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[Claim for Interest on Judgment]

B-203100 Oct 12, 1982
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Highlights

The plaintiffs involved in a suit against the United States claimed that they were entitled to post-judgment interest on the settlement because the Government delayed in making payment. Upon learning of the judgment against it, the Government had filed a motion with the Court of Claims to countermand the decision. Further, the Department of Justice considered whether to petition the Supreme Court to review the case. However, the Court of Claims denied the motion to vacate the decision and Justice did not petition for certiorari. At that point, a certificate of settlement for payment was issued. The plaintiffs argued that they were entitled to the interest that would have been earned had the Government not delayed in making the payment. GAO held that governing statutes authorize interest only on those judgments that are unsuccessfully appealed by the Government. Delay resulting from consideration of whether to seek further review or from filing post-judgment motions are legitimate administrative processes and do not create entitlement to interest. Accordingly, the claim was denied.

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