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Sen. Kay Hagan was the lead Democratic co-sponsor of a measure designed to help African American farmers recoup funds awarded in discrimination cases against the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Along with Republican Charles Grassley of Iowa, Hagan introduced legislation to create an unlimited judgment fund at the Department of Treasury to pay successful claims. The bill is connected to a class-action lawsuit, Pigford v. Glickman, which was settled in 1999. In the suit, black farmers claimed they were denied loans and other government assistance given to white farmers.

Laws enacted last year created a $100 million fund to cover claims that could reach up to $3 billion.

“Years ago, thousands of African American farmers were found to have been unfairly discriminated against when applying for loans, credit, and other forms of financial help to ensure their farm’s success,” Hagan said in a written statement. “The 2008 Farm Bill passed without adequately addressing the costs required to settle the claims in the Pigford case, and ultimately, help right the injustices these farmers faced so many years ago.”

Giving back

Rep. Howard Coble, a Greensboro Republican, regularly hands back a portion of the funds Congress gives him to run his offices. This year, Coble’s budget was $1,385,796, of which he did not spend $67,847.42 — just under 5 percent.

“One reason we have been able to save so much money is because we do not abuse our franking privilege, which is the congressional mailing system,” Coble said in a written statement. “Since 1990, we have not sent out the usual newsletters, questionnaires and other unsolicited mailings that amount to nothing more than self-promotions. Unless you contact us, we will not contact you.”

Burr bill honors spouses

Sen. Richard Burr, a Winston-Salem Republican, was a co-sponsor of legislation that designated May 8 “Military Spouse Appreciation Day.”

Passed unanimously by voice vote, the bill “establishes  Friday, May 8, as a day to honor the outstanding contributions spouses make to our country’s military men and women, as well as to our nation as a whole.”

Foxx among most partisan

According to The Hill, a newspaper that serves Congress and those who work there, Virginia Foxx of Winston-Salem ranks as the second-most partisan Republican. Among Republicans, she placed just behind Rep. Tom Price of Georgia.
According to the newspaper, “one Democrat called Price ‘uncooperative’ and Foxx ‘opaque.’”

Watch notes that Foxx is almost always a “no” vote on legislation of substance brought forward by Democrats, even parting ways with her Republican colleague Coble, who will support some major pieces of legislation. For an example, see today’s vote tally.

Votes

Among the votes taken in the House last week:

S 386: Fraud Enforcement and Recovery Act. The measure is designed to help recover taxpayer money lost to fraud or abuse. It passed 367-59.

Coble and Democratic Reps. Brad Miller and Mel Watt voted yes.

Foxx voted no.

HR 1728: Mortgage Reform and Anti-Predatory Lending Act. The bill has been pushed by Watt and Miller as a way to curb abusive home loan practices, such as charging exorbitant fees and penalties.

It passed 300-114.

Miller and Watt voted yes.

Coble and Foxx voted no.

Among the votes taken last week in the Senate:

S 896: A bill to prevent mortgage foreclosures and enhance mortgage credit availability. The measure aims to head off foreclosures by helping homeowners at risk refinance to 30-year, fixed-rate mortgages.

It passed 91-5.

Hagan and Burr voted in favor.

Amendment 1036 to S 896: Legislation would protect renters in houses or apartments whose owners are foreclosed upon. Renters in a single-family home would be given at least 90 days to move; renters in apartment blocks would have until the end of their lease.

It passed 57-39.

Hagan voted yes.

Burr voted no.

Contact Mark Binker at (919) 832-5549 or mark.binker@news-record.com