TOPN: Table of Popular Names


What's in a popular name?

Laws acquire popular names as they make their way through Congress. Sometimes these names say something about the substance of the law (as with the '2002 Winter Olympic Commemorative Coin Act'). Sometimes they are a way of recognizing or honoring the sponsor or creator of a particular law (as with the 'Taft-Hartley Act'). And sometimes they are meant to garner political support for a law by giving it a catchy name (as with the 'USA Patriot Act' or the 'Take Pride in America Act') or by invoking public outrage or sympathy (as with any number of laws named for victims of crimes). History books, newspapers, and other sources use the popular name to refer to these laws. Why can't these popular names easily be found in the US Code?

How the US Code is built.

The United States Code is meant to be an organized, logical compilation of the laws passed by Congress. At its top level, it divides the world of legislation into fifty topically-organized Titles, and each Title is further subdivided into any number of logical subtopics. In theory, any law -- or individual provisions within any law -- passed by Congress should be classifiable into one or more slots in the framework of the Code. On the other hand, legislation often contains bundles of topically unrelated provisions that collectively respond to a particular public need or problem. A farm bill, for instance, might contain provisions that affect the tax status of farmers, their management of land or treatment of the environment, a system of price limits or supports, and so on. Each of these individual provisions would, logically, belong in a different place in the Code. (Of course, this isn't always the case; some legislation deals with a fairly narrow range of related concerns.) The process of incorporating a newly-passed piece of legislation into the Code is known as "classification" -- essentially a process of deciding where in the logical organization of the Code the various parts of the particular law belong. Sometimes classification is easy; the law could be written with the Code in mind, and might specifically amend, extend, or repeal particular chunks of the existing Code, making it no great challenge to figure out how to classify its various parts. And as we said before, a particular law might be narrow in focus, making it both simple and sensible to move it wholesale into a particular slot in the Code. But this is not normally the case, and often different provisions of the law will logically belong in different, scattered locations in the Code. As a result, often the law will not be found in one place neatly identified by its popular name. Nor will a full-text search of the Code necessarily reveal where all the pieces have been scattered. Instead, those who classify laws into the Code typically leave a note explaining how a particular law has been classified into the Code. It is usually found in the Note section attached to a relevant section of the Code, usually under a paragraph identified as the "Short Title".

How the LII Table of Popular Names works.

Our Table of Popular Names is organized alphabetically by popular name. You'll find three types of link associated with each popular name (though each law may not have all three types). One, a reference to a Public Law number, is a link to the bill as it was originally passed by Congress, and will take you to the LRC THOMAS legislative system, or GPO FDSYS site. So-called "Short Title" links, and links to particular sections of the Code, will lead you to a textual roadmap (the section notes) describing how the particular law was incorporated into the Code. Finally, acts may be referred to by a different name, or may have been renamed, the links will take you to the appropriate listing in the table.

R.M.S. Titanic Maritime Memorial Act of 1986

Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO)

Radiation Control for Health and Safety Act of 1968

Radiation-Exposed Veterans Compensation Act of 1988

Radiation Exposure Compensation Act

Radiation Exposure Compensation Act Amendments of 2000

Radio Act of 1927

Radio Broadcasting to Cuba Act

Radio Free Afghanistan Act

Radio Free Asia Act of 1998

Radon Gas and Indoor Air Quality Research Act of 1986

Raechel and Jacqueline Houck Safe Rental Car Act of 2015

Rafael Ramos and Wenjian Liu National Blue Alert Act of 2015

Rail Amendments of 1976

Rail Passenger Service Act

Rail Safety and Service Improvement Act of 1982

Rail Safety Enforcement and Review Act

Rail Safety Improvement Act of 1974

Rail Safety Improvement Act of 1988

Rail Safety Improvement Act of 2008

Rail Transportation Improvement Act

Railroad and Telegraph Seizure Act (Civil War)

