Black farmers' leader slams Obama

National Black Farmers Association President John Boyd Jr. on Friday demanded a meeting with President Obama after accusing Obama, his staff and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack of not showing leadership in the settlement of the black farmers' discrimination lawsuit against the Agriculture Department.

Boyd charged that the administration has stalled in asking Congress to finalize the settlement by passing a $1.15 billion appropriation on an emergency basis. In a teleconference, Boyd said, "The president failed to step up and make the final step." Noting that he campaigned for Obama in 12 states, Boyd said, "I want a sit-down meeting with the president."

In February, Vilsack and Justice Department officials announced that black farmers had agreed to accept $1.25 billion in payments, but noted that Congress would need to pass a $1.15 billion appropriation to add to the $100 million that was included for the purpose in the 2008 farm bill. The agreement gave the farmers the right to walk away from the deal if Congress did not pass the appropriation by Wednesday.House Agriculture Appropriations Subcommittee Chairwoman Rosa DeLauro, D-Conn., said Thursday that Congress will come up with the money, but she did not know if it would be emergency funding or offset spending.

A Vilsack spokesman said the administration remained committed to settling the case. The White House did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication.