WASHINGTON - Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel (D-NY) joined his Democratic colleagues yesterday to introduce the Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007. This landmark legislation would overhaul the current Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program to better meet the needs of American workers and communities affected by globalization. The legislation will be considered by the Ways and Means Committee on Wednesday.
"The painful truth is that the current TAA program is not working," said Chairman Rangel. "This bill is the latest development in a new trade policy that will help American workers compete and win internationally. The innovative, yet common-sense provisions in this bill will help ensure that hardworking men and women across the nation will receive the training and support they need to succeed in a global economy."
"At the same time the new Majority is taking first steps in a new trade policy that stands up for U.S. businesses and workers in the global marketplace; it is vital that workers, firms, and communities have a reformed and strengthened trade and globalization assistance program," said Trade Subcommittee Chairman Sander M. Levin (D-MI).
"In the rush to embrace global trade, American workers have been left by the side of the road and it is time to put American workers and their families first - this new legislation puts us on that path," said Income Security and Family Support Chairman Jim McDermott (D-WA). "Globalization is here whether we like it or not, but our policies have not kept pace. Americans are entitled to security at all levels, including economic security. This legislation will be good for workers and good for America’s future economic prosperity and security."
"Our workers need an updated TAA program to fit the new economy," said Representative Adam Smith (D-WA), who has teamed with Chairman Rangel and other Ways and Means Members on previous Democratic TAA legislation. "The current program does not assist service-sector employees - including software engineers and customer-service employees - or trade-impacted communities in general. I am proud to have worked closely with Mr. Rangel and Mr. Levin to shape the Ways and Means Committee’s bill so we can help these workers stay competitive."
The draft bill would expand TAA coverage to more workers, including service workers, and substantially improve the program’s training opportunities and associated health care benefits. The bill also creates new benefits and tax incentives for industries and communities that have been hit hard by trade. Finally, the legislation would promote long-needed reforms to the unemployment insurance system, recognizing that all unemployed workers, and not just those who lose their jobs because of trade, deserve our support in getting back on their feet.