Railroad Assessment Act

Railroad Control Act

Railroad Infrastructure Financing Improvement Act

Railroad Land Grant Forfeiture Act

Railroad Motive Power and Equipment Act

Railroad Rate Adjustment Act of 1973

Railroad Retirement Act

Railroad Retirement Act of 1974

Railroad Retirement Amendments of 1973

Railroad Retirement and Survivors&apos Improvement Act of 2001

Railroad Retirement Board Appropriation Act, 1941

Railroad Retirement Board Appropriation Act, 1942

Railroad Retirement Board Appropriation Act, 1943

Railroad Retirement Board Appropriation Act, 1944

Railroad Retirement Board Appropriation Act, 1945

Railroad Retirement Board Appropriation Act, 1946

Railroad Retirement Board Appropriation Act, 1947

Railroad Retirement Board Appropriation Act, 1948

Railroad Retirement Board Appropriation Act, 1949

Railroad Retirement Board Appropriation Act, 1950

Railroad Retirement Board Appropriation Act, 1951

Railroad Retirement Board Appropriation Act, 1952

Railroad Retirement Board Appropriation Act, 1953

Railroad Retirement Board Appropriation Act, 1954

Railroad Retirement Board Appropriation Act, 1955

Railroad Retirement Disability Earnings Act

Railroad Retirement Revenue Act of 1983

Railroad Retirement Solvency Act of 1983

Railroad Retirement Tax Act

Railroad Retirement Technical Improvement Act of 2006

Railroad Revitalization and Regulatory Reform Act of 1976

Railroad Unemployment Insurance Act

Railroad Unemployment Insurance Amendments Act of 1996

Railroad Unemployment Insurance and Retirement Improvement Act of 1988

Rails to Resources Act of 2000

Railway Labor Act

Railway Mail Service Pay Act

RAISE Family Caregivers Act

Raker Act

Raker Act (Reclamation and Irrigation)

Ramona Brant Improvement of Conditions for Women in Federal Custody Act

Ramspeck Act

Ramspeck-Mead Act

Rancho Corral de Tierra Golden Gate National Recreation Area Boundary Adjustment Act

Randolph-Sheppard Act

Randolph-Sheppard Act Amendments of 1974

Randolph-Sheppard Vending Stand Act

Rankin Veterans Act

Rankin Veterans Pension Act

Rankin World War Widows Act

Ransdell Act

RANSOMWARE Act

Raoul Wallenberg Centennial Celebration Act

Rape Survivor Child Custody Act

Rapid DNA Act of 2017

Rare Diseases Act of 2002

Rare Diseases Orphan Product Development Act of 2002

Rattlesnake National Recreation Area and Wilderness Act of 1980

RAWR Act

RAY BAUM&aposS Act of 2018

RBIC Advisers Relief Act of 2018

REACH OUT Act of 2018

READ Act

Reading Excellence Act

Ready to Learn Act

Reaffirmation of State Regulation of Resident and Nonresident Hunting and Fishing Act of 2005

Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act Amendments of 1975

Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act of 1974

REAL ID Act Modification for Freely Associated States Act

REAL ID Act of 2005

REAL ID Modernization Act

Real Interstate Driver Equity Act of 2002

Reapportionment Act of 1901

Reapportionment Act of 1911

Reapportionment Act of 1929

Reauthorizing and Extending Grants for Recovery from Opioid Use Programs Act of 2018

Reauthorizing Security for Supreme Court Justices Act of 2019

Rebel Correspondence Act (Civil War)

Rebuilding Economic Prosperity and Opportunity for Ukrainians Act

Rebuilding Small Businesses After Disasters Act

RECA Extension Act of 2022

Rechargeable Battery Recycling Act

Reciprocal Access to Tibet Act of 2018

Reciprocal Tariff Act

Reciprocal Trade Relations Act

Reclamation Act

Reclamation Authorization Act of 1975

Reclamation Authorizations Act of 1976

Reclamation Development Act of 1974

Reclamation Fund Act

Reclamation Project Act of 1939

Reclamation Project Authorization Act of 1972

Reclamation Projects Authorization and Adjustment Act of 1992

Reclamation Recreation Management Act of 1992

Reclamation Recycling and Water Conservation Act of 1996

Reclamation Reform Act of 1982

Reclamation Rural Water Supply Act of 2006

Reclamation Safety of Dams Act Amendments of 1984

Reclamation Safety of Dams Act of 1978

Reclamation States Drought Assistance Act of 1988

Reclamation States Emergency Drought Relief Act of 1991

Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater Study and Facilities Act

