April 26, 2006                                                                     Phone:             205-254-1960

                                                                                         Cell:                 202-812-1061

WASHINGTON – U.S. Representative Artur Davis (D-Ala.) offered the following statement today concerning the efforts of African-American farmers to receive restitution in their settlement with the USDA.  Congressman Davis has introduced HR 4398, The American Farmers Benefits Act of 2005, which seeks to re-open the black farmers lawsuit to consider those individuals who were deemed untimely by the USDA in submitting their claim for the settlement.

“Five years ago, the US Department of Agriculture agreed to settle a class action discrimination case brought against them by black farmers from across the nation based on years of unjust treatment by the agency.  With that commitment, the USDA made a promise to these individuals that their concerns would be addressed through a valid, effective, process.”

“It’s unusual for Congress to re-visit a settlement established by a government agency, but I would contend that these are extraordinary circumstances.  Nine out of ten claims filed after the settlement have been denied.  I cannot imagine that the federal government would have settled the case if 90 percent of the claims had no merit.”

 “The federal government should honor the commitment made to these farmers and their families.  They are all a part of the legacy that helped to build this nation during the 19^th and 20^th century.  Above all things, they deserve our respect, and I support their cause in this endeavor.”