CHAPTER 171—TORT CLAIMS PROCEDURE
2672.
Administrative adjustment of claims.
2673.
Reports to Congress.
2674.
Liability of United States.
2675.
Disposition by federal agency as prerequisite; evidence.
2678.
Attorney fees; penalty.
2679.
Exclusiveness of remedy.
Senate Revision Amendment
As printed in this report, this chapter should have read "173" and not "171". It was properly numbered "173" in the bill. However, the chapter was renumbered "171", without change in its section numbers, by Senate amendment. See 80th Congress Senate Report No. 1559.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1966—Pub. L. 89–506, §9(b), July 18, 1966, 80 Stat. 308, substituted "claims" for "claims of $2,500 or less" in item 2672.
1959—Pub. L. 86–238, §1(2), Sept. 8, 1959, 73 Stat. 472, substituted "$2,500" for "$1,000" in item 2672.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Federal Cause of Action Relating to Water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina
Pub. L. 117–168, title VIII, §804, Aug. 10, 2022, 136 Stat. 1802, provided that:
"(a) Short Title.—This section may be cited as the 'Camp Lejeune Justice Act of 2022'.
"(b) In General.—An individual, including a veteran (as defined in section 101 of title 38, United States Code), or the legal representative of such an individual, who resided, worked, or was otherwise exposed (including in utero exposure) for not less than 30 days during the period beginning on August 1, 1953, and ending on December 31, 1987, to water at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina, that was supplied by, or on behalf of, the United States may bring an action in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina to obtain appropriate relief for harm that was caused by exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune.
"(c) Burdens and Standard of Proof.—
"(1) In general.—The burden of proof shall be on the party filing the action to show one or more relationships between the water at Camp Lejeune and the harm.
"(2) Standards.—To meet the burden of proof described in paragraph (1), a party shall produce evidence showing that the relationship between exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune and the harm is—
"(A) sufficient to conclude that a causal relationship exists; or
"(B) sufficient to conclude that a causal relationship is at least as likely as not.
"(d) Exclusive Jurisdiction and Venue.—The United States District Court for the Eastern District of North Carolina shall have exclusive jurisdiction over any action filed under subsection (b), and shall be the exclusive venue for such an action. Nothing in this subsection shall impair the right of any party to a trial by jury.
"(e) Exclusive Remedy.—
"(1) In general.—An individual, or legal representative of an individual, who brings an action under this section for a harm described in subsection (b), including a latent disease, may not thereafter bring a tort action against the United States for such harm pursuant to any other law.
"(2) Health and disability benefits relating to water exposure.—Any award made to an individual, or legal representative of an individual, under this section shall be offset by the amount of any disability award, payment, or benefit provided to the individual, or legal representative—
"(A) under—
"(i) any program under the laws administered by the Secretary of Veterans Affairs;
"(ii) the Medicare program under title XVIII of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1395 et seq.); or
"(iii) the Medicaid program under title XIX of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 1396 et seq.); and
"(B) in connection with health care or a disability relating to exposure to the water at Camp Lejeune.
"(f) Immunity Limitation.—The United States may not assert any claim to immunity in an action under this section that would otherwise be available under section 2680(a) of title 28, United States Code.
"(g) No Punitive Damages.—Punitive damages may not be awarded in any action under this section.
"(h) Disposition by Federal Agency Required.—An individual may not bring an action under this section before complying with section 2675 of title 28, United States Code.
"(i) Exception for Combatant Activities.—This section does not apply to any claim or action arising out of the combatant activities of the Armed Forces.
"(j) Applicability; Period for Filing.—
"(1) Applicability.—This section shall apply only to a claim accruing before the date of enactment of this Act [Aug. 10, 2022].
"(2) Statute of limitations.—A claim in an action under this section may not be commenced after the later of—
"(A) the date that is two years after the date of enactment of this Act; or
"(B) the date that is 180 days after the date on which the claim is denied under section 2675 of title 28, United States Code.
"(3) Inapplicability of other limitations.—Any applicable statute of repose or statute of limitations, other than under paragraph (2), shall not apply to a claim under this section."
§2671. Definitions
As used in this chapter and sections 1346(b) and 2401(b) of this title, the term "Federal agency" includes the executive departments, the judicial and legislative branches, the military departments, independent establishments of the United States, and corporations primarily acting as instrumentalities or agencies of the United States, but does not include any contractor with the United States.
"Employee of the government" includes (1) officers or employees of any federal agency, members of the military or naval forces of the United States, members of the National Guard while engaged in training or duty under section 115, 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505 of title 32, 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, and (2) any officer or employee of a Federal public defender organization, except when such officer or employee performs professional services in the course of providing representation under section 3006A of title 18.
"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 or a member of the National Guard as defined in section 101(3) of title 32, means acting in line of duty.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 982; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §124, 63 Stat. 106; Pub. L. 89–506, §8, July 18, 1966, 80 Stat. 307; Pub. L. 97–124, §1, Dec. 29, 1981, 95 Stat. 1666; Pub. L. 100–694, §3, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4564; Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VI, §665(b)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-169; Pub. L. 106–518, title IV, §401, Nov. 13, 2000, 114 Stat. 2421.)
