---
kind: "section"
citation: "20 U.S.C. § 53a"
title: "20"
title_heading: "Education"
number: "53a"
heading: "Authorization of appropriations"
release: "119-102"
date: "2026-07-12"
url: "https://uscodex.org/usc/20/53a"
units:
  - "Chapter 3 — Smithsonian Institution, National Museums and Art Galleries"
  - "Subchapter I — Charter Provisions"
---

# §53a. Authorization of appropriations


Appropriations are authorized for the maintenance of the Astrophysical Observatory and the making of solar observations at high altitudes; for repairs and alterations of buildings and grounds occupied by the Smithsonian Institution in the District of Columbia and elsewhere; and for preparation of manuscripts, drawings, and illustrations for publications.


## Source credit

(Aug. 22, 1949, ch. 494, § 2, 63 Stat. 623.)