Reclassification Act of 1925 (Postal Salaries)

Recognize, Assist, Include, Support, and Engage Family Caregivers Act of 2017

Recognizing Achievement in Classified School Employees Act

Reconnecting Homeless Youth Act of 2008

Reconstruction and Stabilization Civilian Management Act of 2008

Reconstruction Finance Corporation Act

Reconstruction Finance Corporation Appropriation Act, 1952

Reconstruction Finance Corporation Disaster Loan Act

Reconstruction Finance Corporation Exports Resolution

Reconstruction Finance Corporation Liquidation Act

Reconstruction Finance Corporation Tax Exemption Act

Record Carrier Competition Act of 1981

Record Rental Amendment of 1984

Recording Act of 1955

Recovering Missing Children Act

Recovery Improvements for Small Entities After Disaster Act of 2015

Recreation and Public Purposes Act

Recreation and Public Purposes Amendment Act of 1988

Recreational Boating Fund Act of 1980

Recreational Boating Safety Act of 1986

Recreational Boating Safety and Facilities Improvement Act of 1980

Recreational Hunting Safety and Preservation Act of 1994

Recruit and Retain Act

Red Flag Program Clarification Act of 2010

Red Light Abatement Act (District of Columbia)

Red River Designation Act of 1993

Red River National Wildlife Refuge Act

Red River National Wildlife Refuge Boundary Modification Act

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Establishment Act of 1990

Red Rock Canyon National Conservation Area Protection and Enhancement Act of 2002

Reducing Crime and Terrorism at America&aposs Seaports Act of 2005

Reducing Flight Delays Act of 2013

Reducing Over-Classification Act

Reduction of Lead in Drinking Water Act

Redundancy Elimination and Enhanced Performance for Preparedness Grants Act

Redwood National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2005

Reed Amendment

Reed-Bulwinkle Act

Reed-Jenkins Act

Reemployment of Merchant Marine Members

Reese&aposs Law

Referees&apos Salary Act (Bankruptcy)

Referees Salary and Expense Fund Act of 1984

Reforestation Relief Act

Reforming Intelligence and Securing America Act

Refuge Recreation Act

Refuge Revenue Sharing Act

Refugee Act of 1980

Refugee Assistance Amendments of 1982

Refugee Assistance Extension Act of 1986

Refugee Crisis in Iraq Act of 2007

Refugee Education Assistance Act of 1980

Refugee Relief Act of 1953

Refuse Act of 1899

Regional Action Planning Commission Amendments of 1969

Regional Action Planning Commission Improvement Act of 1975

Regional Development Act of 1975

Regional Rail Reorganization Act Amendments of 1975

Regional Rail Reorganization Act of 1973

REGROUP Act of 2018

Regulated Investment Company Modernization Act of 2010

Regulatory Fairness Act

Regulatory Flexibility Act

Regulatory Improvement Act of 2007

Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1974

Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1986

Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1991

Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1992

Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1993

Rehabilitation Act Amendments of 1998

Rehabilitation Act Extension of 1976

Rehabilitation Act of 1973

Rehabilitation Amendments of 1984

Rehabilitation and Betterment Act of 1949

Rehabilitation, Comprehensive Services, and Developmental Disabilities Amendments of 1978

Reindeer Industry Act of 1937

Reinforcing Education Accountability in Development Act

Reinforcing Nicaragua&aposs Adherence to Conditions for Electoral Reform Act of 2021