Historical and Revision Notes
1948 Act
Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §941 (Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, §402, 60 Stat. 842).
Changes were made in phraseology.
1949 Act
This section corrects a typographical error in section 2671 of title 28, U.S.C.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
2000—Pub. L. 106–518, in par. defining "Employee of the government", inserted "(1)" after "includes" and added cl. (2).
Pub. L. 106–398 inserted "115," after "members of the National Guard while engaged in training or duty under section" in par. defining "Employee of the government".
1988—Pub. L. 100–694 inserted "the judicial and legislative branches," after "departments," in first par.
1981—Pub. L. 97–124 inserted "members of the National Guard while engaged in training or duty under section 316, 502, 503, 504, or 505 of title 32," in definition of "Employee of the government" and "or a member of the National Guard as defined in section 101(3) of title 32" in definition of "Acting within the scope of his office or employment".
1966—Pub. L. 89–506 expanded definition of "Federal agency" to include military departments.
1949—Act May 24, 1949, corrected spelling of "office".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2000 Amendment
Pub. L. 106–398, §1 [[div. A], title VI, §665(c)(2)], Oct. 30, 2000, 114 Stat. 1654, 1654A-169, provided that: "The amendment made by subsection (b) [amending this section] shall apply with respect to acts and omissions occurring before, on, or after the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 2000]."
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–694 effective Nov. 18, 1988, and applicable to all claims, civil actions, and proceedings pending on, or filed on or after, Nov. 18, 1988, see section 8 of Pub. L. 100–694, set out as a note under section 2679 of this title.
Effective Date of 1981 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 97–124 applicable only with respect to claims arising on or after Dec. 29, 1981, see section 4 of Pub. L. 97–124, set out as a note under section 1089 of Title 10, Armed Forces.
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 89–506 applicable to claims accruing six months or more after July 18, 1966, see section 10 of Pub. L. 89–506, set out as a note under section 2672 of this title.
Short Title
This chapter is popularly known as the Federal Tort Claims Act. The Federal Tort Claims Act was previously the official short title of title IV of act Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, 60 Stat. 842, which was classified principally to chapter 20 (§§921, 922, 931–934, 941–946) of former Title 28, Judicial Code and Judiciary. Title IV of act Aug. 2, 1946, was substantially repealed and reenacted as sections 1346(b) and 2671 et seq. of this title by act June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 992, the first section of which enacted this title. For complete classification of title IV to the Code, see Tables. For distribution of former sections of Title 28 into this title, see Table at the beginning of this title.
Severability
Pub. L. 100–694, §7, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4565, provided that: "If any provision of this Act [see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note under section 1 of this title] or the amendments made by this Act or the application of the provision to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of this Act and such amendments and the application of the provision to any other person or circumstance shall not be affected by that invalidation."
Law Enforcement Officer Acting Within Scope of Office or Employment
Pub. L. 105–277, div. A, §101(h) [title VI, §627], Oct. 21, 1998, 112 Stat. 2681–480, 2681-519, as amended by Pub. L. 106–58, title VI, §623, Sept. 29, 1999, 113 Stat. 471, provided that:
"(a) Definitions.—In this section—
"(1) the term 'crime of violence' has the meaning given that term in section 16 of title 18, United States Code; and
"(2) the term 'law enforcement officer' means any employee described in subparagraph (A), (B), or (C) of section 8401(17) of title 5, United States Code; and any special agent in the Diplomatic Security Service of the Department of State.
"(b) Rule of Construction.—Effective on the date of the enactment of this Act [Oct. 21, 1998] and thereafter, and notwithstanding any other provision of law, for purposes of chapter 171 of title 28, United States Code, or any other provision of law relating to tort liability, a law enforcement officer shall be construed to be acting within the scope of his or her office or employment, if the officer takes reasonable action, including the use of force, to—
"(1) protect an individual in the presence of the officer from a crime of violence;
"(2) provide immediate assistance to an individual who has suffered or who is threatened with bodily harm; or
"(3) prevent the escape of any individual who the officer reasonably believes to have committed in the presence of the officer a crime of violence."
Congressional Findings and Purposes
Pub. L. 100–694, §2, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4563, provided that:
"(a) Findings.—The Congress finds and declares the following:
"(1) For more than 40 years the Federal Tort Claims Act [see Short Title note above] has been the legal mechanism for compensating persons injured by negligent or wrongful acts of Federal employees committed within the scope of their employment.
"(2) The United States, through the Federal Tort Claims Act, is responsible to injured persons for the common law torts of its employees in the same manner in which the common law historically has recognized the responsibility of an employer for torts committed by its employees within the scope of their employment.
"(3) Because Federal employees for many years have been protected from personal common law tort liability by a broad based immunity, the Federal Tort Claims Act has served as the sole means for compensating persons injured by the tortious conduct of Federal employees.
"(4) Recent judicial decisions, and particularly the decision of the United States Supreme Court in Westfall v. Erwin, have seriously eroded the common law tort immunity previously available to Federal employees.
"(5) This erosion of immunity of Federal employees from common law tort liability has created an immediate crisis involving the prospect of personal liability and the threat of protracted personal tort litigation for the entire Federal workforce.
