The Senate on Friday passed legislation that would authorize billions of dollars to settle lawsuits involving discrimination against black farmers and American Indians.
The body approved by unanimous consent the legislation that would allow the distribution of $1.15 billion to settle the Pigford v. Glickman case, involving African-American farmers, and $3.4 billion to resolve Cobell v. Salazar, which involves American Indians.
Black farmers claimed that the government discriminated against them in the allocation of government loans and other aid. American Indians alleged mismanagement of trust funds.
“Black farmers and Native American trust account holders have had to wait a long time for justice, but now it will finally be served,” Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid (D-Nev.) said in a statement. “I am heartened that Democrats and Republicans were able to come together to deliver the settlement that these men and women deserve for the discrimination and mismanagement they faced in the past. This issue has been of great importance to me, and I am pleased these long-suffering Americans can now receive the closure that they deserve.”
The House must still pass the legislation before it can reach the president’s desk. House Majority Leader Steny Hoyer (D-Md.) said in a statement he will try to bring up a vote on the legislation “very soon.”
