This section closely parallels title 34, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§ 600a, 600b, which authorize the Secretary of the Navy to negotiate amicable settlements of affirmative claims of the United States for damage to Government property. Experience gained by the Navy since enactment of title 34, U.S.C., 1946 ed., §§ 600a–600d, indicates that such amicable settlement reacts to the benefit of the Government in many cases. The provisions of this section would complement those of section 646 of this title and the two sections together would permit the Coast Guard to negotiate the settlement of claims arising out of Coast Guard floating operations, both for and against the United States. 81st Congress, House Report No. 557.

1984—Pub. L. 98–557 substituted “$100,000” for “$25,000”.

1976—Pub. L. 94–546 struck out subsection designation “(a)” and substituted “Secretary” for “Secretary of the Treasury” wherever appearing, “deposited in the Treasury of the United States” for “covered into the Treasury of the United States”, and “authorized by this section” for “authorized by this title”.

1960—Pub. L. 86–533 repealed subsec. (b) which required the Secretary of the Treasury to report to Congress with respect to payments received by the United States in excess of $3,000.

Section 17(b)(3)(B) of Pub. L. 98–557 provided that: “The amendment made by subparagraph (A) of this paragraph [amending this section] shall apply to all claims considered, ascertained, adjusted, determined, compromised or settled on or after the date of enactment of this Act [Oct. 30, 1984].”