"(6) The prospect of such liability will seriously undermine the morale and well being of Federal employees, impede the ability of agencies to carry out their missions, and diminish the vitality of the Federal Tort Claims Act as the proper remedy for Federal employee torts.
"(7) In its opinion in Westfall v. Erwin, the Supreme Court indicated that the Congress is in the best position to determine the extent to which Federal employees should be personally liable for common law torts, and that legislative consideration of this matter would be useful.
"(b) Purpose.—It is the purpose of this Act [see Short Title of 1988 Amendment note under section 1 of this title] to protect Federal employees from personal liability for common law torts committed within the scope of their employment, while providing persons injured by the common law torts of Federal employees with an appropriate remedy against the United States."
§2672. Administrative adjustment of claims
The head of each Federal agency or his designee, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Attorney General, may consider, ascertain, adjust, determine, compromise, and settle any claim for money damages 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 agency 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: Provided, That any award, compromise, or settlement in excess of $25,000 shall be effected only with the prior written approval of the Attorney General or his designee. Notwithstanding the proviso contained in the preceding sentence, any award, compromise, or settlement may be effected without the prior written approval of the Attorney General or his or her designee, to the extent that the Attorney General delegates to the head of the agency the authority to make such award, compromise, or settlement. Such delegations may not exceed the authority delegated by the Attorney General to the United States attorneys to settle claims for money damages against the United States. Each Federal agency may use arbitration, or other alternative means of dispute resolution under the provisions of subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 5, to settle any tort claim against the United States, to the extent of the agency's authority to award, compromise, or settle such claim without the prior written approval of the Attorney General or his or her designee.
Subject to the provisions of this title relating to civil actions on tort claims against the United States, any such award, compromise, settlement, or determination shall be final and conclusive on all officers of the Government, except when procured by means of fraud.
Any award, compromise, or settlement in an amount of $2,500 or less made pursuant to this section shall be paid by the head of the Federal agency concerned out of appropriations available to that agency. Payment of any award, compromise, or settlement in an amount in excess of $2,500 made pursuant to this section or made by the Attorney General in any amount pursuant to section 2677 of this title shall be paid in a manner similar to judgments and compromises in like causes and appropriations or funds available for the payment of such judgments and compromises are hereby made available for the payment of awards, compromises, or settlements under this chapter.
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.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 983; Apr. 25, 1949, ch. 92, §2(b), 63 Stat. 62; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §125, 63 Stat. 106; Sept. 23, 1950, ch. 1010, §9, 64 Stat. 987; Pub. L. 86–238, §1(1), Sept. 8, 1959, 73 Stat. 471; Pub. L. 89–506, §§1, 9(a), July 18, 1966, 80 Stat. 306, 308; Pub. L. 101–552, §8(a), Nov. 15, 1990, 104 Stat. 2746.)
Historical and Revision Notes
1948 Act
Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §921 (Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, §403, 60 Stat. 843).
The phrase "accruing on and after January 1, 1945" was omitted because executed as of the date of the enactment of this revised title.
Changes were made in phraseology.
1949 Act
This section corrects a typographical error in section 2672 of title 28, U.S.C.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1990—Pub. L. 101–552 inserted at end of first par. "Notwithstanding the proviso contained in the preceding sentence, any award, compromise, or settlement may be effected without the prior written approval of the Attorney General or his or her designee, to the extent that the Attorney General delegates to the head of the agency the authority to make such award, compromise, or settlement. Such delegations may not exceed the authority delegated by the Attorney General to the United States attorneys to settle claims for money damages against the United States. Each Federal agency may use arbitration, or other alternative means of dispute resolution under the provisions of subchapter IV of chapter 5 of title 5, to settle any tort claim against the United States, to the extent of the agency's authority to award, compromise, or settle such claim without the prior written approval of the Attorney General or his or her designee."
1966—Pub. L. 89–506 substituted "claims" for "claims of $2,500 or less" in section catchline, authorized administrative settlement of tort claims, in accordance with regulations prescribed by the Attorney General, of up to $25,000 and, with the prior written approval of the Attorney General or his designee, in excess of $25,000, inserted "compromise" and "settlement" to list of administrative acts that would be final and conclusive on all officers of the government, authorized the payment of administrative settlements in excess of $2,500 in the manner similar to judgments and compromises in like causes, and made appropriations and funds which were available for the payment of such judgments and compromises available for the payment of awards, compromises, or settlements under this chapter.
1959—Pub. L. 86–238 substituted "$2,500" for "$1,000" in section catchline and text.
1950—Act Sept. 23, 1950, struck out requirement for specific authorization for payment of tort claims in appropriation acts.
1949—Act Apr. 25, 1949, inserted "accruing on or after January 1, 1945" after "United States" in first par.
Act May 24, 1949, substituted "2677" for "2678" in third par.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Pub. L. 89–506, §10, July 18, 1966, 80 Stat. 308, provided that: "This Act [amending this section, sections 2401, 2671, 2675, 2677, 2678, and 2679 of this title, section 724a of former Title 31, Money and Finance, and former section 4116 of Title 38, Veterans' Benefits], shall apply to claims accruing six months or more after the date of its enactment [July 18, 1966]."
