Release No. 0290.98 

Statement
                               of
               Agriculture Secretary Dan Glickman
        On Senate Action on USDA's Civil Rights Efforts
                         July 16, 1998


     "I want to commend the Senate for acting today on legislation to help
USDA's civil rights efforts.  In particular, I wish to thank Senators Robb,
Cochran, and Bumpers for their leadership. 

     "The provision included in the agriculture appropriations bill will
allow USDA to settle effectively very old discrimination cases by waiving the
statute of limitations in certain instances.  Without it, USDA will be
powerless to offer compensatory relief in cases -- some more than a decade old
-- where there has not been a fair and thorough review of the facts. 
Individuals whose cases fall into this category should not be punished for
USDA's prior failure to investigate their claims. 

     "USDA finally will be able to address these older cases, seek closure,
and -- where appropriate -- properly resolve complaints of individuals who
have been discriminated against. 

"This is an important victory in our efforts to heal old wounds and build a
new day for civil rights at USDA."  

                                
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