House Judiciary Committee to Hold Historic Black Farmers Mark Up on HR 3073

HOUSE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE TO HOLD HISTORIC BLACK FARMERS MARK UP ON HR 3073 JOHN BOYD PRESIDENT OF THE NATIONAL BLACK FARMERS ASSOCIATION CALLS ON LEADER PELOSI FOR A FLOOR VOTE

The Subcommittee on the constitution , Civil Rights Civil Liberties will hold a historic Mark up on H.R. 3073 the Pigford Claims Remedy Act of 2007. On Thursday, July 19 2007 at 10am in room 2141 of the Rayburn House Office Building In 1997 black farmers filed the historic black farmers class action lawsuit. In 1999 the black farmers entered into a consent decree with the United States Department of Agriculture, which in fact remains the largest settlement in US history 3 billion dollars. Since the settlement 74,000 plus black farmers filed late claims. The late filers have yet to receive payment. The claims have never been hear based on the merits.

We have waited a long time for Justice, I commend Chairman John Conyers Bobby Scott Maxine Waters Sheila Jackson Lee, Sub Committee Chairman Nadler and the Judiciary Committee for moving one step closer to justice for Americas black farmers said John Boyd President of the National Black Farmers Association (NBFA).

In 2004 the NBFA Teamed up with the Environmental Working Group for a joint study “Obstruction of Justice” which revealed that nearly 9 out of 10 African American Farmers received nothing but a empty promise from the settlement.

The time has come for congress to move swiftly to bring much need relief to thousands of black farmers who have given up on the government to provide relief Boyd said. The mark up of 3073 is also personal victory for the NBFA, I have lead a national campaign to have congress pass legislation to assit the “late filers” I will not give up until this legislation is written into law Boyd concluded.