Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 60 Part 1.djvu/870

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79TH CONG. , 2D SESS.-CH. 753-AUG. 2, 1946 whose primary function is to act as, and while acting as, instrumental- ities or agencies of the United States, whether or not authorized to sue and be sued in their own names: Provided,That this shall not be construed to include any contractor with the United States. (b) "Employee of the Government" includes officers or employees of any Federal agency, members of the military or naval forces of the United States, and persons acting on behalf of a Federal agency in an official capacity, temporarily or permanently in the service of the United States, whether with or without compensation. (c) "Acting within the scope of his office or employment", in the case of a member of the military or naval forces of the United States, means acting in line of duty. PART 2--ADMINISTRATIVE ADJUSTMENT OF TORT CLAIMS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES CLAIMS OF $1,000 OR LESS SEC. 403. (a) Subject to the limitations of this title, authority is hereby conferred upon the head of each Federal agency, or his designee for the purpose, acting on behalf of the United States, to consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, and settle any claim against the United States for money only, accruing on and after January 1, 1945, on account of damage to or loss of property or on account of personal injury or death, where the total amount of the claim does not exceed $1,000, caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission of any employee of the Government while acting within the scope of his office or employment, under circumstances where the United States, if a private person, would be liable to the claimant for such damage, loss, injury, or death, in accordance with the law of the place where the act or omission occurred. (b) Subject to the provisions of part 3 of this title, any such award or determination shall be final and conclusive on all officers of the Government, except when procured by means of fraud, notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary. (c) Any award made to any claimant pursuant to this section, and any award, compromise, or settlement of any claim cognizable under this title made by the Attorney General pursuant to section 413, shall be paid by the head of the Federal agency concerned out of appropria- tions that may be made therefor, which appropriations are hereby authorized. (d) The acceptance by the claimant of any such award, compromise, or settlement shall be final and conclusive on the claimant, and shall constitute a complete release by the claimant of any claim against the United States and against the employee of the Government whose act or omission gave rise to the claim, by reason of the same subject matter. REPORT SEC. 404. The head of each Federal agency shall annually make a report to the Congress of all claims paid by such Federal agency under this part. Such report shall include the name of each claimant, a statement of the amount claimed and the amount awarded, and a brief description of the claim. PART 3-SUITS ON TORT CLAIMS AGAINST THE UNITED STATES JURISDICTION SEC. 410. (a) Subject to the provisions of this title, the United States district court for the district wherein the plaintiff is resident or wherein the act or omission complained of occurred, including the Contractor. Finality of award. Payments Apropriations ao- thorizecl. Release of claim. 60 STAT.] 843