19 USC 1630 – Authority to settle claims

(a) In general

With respect to a claim that cannot be settled under chapter 171 of title 28, the Secretary may settle, for not more than $50,000 in any one case, a claim for damage to, or loss of, privately owned property caused by an investigative or law enforcement officer (as defined in section 2680(h) of title 28) who is employed by the Customs Service and acting within the scope of his or her employment.

(b) Limitations

Terms Used In 19 USC 1630

officer: includes any person authorized by law to perform the duties of the office. See 1 USC 1
Secretary: means the Secretary of the Treasury or his delegate. See 19 USC 1401
Settlement: Parties to a lawsuit resolve their difference without having a trial. Settlements often involve the payment of compensation by one party in satisfaction of the other party's claims.
United States: includes all Territories and possessions of the United States except the Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Wake Island, Midway Islands, Kingman Reef, Johnston Island, and the island of Guam. See 19 USC 1401

The Secretary may not pay a claim under subsection (a) that—

(1) concerns commercial property;

(2) is presented to the Secretary more than 1 year after it occurs; or

(3) is presented by an officer or employee of the United States Government and arose within the scope of employment.