Laws Unaffected
Act Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, title IV, §424(b), 60 Stat. 847, provided that: "Nothing contained herein shall be deemed to repeal any provision of law authorizing any Federal agency to consider, ascertain, adjust, settle, determine, or pay any claim on account of damage to or loss of property or on account of personal injury or death, in cases in which such damage, loss, injury, or death was not caused by any negligent or wrongful act or omission of an employee of the Government while acting within the scope of his office or employment, or any other claim not cognizable under part 2 of this title."
§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.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 983.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §922 (Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, §404, 60 Stat. 843).
Changes were made in phraseology.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Repeal
Pub. L. 89–348, §1(1), Nov. 8, 1965, 79 Stat. 1310, repealed the requirement that an annual report to Congress be made of the administrative adjustment of tort claims of $2,500 or less, 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.
With respect to any claim under this chapter, the United States shall be entitled to assert any defense based upon judicial or legislative immunity which otherwise would have been available to the employee of the United States whose act or omission gave rise to the claim, as well as any other defenses to which the United States is entitled.
With respect to any claim to which this section applies, the Tennessee Valley Authority shall be entitled to assert any defense which otherwise would have been available to the employee based upon judicial or legislative immunity, which otherwise would have been available to the employee of the Tennessee Valley Authority whose act or omission gave rise to the claim as well as any other defenses to which the Tennessee Valley Authority is entitled under this chapter.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 983; Pub. L. 100–694, §§4, 9(c), Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4564, 4567.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §931(a) (Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, §410(a), 60 Stat. 843).
Section constitutes the liability provisions in the second sentence of section 931(a) of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed.
Other provisions of section 931(a) of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., are incorporated in sections 1346(b), 1402, 2402, 2411, and 2412 of this title, but the provision of such section 931(a) that the United States shall not be liable for interest prior to judgment was omitted as unnecessary in view of section 2411 of this title, which provides that interest on judgments against the United States shall be computed from the date of judgment. Such section 2411 is made applicable to tort-claim actions by section 932 of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed.
Changes were made in phraseology.
Senate Revision Amendment
For Senate amendment to this section, see 80th Congress Senate Report No. 1559, amendment No. 60.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1988—Pub. L. 100–694 inserted two pars. at end entitling the United States and the Tennessee Valley Authority to assert any defense based upon judicial or legislative immunity.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 100–694 effective Nov. 18, 1988, and applicable to all claims, civil actions, and proceedings pending on, or filed on or after, Nov. 18, 1988, see section 8 of Pub. L. 100–694 set out as a note under section 2679 of this title.
§2675. Disposition by federal agency as prerequisite; evidence
(a) An action shall not be instituted upon a claim against the United States for money damages 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, unless the claimant shall have first presented the claim to the appropriate Federal agency and his claim shall have been finally denied by the agency in writing and sent by certified or registered mail. The failure of an agency to make final disposition of a claim within six months after it is filed shall, at the option of the claimant any time thereafter, be deemed a final denial of the claim for purposes of this section. The provisions of this subsection shall not apply to such claims as may be asserted under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure by third party complaint, cross-claim, or counterclaim.
(b) Action under this section shall not be instituted for any sum in excess of the amount of the claim presented to the federal agency, except where the increased amount is based upon newly discovered evidence not reasonably discoverable at the time of presenting the claim to the federal agency, or upon allegation and proof of intervening facts, relating to the amount of the claim.
(c) Disposition of any claim by the Attorney General or other head of a federal agency shall not be competent evidence of liability or amount of damages.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 983; May 24, 1949, ch. 139, §126, 63 Stat. 107; Pub. L. 89–506, §2, July 18, 1966, 80 Stat. 306.)
Historical and Revision Notes
1948 Act
Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §931(b) (Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, §410(b), 60 Stat. 844).
Section constitutes all of section 931(b), except the first sentence, of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed. The remainder of such section 931(b) is incorporated in section 2677 of this title.
Changes were made in phraseology.
1949 Act
This section corrects a typographical error in section 2675(b) of title 28, U.S.C.
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, referred to in subsec. (a), are set out in the Appendix to this title.
Amendments
1966—Subsec. (a). Pub. L. 89–506, §2(a), required that all administrative claims be filed with the agency or department and finally denied by the agency and sent by certified or registered mail prior to the filing of a court action against the United States, provided that the claimant be given the option of considering the claim to have been denied if the agency fails to make final disposition of the claim within six months of presentation of the claim to the agency, and provided that the requirements of the subsection would not apply to claims asserted under the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure by third party complaint, cross-claim, or counterclaim.
Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–506, §2(b), struck out provisions under which a claimant could, upon 15 days written notice, withdraw a claim from the agency and institute an action thereon.
1949—Subsec. (b). Act May 24, 1949, substituted "section" for "subsection".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 89–506 applicable to claims accruing six months or more after July 18, 1966, see section 10 of Pub. L. 89–506, set out as a note under section 2672 of this title.
