The word ''department'' as used in this Act shall be construed to include independent establishments, other agencies, wholly owned Government corporations (the transactions of which corporations shall be subject to the authorizations and limitations of this Act, except that section 5 of this title shall apply to their administrative transactions only), and the government of the District of Columbia, but shall not include the Senate, House of Representatives, or office of the Architect of the Capitol, or the officers or employees thereof. The words ''continental United States'' as used herein shall be construed to mean the forty-eight States and the District of Columbia. The word ''Government'' shall be construed to include the government of the District of Columbia. The word ''appropriation'' shall be construed as including funds made available by legislation under section 9104 of title 31