31 U.S.C. § 3722

(a) The Attorney General may settle and pay not more than $1,000 in any one case for a claim made by an officer or employee at a United States Government penal or correctional institution for damage to, or loss of, personal property incident to employment. (b) A claim may not be allowed under this section if the loss occurred at quarters occupied by the claimant that were not assigned or provided in kind by the Government. (c) A claim may be allowed only if— (1) no part of the loss was caused by any negligent or wrongful act of the claimant or an agent or employee of the claimant; (2) the Attorney General decides that possession of the property was reasonable or useful under the circumstances; and (3) it is presented in writing within one year after it accrues. (d) A claim may be paid under this section only if the claimant accepts the amount of the settlement in complete satisfaction of the claim. (e) Necessary amounts are authorized to be appropriated to carry out this section.