§2676. Judgment as bar
The judgment in an action under section 1346(b) of this title shall constitute a complete bar to any action by the claimant, by reason of the same subject matter, against the employee of the government whose act or omission gave rise to the claim.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 984.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §931(b) (Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, §410(b), 60 Stat. 844).
Section constitutes the first sentence of section 931(b) of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed. Other provisions of such section 931(b) are incorporated in section 2675 of this title.
Changes were made in phraseology.
Senate Revision Amendment
This section was eliminated by Senate amendment. See 80th Congress Senate Report No. 1559.
§2677. Compromise
The Attorney General or his designee may arbitrate, compromise, or settle any claim cognizable under section 1346(b) of this title, after the commencement of an action thereon.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 984; Pub. L. 89–506, §3, July 18, 1966, 80 Stat. 307.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §934 (Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, §413, 60 Stat. 845).
Changes were made in phraseology.
Senate Revision Amendment
This section was renumbered "2676" by Senate amendment. See 80th Congress Senate Report No. 1559.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1966—Pub. L. 89–506 struck out provision requiring that approval of court be obtained before Attorney General could arbitrate, compromise, or settle a claim after commencement of an action thereon.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 89–506 applicable to claims accruing six months or more after July 18, 1966, see section 10 of Pub. L. 89–506, set out as a note under section 2672 of this title.
§2678. Attorney fees; penalty
No attorney shall charge, demand, receive, or collect for services rendered, fees in excess of 25 per centum of any judgment rendered pursuant to section 1346(b) of this title or any settlement made pursuant to section 2677 of this title, or in excess of 20 per centum of any award, compromise, or settlement made pursuant to section 2672 of this title.
Any attorney who charges, demands, receives, or collects for services rendered in connection with such claim any amount in excess of that allowed under this section, if recovery be had, shall be fined not more than $2,000 or imprisoned not more than one year, or both.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 984; Pub. L. 89–506, §4, July 18, 1966, 80 Stat. 307.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §944 (Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, §422, 60 Stat. 846).
Words "shall be guilty of a misdemeanor" and "shall, upon conviction thereof", in the second sentence, were omitted in conformity with revised title 18, U.S.C., Crimes and Criminal Procedure (H.R. 1600, 80th Cong.). See sections 1 and 2 of said revised title 18.
Changes were made in phraseology.
Senate Revision Amendment
This section was renumbered "2677" by Senate amendment. See 80th Congress Senate Report No. 1559.
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1966—Pub. L. 89–506 raised the limitations on allowable attorneys fees from 10 to 20 percent for administrative settlements and from 20 to 25 percent for fees in cases after suit is filed and removed the requirement of agency or court allowance of the amount of attorneys fees.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 89–506 applicable to claims accruing six months or more after July 18, 1966, see section 10 of Pub. L. 89–506, set out as a note under section 2672 of this title.
§2679. Exclusiveness of remedy
(a) The authority of any federal agency to sue and be sued in its own name shall not be construed to authorize suits against such federal agency on claims which are cognizable under section 1346(b) of this title, and the remedies provided by this title in such cases shall be exclusive.
(b)(1) The remedy against the United States provided by sections 1346(b) and 2672 of this title for injury or loss of property, or personal injury or death arising or resulting from the negligent or wrongful act or omission of any employee of the Government while acting within the scope of his office or employment is exclusive of any other civil action or proceeding for money damages by reason of the same subject matter against the employee whose act or omission gave rise to the claim or against the estate of such employee. Any other civil action or proceeding for money damages arising out of or relating to the same subject matter against the employee or the employee's estate is precluded without regard to when the act or omission occurred.
(2) Paragraph (1) does not extend or apply to a civil action against an employee of the Government—
(A) which is brought for a violation of the Constitution of the United States, or
(B) which is brought for a violation of a statute of the United States under which such action against an individual is otherwise authorized.
(c) The Attorney General shall defend any civil action or proceeding brought in any court against any employee of the Government or his estate for any such damage or injury. The employee against whom such civil action or proceeding is brought shall deliver within such time after date of service or knowledge of service as determined by the Attorney General, all process served upon him or an attested true copy thereof to his immediate superior or to whomever was designated by the head of his department to receive such papers and such person shall promptly furnish copies of the pleadings and process therein to the United States attorney for the district embracing the place wherein the proceeding is brought, to the Attorney General, and to the head of his employing Federal agency.
(d)(1) Upon certification by the Attorney General that the defendant employee was acting within the scope of his office or employment at the time of the incident out of which the claim arose, any civil action or proceeding commenced upon such claim in a United States district court shall be deemed an action against the United States under the provisions of this title and all references thereto, and the United States shall be substituted as the party defendant.
(2) Upon certification by the Attorney General that the defendant employee was acting within the scope of his office or employment at the time of the incident out of which the claim arose, any civil action or proceeding commenced upon such claim in a State court shall be removed without bond at any time before trial by the Attorney General to the district court of the United States for the district and division embracing the place in which the action or proceeding is pending. Such action or proceeding shall be deemed to be an action or proceeding brought against the United States under the provisions of this title and all references thereto, and the United States shall be substituted as the party defendant. This certification of the Attorney General shall conclusively establish scope of office or employment for purposes of removal.
