Earlier today (Tues., Nov. 30) The U.S. House 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 over claims of discrimination against black farmers 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 today also funds a separate $3.4 billion settlement reached with the Department of Interior for mishandling Native American trust funds, along with four separate water rights lawsuits brought by Native American tribes. It had been approved by the Senate and now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature.
Obama said in a statement that the measure passed Tuesday would “bring this painful chapter in our nation’s history to a close.”
“While today’s vote demonstrates important progress, we must remember that much work remains to be done,” Obama said, adding that officials are still working to resolve similar discrimination lawsuits filed against the U.S. Department of Agriculture by women and Latino farmers.
Information from CNN.com contributed to this report.