Three Republican Representatives, Michele Bachmann (R-MN), Bob Goodlatte (R-VA), and Steve King (R-IA) alleged that the $1.25 billion Pigford settlement to "to resolve discrimination claims included individuals who were never farmers" according to The Hill Blog.
The "GOP lawmakers called on Attorney General Eric Holder to start an investigation into the settlement's claimants to ensure that they are genuine. In addition, they asked congressional leaders not to sign off on new appropriations for the settlement." They also listed three unnamed "whistleblowers" who would be willing to testify before a congressional hearing regarding the settlement process. A USDA official said that the department has looked into allegations of fraud and the FBI "indicted a total of 3 individuals among 20,000 claimants for the settlement."
John Boyd, Jr. president of the National Black Farmers Association, said that there was a misunderstanding regarding the settlement and that the "agreement is set up to resolve discrimination claims of those who farmed as well as those who attempted to farm between 1981 and 1997."
Additionally, Boyd said that Pigford II is not a blanket settlement and "every claim has to go through a court-appointed arbitrator to determine if it is valid."
To read The Hill Blog's story, click here.
Posted: 09/30/2010