(3) In the event that the Attorney General has refused to certify scope of office or employment under this section, the employee may at any time before trial petition the court to find and certify that the employee was acting within the scope of his office or employment. Upon such certification by the court, such action or proceeding shall be deemed to be an action or proceeding brought against the United States under the provisions of this title and all references thereto, and the United States shall be substituted as the party defendant. A copy of the petition shall be served upon the United States in accordance with the provisions of Rule 4(d)(4) 1 of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure. In the event the petition is filed in a civil action or proceeding pending in a State court, the action or proceeding may be removed without bond by the Attorney General to the district court of the United States for the district and division embracing the place in which it is pending. If, in considering the petition, the district court determines that the employee was not acting within the scope of his office or employment, the action or proceeding shall be remanded to the State court.
(4) Upon certification, any action or proceeding subject to paragraph (1), (2), or (3) shall proceed in the same manner as any action against the United States filed pursuant to section 1346(b) of this title and shall be subject to the limitations and exceptions applicable to those actions.
(5) Whenever an action or proceeding in which the United States is substituted as the party defendant under this subsection is dismissed for failure first to present a claim pursuant to section 2675(a) of this title, such a claim shall be deemed to be timely presented under section 2401(b) of this title if—
(A) the claim would have been timely had it been filed on the date the underlying civil action was commenced, and
(B) the claim is presented to the appropriate Federal agency within 60 days after dismissal of the civil action.
(e) The Attorney General may compromise or settle any claim asserted in such civil action or proceeding in the manner provided in section 2677, and with the same effect.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 984; Pub. L. 87–258, §1, Sept. 21, 1961, 75 Stat. 539; Pub. L. 89–506, §5(a), July 18, 1966, 80 Stat. 307; Pub. L. 100–694, §§5, 6, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4564.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §945 (Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, §423, 60 Stat. 846).
Changes were made in phraseology.
Senate Revision Amendment
The catchline and text of this section were changed and the section was renumbered "2678" by Senate amendment. See 80th Congress Senate Report No. 1559.
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Federal Rules of Civil Procedure, referred to in subsec. (d)(3), are set out in the Appendix to this title.
Amendments
1988—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 100–694, §5, amended subsec. (b) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (b) read as follows: "The remedy against the United States provided by sections 1346(b) and 2672 of this title for injury or loss of property or personal injury or death, resulting from the operation by any employee of the Government of any motor vehicle while acting within the scope of his office or employment, shall hereafter be exclusive of any other civil action or proceeding by reason of the same subject matter against the employee or his estate whose act or omission gave rise to the claim."
Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 100–694, §6, amended subsec. (d) generally. Prior to amendment, subsec. (d) read as follows: "Upon a certification by the Attorney General that the defendant employee was acting within the scope of his employment at the time of the incident out of which the suit arose, any such civil action or proceeding commenced in a State court shall be removed without bond at any time before trial by the Attorney General to the district court of the United States for the district and division embracing the place wherein it is pending and the proceedings deemed a tort action brought against the United States under the provisions of this title and all references thereto. Should a United States district court determine on a hearing on a motion to remand held before a trial on the merits that the case so removed is one in which a remedy by suit within the meaning of subsection (b) of this section is not available against the United States, the case shall be remanded to the State court."
1966—Subsec. (b). Pub. L. 89–506 inserted reference to section 2672 of this title and substituted "remedy" for "remedy by suit".
1961—Pub. L. 87–258 designated existing provisions as subsec. (a) and added subsecs. (b) to (e).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1988 Amendment
Pub. L. 100–694, §8, Nov. 18, 1988, 102 Stat. 4565, provided that:
"(a) General Rule.—This Act and the amendments made by this Act [enacting section 831c–2 of Title 16, Conservation, amending this section and sections 2671 and 2674 of this title, and enacting provisions set out as notes under this section and section 2671 of this title] shall take effect on the date of the enactment of this Act [Nov. 18, 1988].
"(b) Applicability to Proceedings.—The amendments made by this Act [amending this section and sections 2671 and 2674 of this title] shall apply to all claims, civil actions, and proceedings pending on, or filed on or after, the date of the enactment of this Act.
"(c) Pending State Proceedings.—With respect to any civil action or proceeding pending in a State court to which the amendments made by this Act apply, and as to which the period for removal under section 2679(d) of title 28, United States Code (as amended by section 6 of this Act), has expired, the Attorney General shall have 60 days after the date of the enactment of this Act during which to seek removal under such section 2679(d).
"(d) Claims Accruing Before Enactment.—With respect to any civil action or proceeding to which the amendments made by this Act apply in which the claim accrued before the date of the enactment of this Act, the period during which the claim shall be deemed to be timely presented under section 2679(d)(5) of title 28, United States Code (as amended by section 6 of this Act) shall be that period within which the claim could have been timely filed under applicable State law, but in no event shall such period exceed two years from the date of the enactment of this Act."
Effective Date of 1966 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 89–506 applicable to claims accruing six months or more after July 18, 1966, see section 10 of Pub. L. 89–506, set out as a note under section 2672 of this title.
