28 USC § 3003 - Rules of construction

---
identifier: "/us/usc/t28/s3003"
source: "usc"
legal_status: "official_legal_evidence"
title: "28 USC § 3003 - Rules of construction"
title_number: 28
title_name: "JUDICIARY AND JUDICIAL PROCEDURE"
section_number: "3003"
section_name: "Rules of construction"
chapter_number: 176
chapter_name: "FEDERAL DEBT COLLECTION PROCEDURE"
subchapter_number: "A"
subchapter_name: "DEFINITIONS AND GENERAL PROVISIONS"
part_number: "VI"
part_name: "PARTICULAR PROCEEDINGS"
positive_law: true
currency: "119-84"
last_updated: "2026-04-17"
format_version: "1.1.0"
generator: "[email protected]"
source_credit: "(Added Pub. L. 101–647, title XXXVI, § 3611, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4935.)"
---


# § 3003. Rules of construction

**(a)** **Terms.—** For purposes of this chapter—

**(1)** the terms “includes” and “including” are not limiting;

**(2)** the term “or” is not exclusive; and

**(3)** the singular includes the plural.

**(b)** **Effect on Rights of the United States.—** This chapter shall not be construed to curtail or limit the right of the United States under any other Federal law or any State law—

**(1)** to collect taxes or to collect any other amount collectible in the same manner as a tax;

**(2)** to collect any fine, penalty, assessment, restitution, or forfeiture arising in a criminal case;

**(3)** to appoint or seek the appointment of a receiver; or

**(4)** to enforce a security agreement.

**(c)** **Effect on Other Laws.—** This chapter shall not be construed to supersede or modify the operation of—

**(1)** title 11;

**(2)** admiralty law;

**(3)** section 3713 of title 31;

**(4)** section 303 of the Consumer Credit Protection Act (15 U.S.C. 1673);

**(5)** a statute of limitation applicable to a criminal proceeding;

**(6)** the common law or statutory rights to set-off or recoupment;

**(7)** any Federal law authorizing, or any inherent authority of a court to provide, injunctive relief;

**(8)** the authority of a court—

**(A)** to impose a sanction under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure;

**(B)** to appoint a receiver to effectuate its order; or

**(C)** to exercise the power of contempt under any Federal law;

**(9)** any law authorizing the United States to obtain partition, or to recover possession, of property in which the United States holds title; or

**(10)** any provision of any other chapter of this title, except to the extent such provision is inconsistent with this chapter.

**(d)** **Preemption.—** This chapter shall preempt State law to the extent such law is inconsistent with a provision of this chapter.

**(e)** **Effect on Rights of the United States Under Foreign and International Law.—** This chapter shall not be construed to curtail or limit the rights of the United States under foreign law, under a treaty or an international agreement, or otherwise under international law.

**(f)** **Applicability of Federal Rules of Civil Procedure.—** Except as provided otherwise in this chapter, the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure shall apply with respect to actions and proceedings under this chapter.

---

**Source Credit**: (Added Pub. L. 101–647, title XXXVI, § 3611, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4935.)

## Editorial Notes

### References in Text

The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, referred to in subsecs. (c)(8)(A) and (f), are set out in the Appendix to this title.

## Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries

### Effective Date

Section effective 180 days after , and applicable with respect to certain actions for debts owed the United States pending in court on that effective date, see , set out as a note under .