Reinvigorating Lending for the Future Act

Reliable Home Heating Act

Relief Aid for War-Devastated Countries

Relief for Workers Affected by Coronavirus Act

Religious Freedom Restoration Act of 1993

Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act of 2000

Religious Liberty and Charitable Donation Clarification Act of 2006

Religious Liberty and Charitable Donation Protection Act of 1998

Religious Workers Act of 2000

REMOTE Act

Removal Clarification Act of 2011

Removal of Causes Act

Removal of Regulatory Barriers to Affordable Housing Act of 1992

Removal of Restrictions on Service Act

Removing Outdated Restrictions to Allow for Job Growth Act

RENACER Act

Renegotiation Act

Renegotiation Act of 1948

Renegotiation Act of 1951

Renegotiation Amendments Act of 1956

Renegotiation Amendments Act of 1968

Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Technology Competitiveness Act of 1989

Renewable Energy Industry Development Act of 1983

Renewable Energy Resources Act of 1980

Renewable Resources Extension Act Amendments of 1987

Renewable Resources Extension Act of 1978

Reorganization Act Amendments of 1984

Reorganization Act of 1939

Reorganization Act of 1945

Reorganization Act of 1949

Reorganization Act of 1977

Repack Airwaves Yielding Better Access for Users of Modern Services Act of 2018

Repairing Existing Public Land by Adding Necessary Trees Act

Repatriation Act

Repealing Existing Substandard Provisions Encouraging Conciliation with Tribes Act

REPLANT Act

REPO for Ukrainians Act

REPORT Act

Reporting Attacks from Nations Selected for Oversight and Monitoring Web Attacks and Ransomware from Enemies Act

Reporting Efficiency Improvement Act

Reports Consolidation Act of 2000

Representative Louise McIntosh Slaughter Stop Trading on Congressional Knowledge Act

Representative Payee Fraud Prevention Act of 2019

Representatives Election Act

Republic of Texas Legation Memorial Act

Republic of the Philippines Military Assistance Act

Rescuing Animals With Rewards Act of 2019

Research and Development, Competition, and Innovation Act

Research and Development Efficiency Act

Research and Training for Eastern Europe and the Independent States of the Former Soviet Union Act of 1983

Research Excellence and Advancements for Dyslexia Act

Research Facilities Act

Research on Aging Act of 1974

Research Review Act of 2004

Reserve Corps Compensation Act

Reserve Forces Act of 1955

Reserve Forces Bill of Rights and Vitalization Act

Reserve Forces Facilities Act of 1958

Reserve Forces Facilities Act of 1959

Reserve Forces Facilities Act of 1960

Reserve Forces Facilities Act of 1961

Reserve Forces Facilities Authorization Act, 1964

Reserve Forces Facilities Authorization Act, 1965

Reserve Forces Facilities Authorization Act, 1966

Reserve Forces Facilities Authorization Act, 1967

Reserve Forces Facilities Authorization Act, 1968

Reserve Forces Facilities Authorization Act, 1969

Reserve Forces Facilities Authorization Act, 1970

Reserve Forces Facilities Authorization Act, 1971

Reserve Forces Facilities Authorization Act, 1972

Reserve Forces Facilities Authorization Act, 1973

Reserve Forces Facilities Authorization Act, 1974

Reserve Forces Facilities Authorization Act, 1975

Reserve Forces Revitalization Act of 1996

Reserve Officer Personnel Act of 1954

Reserve Officer Personnel Management Act

Reserve Officers Association Modernization Act of 2009

Reserve Officers&apos Training Corps Vitalization Act of 1964

Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992

Resolution Trust Corporation Completion Act

Resolution Trust Corporation Funding Act of 1991

Resolution Trust Corporation Refinancing, Restructuring, and Improvement Act of 1991

Resolution Trust Corporation Thrift Depositor Protection Reform Act of 1991

Resource Conservation and Recovery Act of 1976

Resource Recovery Act of 1970

Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012

RESPECT Act

Respect for America&aposs Fallen Heroes Act

Respect for Child Survivors Act

Respect for Marriage Act

RESPONSE Act of 2016

Responsible Education Achieves Care and Healthy Outcomes for Users&apos Treatment Act of 2018

