Claims Resolution Act of 2010

Floor Speech

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Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4783, the Claims Resolution Act of 2010. When I first entered the Congress in 1993 this issue was at the top of my legislative agenda. Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have been committed to bring justice to black farmers who were discriminated against by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Fairness has long been overdue for black farmers who were blatantly denied access to low-interest loans and farm subsidies by the government. As a longstanding advocate of this issue, I am particularly pleased to see this bill up for consideration today.

Mr. Speaker, it has been over a decade now we have been fighting for integrity and righteousness for black farmers who were unfairly discriminated against by the United States government in what is otherwise known as the ``Pigford case''. Resolving cases of discrimination and injustice should be a top priority for this country. As Dr. Martin Luther King famously said, ``Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.''

The evidence of discrimination in Pigford is clear and reminds us to remain vigilant against acts of racism which have unduly hurt so many hardworking families. When black farmers did receive loans, they were often at a rate higher than those offered to white farmers. Equipment grants and subsidies often came too late and without explanation, as farming is an extremely time sensitive endeavor.

Aside from justice, this money also will be going to some of the poorest counties in this country who are the most in need. Although this payment is not enough to save all of the black farmers now in jeopardy of losing their family land, it will help some survive and at least be partially compensated for the discrimination they faced. The 2007 Census of Agriculture reveals in my state of Texas, there are 6,124 Black principal farm operators, the largest number in any state.

Mr. Speaker, my community will stand ready for justice for these unconscionable actions of discrimination.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation not only to bring justice to those who faced years of unwarranted discrimination, but to provide for those who work tirelessly everyday to provide much needed goods for this country.

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