Pigford Bill Supported By Rep. Marcia Fudge That Would Help Implement Settlement For Black Farmers For Discrimination Passes House
Ohio Congresswoman Marcia Fudge (D-11)
WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (DOH-11) delivered statements on the House floor in support of HR 4783, which the House passed.
The proposed legislation, dubbed "the Pigford Bill," would help implement a $1.15 billion settlement with black farmers who were victims of discrimination by US Department of Agriculture officials, in a case known as Pigford II. It also addresses a $3.4 billion settlement of another case, Cobell vs. Salazar, with American Indians who alleged mismanagement of trust accounts against the U S Department of Interior.
Since it previously passed the Senate, and cleared the House today, the bill now heads to President Obama for his signature to make it law, which is likely since his administration had pushed for the legislation
Eleven years ago tens of thousands of black farmers settled a landmark court case, which addressed years and years of discrimination by the Department of Agriculture.
"Finally, finally today Madame Speaker, these farmers--these men and women who literally put food on our tables-- are receiving justice," said Fudge. "While litigation against the USDA for discrimination against black farmers began in August of 1997 with the Pigford vs. Glickman case, the injustice spanned decades."
Over 66,000 black farmers were routinely denied USDA farm loans or forced to wait, and wait, and wait for loan approvals longer than non-minorities. These farmers faced foreclosure and financial ruin because of USDA’s discriminatory denials and unconscionable actions. Many of these farmers died, helplessly waiting.
"Today, finally this Congress has passed the funding legislation, which is about more than just money. Today’s vote was about justice," said Fudge. "Now, make no mistake, I do indeed take issue with redirecting money from our nation's needy infants and children to right this wrong. However, justice delayed is justice denied. "
Fudge spoke vigorously on the House floor in support of the bill, and her vote in favor of it, along with the votes of several other House members, sanctioned its passage.
"The courts have put in every single hoop they can put in for black farmers to jump through, " said Fudge. "It is time for us to pay these people their just due."
WASHINGTON, DC –Today, Rep. Marcia L. Fudge (DOH-11) delivered statements on the House floor in support of HR 4783, which the House passed.
The proposed legislation, dubbed "the Pigford Bill," would help implement a $1.15 billion settlement with black farmers who were victims of discrimination by US Department of Agriculture officials, in a case known as Pigford II. It also addresses a $3.4 billion settlement of another case, Cobell vs. Salazar, with American Indians who alleged mismanagement of trust accounts against the U S Department of Interior.
Since it previously passed the Senate, and cleared the House today, the bill now heads to President Obama for his signature to make it law, which is likely since his administration had pushed for the legislation
Eleven years ago tens of thousands of black farmers settled a landmark court case, which addressed years and years of discrimination by the Department of Agriculture.
"Finally, finally today Madame Speaker, these farmers--these men and women who literally put food on our tables-- are receiving justice," said Fudge. "While litigation against the USDA for discrimination against black farmers began in August of 1997 with the Pigford vs. Glickman case, the injustice spanned decades."
Over 66,000 black farmers were routinely denied USDA farm loans or forced to wait, and wait, and wait for loan approvals longer than non-minorities. These farmers faced foreclosure and financial ruin because of USDA’s discriminatory denials and unconscionable actions. Many of these farmers died, helplessly waiting.
"Today, finally this Congress has passed the funding legislation, which is about more than just money. Today’s vote was about justice," said Fudge. "Now, make no mistake, I do indeed take issue with redirecting money from our nation's needy infants and children to right this wrong. However, justice delayed is justice denied. "
Fudge spoke vigorously on the House floor in support of the bill, and her vote in favor of it, along with the votes of several other House members, sanctioned its passage.
"The courts have put in every single hoop they can put in for black farmers to jump through, " said Fudge. "It is time for us to pay these people their just due."
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