Signing Ceremony at the White House
South Court Auditorium
5:34 P.M. EST
Remarks by the President at Bill Signing For The Claims Resolution Act
FULL TEST
Excerpts
First, for many years African American farmers claimed they were discriminated against when they applied for federal farm loans -- making it more difficult for them to stay in business and maintain their farms. In 1999, a process was established to settle these claims. But the settlement was implemented poorly and tens of thousands of African American families who filed paperwork after the deadline were denied their chance to make their case.
And that’s why, as senator, I introduced legislation to provide these farmers the right to have their claims heard. That’s why I’m proud that Democrats and Republicans have come together to lay this case to rest. And that’s why I’m proud that Secretary Vilsack and everybody at the Department of Agriculture are continuing to address claims of past discrimination by other farmers throughout our country.
I want to thank once again all those members of Congress. We got a lot of members here -- the Congressional Black Caucus, who I know worked the Pigford issue tirelessly. We’ve got, as I said, Democrats and Republicans who were supportive of this issue for so long. This is one of those issues where you don't always get political credit, but it’s just the right thing to do. And I couldn’t be prouder of you.
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| President Barack Obama joined by Members of Congress and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, Interior Secretary Ken Salazar, and Attorney General Eric H. Holder, Jr., signs the Claims Resolution Act Bill of 2010 in the South Court Auditorium of the White House Dec. 8, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Chuck Kennedy) |
House Passes Claims Settlement Act of 2010
Senate Approves Settlement For Black Farmers
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