Political Quotes

“Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank all of my colleagues who were instrumental in furthering this legislative effort and bringing this momentous bill to the House floor. H.R. 4783 serves as a means of justice and vindication for minority farmers and landowners who were previously wronged by the Agriculture Department and the Interior Department when they were only trying to make a living. These were American farmers, who have dedicated their lives to the prosperity of the United States, by in essence, providing for their fellow citizens. I have long been an adamant supporter of American farmers in their mission to strengthen agriculture in our Nation. As a senior member of the House Judiciary Committee, I have been actively involved in the fight to ensure that black farmers and Native Americans received justice for the discrimination they encountered. For nearly a decade, I have worked alongside my colleagues in the Congressional Black Caucus, other Members of Congress, and civil rights advocacy groups to uphold the standards of equality and fairness, and ensure that the government is held accountable for its wrongdoings. I am pleased that the Senate has passed this legislation by unanimous consent earlier this month to right the many past wrongs of our government. I hope that today, in the House, my colleagues too will vote to pass this important legislation. H.R. 4783 deals with the unfortunate situations addressed in the Pigford II and Cobell v. Salazar cases.…”