Political Quotes

“Thank you for the time. Madam Speaker, here we go again. It's just a matter of delay, delay, no, no, no. 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, Madam Speaker, these farmers, these men and women who literally put food on our tables are receiving justice. While litigation against the USDA for discrimination against black farmers began in August of 1997 with the Pigford and Glickman case, the injustice has spanned decades. Over 66,000 black farmers were routinely denied USDA farm loans or forced to wait, to wait and wait for loan approvals much 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, hopelessly waiting for justice. Today, finally this Congress will pass the funding legislation, which is about more than just money; today's vote is about justice. 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, and I would hope that my colleagues across the aisle who keep talking about fraud, we've been talking about Pigford for years, if there is fraud, where is your proof? Madam Speaker, I say today that there is no fraud.”