Rep. Jackson Statement on Pigford, Cobell Settlement Bill PDF Print
Tuesday, 30 November 2010 17:42
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                               Contact: Andrew Wilson
November 30, 2010                                                                               (202) 225-0773
 
REP. JACKSON STATEMENT ON PIGFORD, COBELL SETTLEMENT BILL

Today, Congressman Jesse L. Jackson, Jr. issued the following statement on final passage of H.R. 4783, the Claims Resolution Act, as amended by the Senate, which fully funds the Pigford and Cobell settlements for discrimination suffered by African American farmers and Native Americans. Passage of the bill sends it to President Barack Obama to be signed into law. The Senate Amendment to H.R. 4783 passed the House today by a vote of 256-152.

Congressman Jackson said:

"Today, the federal government finally rights the wrongs done to African American farmers and Native Americans who were discriminated against by the Agriculture Department and the Interior Department, respectively.

"Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was so right when he said that justice delayed is justice denied. Today, justice has been done. It is particularly fitting that passage of this bill and the President's anticipated signing of it comes during the holiday season, a time rich with opportunities for reflection and renewal. Passage of the Claims Resolution Act is a sign of the progress we've made in America on issues of race and ethnicity, and it will make the holiday season even more meaningful for African American farmers and Native Americans who suffered discrimination. Today is another step toward ensuring that the American dream is possible for everyone."

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