Peter Hardin, RTD's Washington correspondent. writes:
WASHINGTON -- Sen. George Allen, under fire on the campaign trail for alleged racial slurs, yesterday introduced a bill to help about 72,000 black farmers nationwide.Allen, R-Va., and Sen. Charles E. Grassley, R-Iowa, introduced a bill to give the farmers a second chance at claiming relief under a 1999 civil-rights settlement with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. The farmers were turned down earlier because they filed claims too late.
John W. Boyd Jr. of Baskerville, Va., president of the National Black Farmers Association, sought the legislation, according to an Allen news release yesterday.
This, class, is an illustration of the phrase "damning with faint praise":
In an interview, Boyd said, "I'm glad he's finally stepped up and done something to help the nation's black farmers." Boyd also said, "Since he's been in [the Senate], we've been trying to get him to look at this issue."
Allen joined the Senate in 2001. Boyd, who voiced frustration over failed past efforts to get meetings with Allen's staff, said he finally got a meeting Friday. Boyd would not speculate on Allen's motivations for introducing the bill yesterday.
"Whatever the reason may be, we welcome the help because we're losing farmers every day."
"Since my days as governor, I have made it a top priority to help strengthen and protect the fabric of the family farm. This measure is an appropriate and reasonable remedy to allow African-American farmers to have their cases finally heard on their merits."
A spokesman for Allen was asked whether the bill's timing was tied to recent criticism of Allen. The aide gave this e-mailed answer:
"Once he became aware that a sizable number of African-American farmers were not a party to the class action suit . . . he, along with Sen. Chuck Grassley, introduced the bill once it became clear that the House intended to consider the companion bill."
Ah, but when was the bill introduced? I mean, besides being right before an election?
The Senate bill was introduced as Congress worked to complete its regularly scheduled business for the year.