Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid , D-Nevada , also said the vote gives `` long-suffering Americans ... NEW : Obama administration takes steps to settle discrimination claims by blacks , however . NEW : Officials are working to resolve similar lawsuits by women and Hispanics . The Senate approved a roughly $ 1.15 billion settlement for black farmers , sources said . Black Farmers Association USA calls the Senate action ` ` long overdue justice ''
NEW : Obama administration takes steps to settle discrimination claims by blacks , however . NEW : Officials are working to resolve similar lawsuits by women and Hispanics . The Senate approved a roughly $ 1.15 billion settlement for black farmers , sources said . Black Farmers Association USA calls the Senate action ` ` long overdue justice ''