026”.

12 of 13 references resolved to an enrolled provision · 1 unresolved

Editorial Notes

References in Text

The Migratory Bird Conservation Act, referred to in subsec. (a), is act Feb. 18, 1929, ch. 257, 45 Stat. 1222, which is classified generally to subchapter III (§ 715 et seq.) of chapter 7 of this title. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see section 715 of this title and Tables.

Amendments1970–2025 · 8 rounds

2025

Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 119–40 substituted “2033” for “2026”.

2015

Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 114–113 substituted “2026” for “2016”.

2005

Subsec. (b)(2)(C). Pub. L. 109–75 substituted “2016” for “2006”.

2000

Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title IX, § 902(d)(1)], designated existing provisions as par. (1) and added par. (2).

Subsecs. (c), (d). Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title IX, § 902(d)(2)], added subsecs. (c) and (d).

1989

Pub. L. 101–233 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsec. (b).

1986

Pub. L. 99–514 substituted “Internal Revenue Code of 1986” for “Internal Revenue Code of 1954”, which for purposes of codification was translated as “title 26” thus requiring no change in text.

1972

Pub. L. 92–558 substituted “(beginning with the fiscal year 1975)” for “(beginning with the fiscal year 1971)” and inserted reference to section 4161(b) of title 26.

1970

Pub. L. 91–503 inserted provisions for the deposit of the 10 per cent tax on pistols and revolvers under section 4181 of title 26 into the Federal aid to wildlife restoration fund beginning in fiscal year 1971.

Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

Effective Date of 1989 Amendment

Pub. L. 101–233, § 7(a)(3), Dec. 13, 1989, 103 Stat. 1975, provided that: “The amendments made by this subsection of this Act [amending this section and section 669c of this title] take effect October 1, 1989.”

Effective Date of 1972 Amendment

Pub. L. 92–558, title I, § 101(c), Oct. 25, 1972, 86 Stat. 1172, as amended by Pub. L. 93–313, June 8, 1974, 88 Stat. 238, provided that: “The amendments made by subsections (a) and (b) [amending this section and section 669c of this title] of this section shall take effect January 1, 1975.”

Executive Documents

Transfer of Functions

Reorg. Plan No. II of 1939, set out in the Appendix to Title 5, Government Organization and Employees, transferred functions of Secretary of Agriculture relating to conservation of wildlife, game, and migratory birds to Secretary of the Interior.

Credits

1937–2025 · 10 acts

1937Sept. 2, 1937, ch. 899, § 3, 50 Stat. 917
19391939 Reorg. Plan No. II, § 4(f), eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2731, 53 Stat. 1433
1970Pub. L. 91–503, title I, § 101, Oct. 23, 1970, 84 Stat. 1097
1972Pub. L. 92–558, title I, § 101(a), Oct. 25, 1972, 86 Stat. 1172
1986Pub. L. 99–514, § 2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095
1989Pub. L. 101–233, § 7(a)(1), Dec. 13, 1989, 103 Stat. 1974
2000Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title IX, § 902(d)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2762, 2762A–120
2005Pub. L. 109–75, § 1, Sept. 29, 2005, 119 Stat. 2034
2015Pub. L. 114–113, div. G, title I, § 120, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2552
2025Pub. L. 119–40, § 2, Nov. 25, 2025, 139 Stat. 662.

Show as published

(Sept. 2, 1937, ch. 899, § 3, 50 Stat. 917; 1939 Reorg. Plan No. II, § 4(f), eff. July 1, 1939, 4 F.R. 2731, 53 Stat. 1433; Pub. L. 91–503, title I, § 101, Oct. 23, 1970, 84 Stat. 1097; Pub. L. 92–558, title I, § 101(a), Oct. 25, 1972, 86 Stat. 1172; Pub. L. 99–514, § 2, Oct. 22, 1986, 100 Stat. 2095; Pub. L. 101–233, § 7(a)(1), Dec. 13, 1989, 103 Stat. 1974; Pub. L. 106–553, § 1(a)(2) [title IX, § 902(d)], Dec. 21, 2000, 114 Stat. 2762, 2762A–120; Pub. L. 109–75, § 1, Sept. 29, 2005, 119 Stat. 2034; Pub. L. 114–113, div. G, title I, § 120, Dec. 18, 2015, 129 Stat. 2552; Pub. L. 119–40, § 2, Nov. 25, 2025, 139 Stat. 662.)