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472 §7621. Definitions (a) I n this chapter "vessel in the naval service" means— (1) any vessel of the Navy, manned by the Navy, or chartered on bareboat charter to the Navy; or (2) when the Coast Guard is operating as a service in the Navy, any vessel of the Coast Guard, manned by the Coast Guard, or chartered on bareboat charter to the Coast Guard. (b) I n this chapter "settle" means consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, and dispose of a claim, whether by full or partial allowance or by disallowance. §7622. Admiralty claims against the United States (a) The Secretary of the Navy may settle, or compromise, and pay in an amount not more than $1,000,000, a claim against the United States for— (1) damage caused by a vessel in the naval service; or (2) compensation for towage and salvage service, including contract salvage, rendered to a vessel in the naval service. (b) If a claim under this section is settled or compromised for more than $1,000,000, the Secretary shall certify it to Congress. (c) I n any case where the amount to be paid is not more than $1,000, the Secretary may delegate his authority under this section to any person designated by him. (d) Upon acceptance of payment by the claimant, the settlement or compromise of a claim under this section is final and conclusive notwithstanding any other provision of law. §7623. Admiralty claims by the United States (a) The Secretary of the Navy may settle, or compromise, and receive payment of a claim by the United States for damage to property under the jurisdiction of the Department of the Navy or property for which the JDepartment has assumed an obligation to respond for damage, if— (1) the claim is— (A) of a kind that is within the admiralty jurisdiction of a district court of the United States; or (B) for damage caused by a vessel or floating object; and (2) the net amount to be received by the United States is not more than $1,000,000. (b) I n exchange for payment of an amount found to be due the United States under this section, the Secretary may execute a release of the claim on behalf of the United States. Amounts received under this section shall be covered into the Treasury. (c) I n any case where the amount to be received by the United States is not more than $1,000, the Secretary may delegate his authority under this section to any person designated by him. (d) Upon acceptance of payment by the Secretary, the settlement or compromise of a claim under this section is final and conclusive notwithstanding any other provision of law. (e) This section does not apply to any claim while there is pending as to that claim a suit filed by or against the United States.
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