November 30th, 2010
04:58 PM ET

President's statement on House passage of the Claims Settlement Act of 2010

Statement from the President as released by the White House

I am pleased that today, the House has joined the Senate in passing the Claims Settlement Act of 2010. This important legislation will fund the agreements reached in the Pigford II lawsuit, brought by African American farmers, and the Cobell lawsuit, brought by Native Americans over the management of Indian trust accounts and resources. I want to thank Attorney General Holder and Secretaries Salazar and Vilsack for all their work to reach this outcome, and I applaud Congress for acting in a bipartisan fashion to bring this painful chapter in our nation’s history to a close.

This bill also provides funding for settlements reached in four separate water rights suits brought by Native American tribes, and it represents a significant step forward in addressing the water needs of Indian Country. Yet, while today’s vote demonstrates important progress, we must remember that much work remains to be done. And my Administration will continue our efforts to resolve claims of past discrimination made by women and Hispanic farmers and others in a fair and timely manner.


Topics: President Obama
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soundoff (4 Responses)
  1. Marge

    There has been a lot of criticism aimed atM s. Cobell and the lawyers involved in this litigation, yet there has not been one group, tribe or individual that has made the commitment that Ms. Cobell has and for that she is to be commended. President Obama is should also be recognized for efforts in this endeavor along with all the other congressional representatives that realized this needed to be taken care of. .

    November 30, 2010 at 9:33 pm |
  2. LIZ CARTER in GEORGIA

    BEAUTIFUL PRESIDENT OBAMA! Thanks also go out to CONGRESS for working in a bi-partisan manner to get this done! It was long overdue, but please don't forget the rights to reparations, that was promised back in 1865 to slaves and the decendants of AFRICAN AMERICAN slaves in this country.

    November 30, 2010 at 10:55 pm |
  3. Greg

    Charlatanman2002 Charlatanman2002 you can easily and on your own, find dozen of VDOs on yoube made by US Vets who are very psaeled with their VA Health Care and swear by it.Obviously you're even too lazy to do that but you have time to come here and lie your off. No wonder. You're a Right-Winger !!

    April 3, 2012 at 4:34 am |