(a) In general

The Secretary or a designee of the Secretary shall have the authority to -

(1)

determine the amount of, settle, and adjust any claim arising under this chapter; and

(2)

waive such a claim if the Secretary determines that to do so will serve the purposes of this chapter.

(b) Litigation

Nothing contained in this section shall be construed to diminish the authority of the Attorney General of the United States under section 516 of title 28 to conduct litigation on behalf of the United States