62 STAT.] 80TH CONG. , 2D SESS.-CH. 646-JUNE 25, 1948 service of the United States, whether with or without compen- sation. "Acting within the scope of his offict or employment", in the case of a member of the military or naval forces of the United States, means acting in line of duty. § 2672. Administrative adjustment of claims of $1,000 or less The head of each federal agency, or his designee for the purpose, acting on behalf of the United States, may consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, and settle any claim for money damages of $1,000 or less against the United States for injury or loss of property or personal injury or death 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 in accordance with the law of the place where the act or omission occurred. Subject to the provisions of this title relating to civil actions on tort claims against the United States, any such award or determination shall be final and conclusive on all officers of the government, except when procured by means of fraud. Any award made pursuant to this section, and any award, com- promise, or settlement made by the Attorney General pursuant to section 2678 of this title, shall be paid by the head of the federal agency concerned out of such agency's appropriations therefor, which appropriations are hereby authorized. 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 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. § 2673. Reports to Congress The head of each federal agency shall report annually to Congress all claims paid by it under section 2672 of this title, stating the name of each claimant, the amount claimed, the amount awarded, and a brief description of the claim. § 2674. Liability of United States The United States shall be liable, respecting the provisions of this title relating to tort claims, in the same manner and to the same extent as a private individual under like circumstances, but shall not be liable for interest prior to judgment or for punitive damages. If, however, in any case wherein death was caused, the law of the place where the act or omission complained of occurred provides, or has been construed to provide, for damages only punitive in nature, the United States shall be liable for actual or compensatory damages, measured by the pecuniary injuries resulting from such death to the persons respectively, for whose benefit the action was brought, in lieu thereof. § 2675. Disposition by federal agency as prerequisite; evidence (a) An action shall not be instituted upon a claim against the United States which has been presented to a federal agency, for money damages for injury or loss of property or personal injury or death caused by the negligent or wrongful act or omission of an employee of the government while acting within the scope of his authority, unless such federal agency has made final disposition of the claim. (b) The claimant, however, may, upon fifteen days written notice, withdraw such claim from consideration of the federal agency and Finality of award. Post,p . 984. Supra. 983
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