### Question
How is the "direct loan" defined?


### Answer
The term **direct loan** is defined in *45 U.S.C. § 821* as follows -

> a disbursement of funds by the Government to a non-Federal borrower under a contract that requires the repayment of such funds

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

