Senate Votes to Fund Indian, Black Farmer Settlements

[Casino67]

BusinessWeek:

Nov. 19 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Senate approved spending $4.6 billion for civil settlements with black farmers who alleged racial discrimination by government lenders and with 300,000 American Indians who say they have been cheated out of land royalties dating back to 1887.

Passage of the measure by voice vote today unblocks a legislative logjam that has thwarted payouts of $1.15 billion to black farmers and $3.4 billion to American Indians. The two settlements were negotiated by the Obama administration.

The measure must now be considered by the U.S. House. Representative Steny Hoyer of Maryland, the House majority leader, said he hoped to seek a vote on the measure after Congress returns from a weeklong recess on Nov. 29.

Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said today in a statement that the Senate’s “bold step” to finance the black farmers’ settlement “marks a major milestone in USDA’s efforts to turn the page on a sad chapter in our history.”

[Rheo]

The government already has paid out more than $1 billion to about 16,000 farmers, with most getting payments of about $50,000. The new money is intended for people—some estimates say 70,000 or 80,000—who were denied earlier payments because they missed deadlines for filing. The amount of money each would get depends on how many claims are successfully filed.

 

The bill passed Friday would be partially paid for by diverting dollars from a surplus in nutrition programs for women and children and by extending customs user fees.

 

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar said with the passage of the Cobell settlement: "This is a day that will be etched in our memories and our history books."

 

Last month, the Agriculture Department offered American Indian farmers who say they were denied farm loans a $680 million settlement. Hispanic and women farmers also have cases pending against the department.

[AceRimmer]

Why do I smell a backdoor attempt at 'Reperations'?

[Casino67]

Shirley Sherrod's Revenge??

 

Interesting that this passed on a voice vote. None of them wanted their names showing up as voting for it.

[Rheo]

Why do I smell a backdoor attempt at 'Reperations'?

Bribes for votes baby. Payday is here.

spit and pfffft.