Vilsack: Pigford settlement funding needs ‘vehicle’

On Feb. 18, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and the U.S. Department of Justice announced a settlement agreement to resolve longstanding civil rights claims against the USDA. While the settlement agreement includes a March 31 “opt-out” provision for the plaintiffs, the two departments say they remain committed to resolving this issue in the weeks ahead.

U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack said, “The Administration remains dedicated to the enactment of the Pigford settlement legislation and is committed to working with Congress to find an appropriate vehicle to provide funding. I have met with and talked to key stakeholders and members of Congress reiterating the Administration’s ongoing efforts to close this chapter in the history of the department.”