Washington, DC—Today, Congresswoman Terri A. Sewell released the following statement about the court approval of the $1.25 billion settlement of the black farmers case:

“I am delighted to hear of the federal court’s approval of the settlement in the black farmers case.  For decades, black farmers were unjustly denied farm loans and subjected to longer waits for loan approval. With this ruling, we move one step closer to closing an unfortunate chapter in the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s civil rights history.

This settlement is important to so many farmers in the 7th Congressional District and the State of Alabama, and will provide an infusion of funds into some of the poorest areas of this nation.  This process has taken far too long and these farmers deserve justice now. As we move forward with the fair and equitable distribution of this money, it is my hope that the affected farmers and their families will promptly be made whole.”

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Contact:  Allison Abney;  (202) 225-2665;  Allison.abney@mail.house.gov