Sen. Lindsey GrahamLindsey Olin GrahamSenators huddle against Russia sanctions as tensions escalate (RS.C.) on Tuesday sharply criticized a planned $5 billion debt repayment fund targeting disadvantaged farmers in the COVID-19 stimulus package expected to pass the House this week, calling it ” repairs”.

Speaking on Fox News, Graham characterized the fund as part of a Democratic ‘wish list’ that passed despite Republican opposition as part of the $1.9 trillion package approved by the Senate in weekend course.

“Let me give you an example of something that really bothers me. In this bill, if you are a farmer, your loan will be forgiven up to 120% of your loan…if you are socially disadvantaged, If you’re African American, another minority. But if you’re [a] white person, if you are a white woman, no forgiveness. It’s repairs. What does this have to do with COVID?” he asked.

Graham’s comments fired of House Majority Whip James Clyburn (DS.C.), who accused the senator of ignoring their state’s racist history.

“We’re trying to save people’s lives and livelihoods. He should be ashamed of himself. He knows the history of this country and he knows what happened to black farmers. …Lindsey should be ashamed,” Clyburn, Capitol Hill’s longest-serving black lawmaker, said in a CNN interview.

“I think maybe you should go back and go to church. Get in touch with his Christianity,” Clyburn added.

Farm Bureau estimates first reported by the Washington Post indicated that about 25% of ‘disadvantaged’ farmers eligible for loan relief through the $5 billion COVID-19 relief program fund are black. . The provision has no language prohibiting white farmers from seeking repayment of loans or other services.

The House moved last month debate a Democratic bill that would establish a commission to review reparations, but the bill has yet to pass.