Senate Approves Payment of Black Farmers’ Claims

[ProSense]

Senate Approves Payment of Black Farmers’ Claims

By ASHLEY SOUTHALL

WASHINGTON — The Senate on Friday approved $4.55 billion to settle longstanding charges that the federal government had denied or underpaid aid to black farmers and mismanaged trust funds for American Indians.

The bill sets aside $1.15 billion to resolve racial bias claims brought by black farmers against the Agriculture Department and $3.4 billion to pay claims stemming from the Department of the Interior’s handling of American Indian trust funds.

The Senate approved the measure by unanimous consent on Friday evening and sent it to the House. Similar measures have passed the House twice, and President Obama has said he would sign the bill into law.

“It’s been a long time coming, and it’s the right thing to do,” said Ralph Paige, executive director of the Federation of Southern Cooperatives/Land Assistance Fund, which helps primarily African-American farmers keep their land.

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[a kennedy]

1. Bout d*mn time......

[Tx4obama]

2. Update: HOUSE passes bill.

From CNN

November 30, 2010

U.S. House passes a $1.15 billion measure to fund a settlement reached years ago between the USDA and minority farmers.

[jenmito]

3. WOOHOO! So does it now go to the President for his signature? n/t

[Tx4obama]

5. Yes. More info below

Washington (CNN) -- The U.S. House on Tuesday passed a $1.15 billion measure to fund a settlement initially reached between the Agriculture Department and minority farmers more than a decade ago.

The 1997 Pigford v. Glickman case against the U.S. Agriculture Department was settled out of court 11 years ago. Under a federal judge's terms dating to 1999, qualified farmers could receive $50,000 each to settle claims of racial bias.

The legislation passed Tuesday also funds a separate $3.4 billion settlement reached with the Department of Interior for mishandling Native American trust funds. It previously was approved by the Senate, and now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature.

[jenmito]

6. Thanks! It's been a long time comin'! n/t

[ProSense]

4. Excellent, thanks. n/t