Effective Date of 1961 Amendment
Pub. L. 87–258, §2, Sept. 21, 1961, 75 Stat. 539, provided that: "The amendments made by this Act [amending this section] shall be deemed to be in effect six months after the enactment hereof [Sept. 21, 1961] but any rights or liabilities then existing shall not be affected."
§2680. Exceptions
The provisions of this chapter and section 1346(b) of this title shall not apply to—
(a) Any claim based upon an act or omission of an employee of the Government, exercising due care, in the execution of a statute or regulation, whether or not such statute or regulation be valid, or based upon the exercise or performance or the failure to exercise or perform a discretionary function or duty on the part of a federal agency or an employee of the Government, whether or not the discretion involved be abused.
(b) Any claim arising out of the loss, miscarriage, or negligent transmission of letters or postal matter.
(c) Any claim arising in respect of the assessment or collection of any tax or customs duty, or the detention of any goods, merchandise, or other property by any officer of customs or excise or any other law enforcement officer, except that the provisions of this chapter and section 1346(b) of this title apply to any claim based on injury or loss of goods, merchandise, or other property, while in the possession of any officer of customs or excise or any other law enforcement officer, if—
(1) the property was seized for the purpose of forfeiture under any provision of Federal law providing for the forfeiture of property other than as a sentence imposed upon conviction of a criminal offense;
(2) the interest of the claimant was not forfeited;
(3) the interest of the claimant was not remitted or mitigated (if the property was subject to forfeiture); and
(4) the claimant was not convicted of a crime for which the interest of the claimant in the property was subject to forfeiture under a Federal criminal forfeiture law..1
(d) Any claim for which a remedy is provided by chapter 309 or 311 of title 46 relating to claims or suits in admiralty against the United States.
(e) Any claim arising out of an act or omission of any employee of the Government in administering the provisions of sections 1–31 of Title 50, Appendix.2
(f) Any claim for damages caused by the imposition or establishment of a quarantine by the United States.
[(g) Repealed. Sept. 26, 1950, ch. 1049, §13 (5), 64 Stat. 1043.]
(h) Any claim arising out of assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, malicious prosecution, abuse of process, libel, slander, misrepresentation, deceit, or interference with contract rights: Provided, That, with regard to acts or omissions of investigative or law enforcement officers of the United States Government, the provisions of this chapter and section 1346(b) of this title shall apply to any claim arising, on or after the date of the enactment of this proviso, out of assault, battery, false imprisonment, false arrest, abuse of process, or malicious prosecution. For the purpose of this subsection, "investigative or law enforcement officer" means any officer of the United States who is empowered by law to execute searches, to seize evidence, or to make arrests for violations of Federal law.
(i) Any claim for damages caused by the fiscal operations of the Treasury or by the regulation of the monetary system.
(j) Any claim arising out of the combatant activities of the military or naval forces, or the Coast Guard, during time of war.
(k) Any claim arising in a foreign country.
(l) Any claim arising from the activities of the Tennessee Valley Authority.
(m) Any claim arising from the activities of the Panama Canal Company.
(n) Any claim arising from the activities of a Federal land bank, a Federal intermediate credit bank, or a bank for cooperatives.
(June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 62 Stat. 984; July 16, 1949, ch. 340, 63 Stat. 444; Sept. 26, 1950, ch. 1049, §§2(a)(2), 13(5), 64 Stat. 1038, 1043; Pub. L. 86–168, title II, §202(b), Aug. 18, 1959, 73 Stat. 389; Pub. L. 93–253, §2, Mar. 16, 1974, 88 Stat. 50; Pub. L. 106–185, §3(a), Apr. 25, 2000, 114 Stat. 211; Pub. L. 109–304, §17(f)(4), Oct. 6, 2006, 120 Stat. 1708.)
Historical and Revision Notes
Based on title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., §943 (Aug. 2, 1946, ch. 753, §421, 60 Stat. 845).
Changes were made in phraseology.
Section 946 of title 28, U.S.C., 1940 ed., which was derived from section 424(b) of the Federal Tort Claims Act, was omitted from this revised title. It preserved the existing authority of federal agencies to settle tort claims not cognizable under section 2672 of this title. Certain enumerated laws granting such authority were specifically repealed by section 424(a) of the Federal Tort Claims Act, which section was also omitted from this revised title. These provisions were not included in this revised title as they are not properly a part of a code of general and permanent law.
Senate Revision Amendment
Sections 2680 and 2681 were renumbered "2679" and "2680", respectively, by Senate amendment. See 80th Congress Senate Report No. 1559.
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Sections 1–31 of Title 50, Appendix, referred to in subsec. (e), was in the original source of this section (section 943 of act Aug. 2, 1946) a reference to the Trading with the Enemy Act. The Trading with the Enemy Act is now comprised of sections 1 to 43, which were formerly classified to sections 1 to 6, 7 to 39, and 41 to 44 of the former Appendix to Title 50, War and National Defense, prior to editorial reclassification as chapter 53 (§4301 et seq.) of Title 50. For complete classification of this Act to the Code, see Tables.
The date of the enactment of this proviso, referred to in subsec. (h), means Mar. 16, 1974, the date on which Pub. L. 93–253, which enacted the proviso, was approved.
