WASHINGTON - Rep. Edolphus “Ed” Towns (NY-10) released the following statement following the House passage of legislation that will provide funding to settle African American farmers’ and Native Americans’ lawsuits against the federal government.  The House passed the legislation by a vote of 256 to 152; the Senate passed the bill earlier this month and it now goes to President Obama for his signature into law. 

“Today, the House passed legislation that will end a difficult chapter in our nation’s history.  Congress rightfully voted to provide funding to settle lawsuits by African American farmers and Native Americans who were discriminated against by the Federal government.  While I believe it is intolerable for discrimination to occur in any part of the government, I am pleased that we took a step forward today to correct these injustices.”

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