April 23, 2010

Washington, DC – Nevada Senator Harry Reid released the following statement today calling for fair legal settlements for African American, Native American and Hispanic farmers and Native American trust account holders:

“At the heart of many of the issues the American people count on their leaders to address are simple, shared principles: justice and fairness.  These principles are the reason we reformed health care, the reason we are reforming Wall Street and the reason we will reform immigration.

“Not every injustice can fit on the front page – but that does not mean they are any less critical to confront.

“I want everyone to know that I hope that the Senate will soon resolve several long-standing cases of discrimination against farmers from various minority groups, as well as the widespread mismanagement of Native American trust accounts.  Both of these have left too many Americans waiting for justice.

“I have met with representatives of African-American farmers and Hispanic farmers from my home state, as well as Native Americans who hold what are called Individual Indian Money Accounts.  Too many of these people were robbed of the resources they rightly deserve and were denied their fair share at opportunities.  It simply was wrong.

“The Senate should do its part this work period to approve two of these settlements – the Pigford 2 and Cobell settlements.  Several agreements were reached earlier this year, but the Senate must act to fully resolve them. We should also resolve other long-standing discrimination cases at the Department of Agriculture.  

“It’s often said that justice delayed is justice denied.  The time for delay has passed.  Now it’s time for us to close every last one of these cases, once and for all.”