WASHINGTON, DC – Congressman Robert C. Scott (VA-3) made the following statement regarding the US Senate action today to provide $1.15 billion to fund the settlement of claims found to be meritorious in the pending discrimination law suit by Black farmers against the US Department of Agriculture. The settlement covers only those farmers who were left out of the original 1997 Pigford settlement.

“I am pleased with the US Senate vote to fund the settlement.  The House of Representatives has passed similar legislation three times in recent months, and I expect it to quickly approve the Senate bill upon our return after the Thanksgiving holiday.  The opportunity for these farmers to get justice on their claims is long overdue and I am pleased to see the prospects that this matter will finally be resolved.”

Representative Scott has led efforts in the House to get justice for these Black farmers on their long standing claims.

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