Responsible Education Mitigating Options and Technical Extensions Act

Restore Online Shoppers&apos Confidence Act

Restore the Harmony Way Bridge Act

Restoring Brand USA Act

Restoring GI Bill Fairness Act of 2011

Restoring Hope for Mental Health and Well-Being Act of 2022

Restrictions Removal Act (Oklahoma)

Retired Federal Employees Health Benefits Act

Retiree Benefits Bankruptcy Protection Act of 1988

Retirement and Survivors&apos Annuities for Bankruptcy Judges and Magistrates Act of 1988

Retirement Equity Act of 1984

Retirement Protection Act of 1994

Retirement-Straight Line Adjustment Act of 1958

Revenue Act of 1916

Revenue Act of 1917

Revenue Act of 1918

Revenue Act of 1921

Revenue Act of 1924

Revenue Act of 1926

Revenue Act of 1928

Revenue Act of 1932

Revenue Act of 1934

Revenue Act of 1935

Revenue Act of 1936

Revenue Act of 1937

Revenue Act of 1938

Revenue Act of 1939

Revenue Act of 1940

Revenue Act of 1942

Revenue Act of 1943

Revenue Act of 1945

Revenue Act of 1948

Revenue Act of 1950

Revenue Act of 1951

Revenue Act of 1962

Revenue Act of 1964

Revenue Act of 1971

Revenue Act of 1978

Revenue Act of 1987

Revenue Adjustment Act of 1975

Revenue Adjustments Act of 1980

Revenue and Expenditure Control Act of 1968

Revenue Forgone Reform Act

Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1989

Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1990

Revenue Reconciliation Act of 1993

Reverse Mortgage Stabilization Act of 2013

Revised Continuing Appropriations Resolution, 2007

Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands

Revising Existing Procedures On Reporting via Technology Act

Revitalize American Manufacturing and Innovation Act of 2014

Reviving America&aposs Scenic Byways Act of 2019

Revolutionary War and War of 1812 Historic Preservation Study Act of 1996

Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1994

Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Act of 1998

Rhinoceros and Tiger Conservation Reauthorization Act of 2001

Rhode Island Indian Claims Settlement Act

Rice Production Act of 1975

Richard B. Russell National School Lunch Act

Richmond National Battlefield Park Act of 2000

Ricky Ray Hemophilia Relief Fund Act of 1998

Riegle Community Development and Regulatory Improvement Act of 1994

Riegle-Neal Amendments Act of 1997

Riegle-Neal Interstate Banking and Branching Efficiency Act of 1994

Right of Way Act of 1891

Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978

Right to Work Law

Rio Arriba County Land Conveyance Act

Rio Grande American Canal Extension Act of 1990

Rio Grande Designation Act of 1994

Rio Grande Natural Area Act

Rio Grande Pollution Correction Act of 1987

RISE After Disaster Act of 2015

Risk-Based Security Screening for Members of the Armed Forces Act

Risk Retention Amendments of 1986

River and Harbor Act of 1910

River and Harbor Act of 1911

River and Harbor Act of 1912

River and Harbor Act of 1913

River and Harbor Act of 1914

River and Harbor Act of 1915

River and Harbor Act of 1916

River and Harbor Act of 1917

River and Harbor Act of 1918

River and Harbor Act of 1919

River and Harbor Act of 1920

River and Harbor Act of 1922

River and Harbor Act of 1930

River and Harbor Act of 1945

River and Harbor Act of 1948

River and Harbor Act of 1950

River and Harbor Act of 1954

River and Harbor Act of 1958

River and Harbor Act of 1960

River and Harbor Act of 1962

River and Harbor Act of 1965

River and Harbor Act of 1966

River and Harbor Act of 1968

River and Harbor Act of 1970

River Basin Monetary Authorization Act of 1967

River Basin Monetary Authorization Act of 1968

River Basin Monetary Authorization Act of 1971

River Basin Monetary Authorization Act of 1974

River Raisin National Battlefield Study Act

Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1884

Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1899

