### Question
How is the term modification defined?


### Answer
The term **modification** is defined in *45 U.S.C. § 821* as the following:

> any Government action that alters the estimated cost of an outstanding direct loan (or direct loan obligation) or an outstanding loan guarantee (or loan guarantee commitment) from the current estimate of cash flows

#### Citation:
  - *45 U.S.C. § 821*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 17-RAILROAD REVITALIZATION AND REGULATORY REFORM > SUBCHAPTER II-RAILROAD REHABILITATION AND IMPROVEMENT FINANCING**