Panama Canal Company, referred to in subsec. (m), deemed to refer to Panama Canal Commission, see section 3602(b)(5) of Title 22, Foreign Relations and Intercourse.
Amendments
2006—Subsec. (d). Pub. L. 109–304 substituted "chapter 309 or 311 of title 46" for "sections 741–752, 781–790 of Title 46,".
2000—Subsec. (c). Pub. L. 106–185 substituted "any goods, merchandise, or other property" for "any goods or merchandise" and "law enforcement" for "law-enforcement", inserted ", except that the provisions of this chapter and section 1346(b) of this title apply to any claim based on injury or loss of goods, merchandise, or other property, while in the possession of any officer of customs or excise or any other law enforcement officer, if—", and added pars. (1) to (4).
1974—Subsec. (h). Pub. L. 93–253 inserted proviso.
1959—Subsec. (n). Pub. L. 86–168 added subsec. (n).
1950—Subsec. (g). Act Sept. 26, 1950, §13(5), repealed subsec. (g).
Subsec. (m). Act Sept. 26, 1950, §2, substituted "Panama Canal Company" for "Panama Railroad Company".
1949—Subsec. (m). Act July 16, 1949, added subsec. (m).
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 2000 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 106–185 applicable to any forfeiture proceeding commenced on or after the date that is 120 days after Apr. 25, 2000, see section 21 of Pub. L. 106–185, set out as a note under section 1324 of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality.
Effective Date of 1959 Amendment
Amendment by Pub. L. 86–168 effective Jan. 1, 1960, see section 203(c) of Pub. L. 86–168.
Effective Date of 1950 Amendment
Amendment by act Sept. 26, 1950, to take effect upon effective date of transfer to the Panama Canal Company, pursuant to the provisions of section 256 of the former Canal Zone Code, as added by section 10 of that act, of the Panama Canal together with the facilities and appurtenances related thereto, see section 14 of act Sept. 26, 1950.
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of authorities, functions, personnel, and assets of the Coast Guard, including the authorities and functions of the Secretary of Transportation relating thereto, to the Department of Homeland Security, and for treatment of related references, see sections 468(b), 551(d), 552(d), and 557 of Title 6, Domestic Security, and the Department of Homeland Security Reorganization Plan of November 25, 2002, as modified, set out as a note under section 542 of Title 6.
Coast Guard transferred to Department of Transportation and all functions, powers, and duties, relating to Coast Guard, of Secretary of the Treasury and of all other offices and officers of Department of the Treasury transferred to Secretary of Transportation by Pub. L. 89–670, §6(b)(1), Oct. 15, 1966, 80 Stat. 938. Section 6(b)(2) of Pub. L. 89–670, however, provided that notwithstanding such transfer of functions, Coast Guard shall operate as part of Navy in time of war or when President directs as provided in former section 3 (now 103) of Title 14, Coast Guard. See section 108 of Title 49, Transportation.
Northern Mariana Islands—Applicability of Subsec. (k)
Pub. L. 97–357, title II, §204, Oct. 19, 1982, 96 Stat. 1708, provided: "That the Northern Mariana Islands shall not be considered a foreign country for purposes of subsection (k) of section 2680 of title 28, United States Code, with respect to claims which accrued no more than two years prior to the effective date of this Act [Oct. 19, 1982]."
Termination of National Emergency
Declaration of national emergency in effect on Sept. 14, 1976, was terminated two years from that date by section 1601 of Title 50, War and National Defense.
Applicability of Subsec. (j)
Joint Res. July 3, 1952, ch. 570, §1(a)(32), 66 Stat. 333, as amended by Joint Res. Mar. 31, 1953, ch. 13, §1, 67 Stat. 18, and Joint Res. June 30, 1953, ch. 172, 67 Stat. 132, provided that subsec. (j) of this section, in addition to coming into full force and effect in time of war, should continue in force until six months after the termination of the national emergency proclaimed by the President on Dec. 16, 1950 by 1950 Proc. No. 2914, 15 F.R. 9029, set out as a note preceding section 1 of Title 50, War and National Defense, or such earlier date or dates as may be provided for by Congress, but in no event beyond Aug. 1, 1953. Section 7 of Joint Res. July 3, 1952, provided that it should become effective June 16, 1952.
Joint Res. July 3, 1952, ch. 570, §6, 66 Stat. 334, repealed Joint Res. Apr. 14, 1952, ch. 204, 66 Stat. 54 as amended by Joint Res. May 28, 1952, ch. 339, 66 Stat. 96; Joint Res. June 14, 1952, ch. 437, 66 Stat. 137; Joint Res. June 30, 1952, ch. 526, 66 Stat. 296, which continued provisions of subsec. (j) of this section until July 3, 1952. This repeal was made effective June 16, 1952, by section 7 of Joint Res. July 3, 1952.
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
For transfer of certain functions relating to claims and litigation, insofar as they pertain to the Air Force, from Secretary of the Army to Secretary of the Air Force, see Secretary of Defense Transfer Order No. 34 [§1a(2)(4)], eff. July 1, 1949.