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Memphis

The Clifford Davis / Odell Horton Federal Building
167 North Main Street,
Suite 369
Memphis, TN 38103
Phone: (901) 544-4131
Fax: (901) 544-4329

Washington, D.C.

1005 Longworth House
Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Phone: (202) 225-3265
Fax: (202) 225-5663

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Democratic Caucus

The Progressive Caucus

Cohen Votes to Support Black Farmers Legal Settlement
Tuesday, 30 November 2010
WASHINGTON, D.C. – Congressman Steve Cohen (TN-9) today voted to support legislation that would end a years-long legal challenge against the federal government filed by black farmers and Native Americans.
 
“Many constituents of the 9th District have urged me to support this measure since I was elected to Congress, and I have done so at every opportunity,” said Congressman Cohen.  “It’s a shame this discrimination took place, it is a sad chapter in American history and it’s long overdue to right this wrong.  With the passage of this measure black farmers, Native Americans and their heirs can begin the long healing process.”

The bipartisan Claims Resolution Act (H.R. 4783) contains funding to implement the settlements of the Pigford class action lawsuit involving past discrimination against black farmers by the U.S. Agriculture Department and the Cobell class action lawsuit involving funds for Native Americans mismanaged by the U.S. Interior Department.  The funding to implement the Pigford settlement is estimated to be $1.15 billion and to implement the Cobell settlement $3.41 billion. 

The measure also includes provisions to approve four water rights settlements with American Indian tribes; and to extend funding through FY 2011, at the FY 2010 levels, for the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program.

The measure was approved by the Senate on November 19 and now heads to the President to be signed into law.

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