Virginians at the Capitols

The National Black Farmers Association claimed a victory Thursday night with the release of details in a compromise version of the Farm Bill.

Rep. Robert Scott, D-Va., told the group the bill includes a provision to pay $100 million to black farmers who were blocked from joining a 1999 class-action discrimination suit against the government.

"Seventy-thousand farmers are waiting for relief. This is do or die for black farmers," said John Boyd, the founder of the Baskerville, Va., based group.

The bill also would allow additional payments as needed for farmers who allege government discrimination on farm loans.

Congress is expected to vote on the bill next week. President Bush has threatened a veto, saying the $300 billion agriculture package is too expensive.