Political Quotes

“Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend for yielding me this time. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4783, the Claims Resolution Act of 2010. Madam Speaker, today is a great day for our Nation's black farmers and Native Americans who were discriminated against by their own government--our government--for years. Thousands of families have waited for years to receive the settlements awarded to them in two class action lawsuits that have gone unresolved because of political gamesmanship. In this Congress alone, we have twice passed legislation that would have resolved this issue. Today, the games have come to an end. Today we will mete out some modicum of justice. After more than a decade, this bill finally in some significant measure resolves the Pigford v. Glickman case, a lawsuit which was settled back in 1999. That lawsuit was filed by African American farmers against the Department of Agriculture for discriminating against black farmers who applied for access to loans and other assistance. The Department of Agriculture has admitted that the discrimination took place and repeatedly urged this body to compensate those farmers who were discriminated against. Nothing in the Pigford settlement would prevent the government from prosecuting fraudulent claims. And this bill, which is fully paid for, includes strict provisions designed to ensure that payments are distributed to only deserving claimants. Mr.…”