Senate sends House bill to give black farmers $1.15 billion, Native Americans $3.4 billion

"The U.S. Senate gave its approval today to major settlements involving American Indians and black farmers," David Ingram reports for the National Law Journal. "Senators approved the legislation without a formal vote, sending it to the House of Representatives for a potentially final vote." UPDATE, Nov. 30: The House sent the bill to President Obama on a 256-152 vote. "Sixteen Republicans joined 240 Democrats in support of the measure, while three Democrats and 149 Republicans voted against it," reports Patrick Reis of Environment and Energy News (subscription required).

The bill "appropriates $1.15 billion for a settlement with black farmers, including named plaintiff Timothy Pigford, who were denied the full benefits" of federal farm programs, Ingram writes. The money would come from "a surplus in a fund for nutrition programs and by extending customs user fees." UPDATE, Nov. 25: Some House Republicans, alleging fraud, vow to fight the payments.

The Native Americans' suit faulted accounting of royalties for mining and drilling on tribal lands. "Debate over the settlements had drawn out for months over how to pay for them and over how much of the $3.4 billion settlements should go to the plaintiffs’ lawyers," Ingram reports. The legislation would leave the fees up to the judge in the case. (Read more)