The Congressional Record is a unique source of public documentation. It started in 1873, documenting nearly all the major and minor policies being discussed and debated.
“INTRODUCTION OF THE BLACK FARMERS FAIRNESS ACT OF 2001” mentioning the U.S. Dept of Agriculture was published in the Extensions of Remarks section on pages E806 on May 15, 2001.
The publication is reproduced in full below:
INTRODUCTION OF THE BLACK FARMERS FAIRNESS ACT OF 2001
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HON. J.C. WATTS, JR.
of oklahoma
in the house of representatives
Tuesday, May 15, 2001
Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Black Farmers Fairness Act. This legislation will bring to closure a series of injustices our government has committed to a large number of black farmers throughout the country. For many years, this group of dedicated farmers experienced various acts of discrimination by the United States Department of Agriculture.
In 1997, three brave farmers entered into a lawsuit with USDA to correct injustices they had experienced. Two months later they were joined by 11 additional farmers. As more and more black farmers learned of and joined this lawsuit, the suit was changed to a class action suit. For months, government attorneys blocked settlement of their complaint due to a ``statute of limitation'' argument.
In 1998, the House extended the ``statute of limitations'' for the black farmer lawsuit--allowing justice to run its full course. Without this provision, many of these farmers would have not been legally permitted to receive consideration for the civil rights complaints. Before this provision, government attorneys argued that they could not settle complaints beyond the two-year period of each complaint.
Finally, it appeared that justice would prevail. On April 14, 1999, a court ruled in a class action suit that the black farmers would be awarded $50,000 each in a cash settlement as well as forgiveness for debts resulting from discrimination for the past injustices.
I discovered, however, that a significant portion of this settlement could potentially end up right back here in Washington through various taxes. That's an outrage! These farmers were discriminated against; no part of their settlement should be taken by the government. That is why I am introducing this bill.
This legislation does two things. First, it lifts the tax burden
(income tax as well as estate tax) associated with both the cash payment and debt forgiveness aspects of the settlement. Second, it releases class members from having to include settlement benefits in determining eligibility for federal assistance programs.
Mr. Speaker, this Congress has an obligation to finish what it started in 1998. We have the opportunity and responsibility to give back every cent to those who were denied the opportunity to pursue the American Dream. I encourage my colleagues to join me by supporting the Black Farmers Fairness Act.
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