Claims Resolution Act of 2010

Floor Speech

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Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4783, which authorizes and approves the settlement in the Cobell v. Salazar case. This important legislation finally authorizes funding for the settlement that was reached over 14 years ago. H.R. 4783 also settles the Pigford lawsuit which is a decades old discrimination lawsuit brought by African American farmers against the USDA.

As a member of the Native American Caucus, I have worked with my colleagues in Congress to address the needs of Native Americans. This legislation before us today is not a handout, but it repays the Native Americans who had their trust assets mismanaged by the Federal Government. Over 300,000 Native Americans will benefit from this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, this bill also establishes a $60 million educational scholarship fund for Native American children. The passage of this legislation will allow more Native Americans to attend colleges and universities. This bill is revenue neutral and is even projected to reduce the budget deficit by approximately $1 million over 10 years.

California is home to over 100 federally recognized tribes. This legislation will ensure that these Native American beneficiaries receive the compensation that is long overdue.

The Claims Resolution Act also provides $1.15 billion to settle the claims of African American farmers against the USDA. This will compensate families that were unfairly denied access to USDA loans and other financial assistance solely based upon their skin color. While the passage of this legislation will not erase this sad chapter in our history, it will assist our African American farmers who were unfairly discriminated against.

Mr. Speaker, I have a constituent named Alice Robinson who will benefit from this legislation. Her family was one of the many African American farmers that faced discrimination in accessing loans from the USDA. They struggled to maintain their farm without any assistance from the USDA. No farmer should face discrimination based on the color of their skin. Alice Robinson and other farmers across the country deserve the assistance that this legislation will provide that was previously denied to them.

The House has twice passed legislation this year authorizing payment of the Cobell v. Salazar lawsuit and the Pigford settlement. I am pleased that the Senate has passed this important piece of legislation and I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 4783. While we can't undo the damage that the Federal Government inflicted on black farmers and Native Americans, today we will help compensate them for their losses and ensure that this never happens again.

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