I’m speaking today in support of Tom Vilsack to be
the next Secretary of Agriculture.
Mr. Vilsack has received support from farm and
commodity groups across the country, but more important to me, he’s received
praise from family farmers in Iowa.
However, a few critics of the former Iowa Governor have
raised questions about his record on addressing racial inequities during his time
as Secretary of Agriculture.
I’d like to take this opportunity to set the record
straight.
I’ve long worked toward ensuring black farmers
receive justice for the decades of discrimination that occurred at the USDA.
People have often asked me why in the world a
Senator from Iowa would get involved in this issue.
While there aren’t many black farmers in Iowa, my
state has a long history of fighting against oppression of African Americans
dating back to the Underground Railroad. There’s no reason to stop that
trend.
In my first discussion with then-to-be Secretary of
Agriculture Vilsack in 2009, I brought up my work in the Pigford Consent
Decree.
A provision I led in the 2008 Farm Bill enabled more
black farmers to bring their claims forward and authorized USDA $100 million
for additional settlements.
Mr. Vilsack vowed then to work closely with me on
the issue and then immediately got to work.
Under the leadership of Secretary Vilsack, USDA discovered
the $100 million wasn’t enough to cover settlements that black farmers were
entitled to under the consent decree.
So in 2010, part of Secretary Vilsack’s budget request
included over $1 billion to ensure a robust settlement for all black farmers
who were discriminated against.
The Claims
Resolution Act was signed by President Obama in December of 2010 and
implemented successfully by Secretary Vilsack.
Besides the Pigford settlements, a top priority during
Secretary Vilsack’s previous tenure was ensuring a comprehensive plan to
improve USDA’s record on Civil Rights.
He made it clear to all employees that
discrimination of any form will not be tolerated at USDA.
My support for justice to those who have faced
discrimination remains constant. And I am looking forward to working with
Secretary Vilsack and other leaders in Congress to ensure equal rights for
every farmer and family in this country.
I am glad to have the opportunity to set the record
straight on Secretary Tom Vilsack’s solid record in pursuing justice for
victims of discrimination.
Mr. Vilsack is the right person for this job.
I know Secretary Vilsack will continue to work for
the family farmers and spotlight their contributions to agriculture and
society.
As an Iowan, that’s part of his nature.
I urge my colleagues to confirm Secretary Vilsack
once again so that the Department of Agriculture has the necessary leadership
in place to continue its important work; supporting those that feed and fuel
the country and the world.