Rivers and Harbors Appropriation Act of 1915

RLF Act

Roads Employment Act

Robert A. Taft Institute Assistance Act

Robert Levinson Hostage Recovery and Hostage-Taking Accountability Act

Robert Matava Elder Abuse Prosecution Act of 2017

Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act

Roberts Act

Robinson-Patman Act

Robinson-Patman Antidiscrimination Act

Robinson-Patman Price Discrimination Act

Rock Island Railroad Transition and Employee Assistance Act

Rocky Boy&aposs/North Central Montana Regional Water System Act of 2002

Rocky Flats National Wildlife Refuge Act of 2001

Rocky Mountain Arsenal National Wildlife Refuge Act of 1992

Rocky Mountain National Park Act

Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary Adjustment Act of 2005

Rocky Mountain National Park Boundary Modification Act

Rocky Mountain National Park Ownership Correction Act

Rodchenkov Anti-Doping Act of 2019

Ronald Reagan Centennial Commission Act

Ronald W. Reagan National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2005

Roosevelt Campobello International Park Act

Roosevelt Library Act

Rosa&aposs Law

Rosie the Riveter Congressional Gold Medal Act of 2019

Rosie the Riveter/World War II Home Front National Historical Park Establishment Act of 2000

Route 66 Centennial Commission Act

Route 66 Study Act of 1990

Royalty Adjustment Act of 1942

Rubber Act of 1948

Rubber Producing Facilities Disposal Act of 1953

Rules Enabling Act

Rules of Decision Act

Rumanian Declaration of War

Runaway and Homeless Youth Act

Runaway, Homeless, and Missing Children Protection Act

Rural Access to Emergency Devices Act

Rural AED Act

Rural Air Service Improvement Act of 2004

Rural Air Service Survival Act

Rural Crisis Recovery Program Act of 1987

Rural Development Act of 1972

Rural Development, Agriculture, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1988

Rural Development, Agriculture, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1989

Rural Development, Agriculture, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1990

Rural Development, Agriculture, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 1991

Rural Development Policy Act of 1980

Rural Economic Development Act of 1990

Rural Education Achievement Program

Rural Electrification Act of 1936

Rural Electrification Act of 1938

Rural Electrification Administration Improvement Act of 1992

Rural Electrification Administration Technical Amendments Act of 1976

Rural Electrification Loan Restructuring Act of 1993

Rural Health and Safety Education Act of 1990

Rural Health Care Capital Access Act of 2006

Rural Health Clinics Act of 1983

Rural Healthcare Connectivity Act of 2016

Rural Housing Amendments of 1983

Rural Industrial Assistance Act of 1986

Rural Local Broadcast Signal Act

Rural Opioid Abuse Prevention Act

Rural Rehabilitation Corporation Trust Liquidation Act

Rural Service Improvement Act of 2002

Rural Small Business Enhancement Act of 1990

Rural Telecommunications Improvements Act of 1990

Rural Telephone Cooperative Associations ERISA Amendments Act of 1991

Rural Water Supply Act of 2006

Russell Amendment

Russell-Overton Amendment

Russia and Belarus SDR Exchange Prohibition Act of 2022

Russia and Moldova Jackson-Vanik Repeal and Sergei Magnitsky Rule of Law Accountability Act of 2012

Russia Sanctions Review Act of 2017

Russian Democracy Act of 2002

Russian Federation Debt for Nonproliferation Act of 2002

Russian River Land Act

Russian-Venezuelan Threat Mitigation Act

Ryan Haight Online Pharmacy Consumer Protection Act of 2008

Ryan Kules and Paul Benne Specially Adaptive Housing Improvement Act of 2019

Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 1996

Ryan White CARE Act Amendments of 2000

Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency Act of 1990

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Extension Act of 2009

Ryan White HIV/AIDS Treatment Modernization Act of 2006