House passed Bill for Settlements to Afro-American farmers and Native Americans

[malaise]

http://tpmmuckraker.talkingpointsmemo.com/2010/11/funding_for_black_farmers_settlement_passes_house.php?ref=mblt
<snip>
The House today passed a bill authorizing the funding of two massive settlements, one for black farmers discriminated against by the USDA and another for American Indians whose oil, gas and water rights were mismanaged by the U.S. government. The vote was 256 to 152.

The funding will now go to the President's desk for his signature.

The $1.25 billion Pigford II settlement, for black farmers who were denied loans and other assistance in the 1980s and 90s, was settled in court in February. The $3.4 billion Cobell settlement for American Indians was settled last December. They've been attached to numerous bills since and repeatedly failed, largely due to objections from Republicans.

The Senate passed the funding two weeks ago after Democrats agreed to fund it with cash from other programs, including a food stamp program's surplus and Customs fees.

[niyad]

1. long past time

[uberblonde]

2. We had a food stamp 'surplus'?

How did that happen?