WASHINGTON - A bipartisan majority of the House Committee on Ways and Means passed H.R. 3920, the Trade and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007, today by a vote of 26-14. 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 full House as early as next week.
“We must be certain that, as our nation moves forward with expanded trade, we send a clear bipartisan signal that it won’t be at the expense of American workers." said Chairman Rangel. “This legislation expands opportunities for training and investment, which will combat the negative effects of globalization and help eliminate the growing perception that trade is not working for American workers."
H.R. 3920 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, not just those who lose their jobs because of trade, deserve our support in getting back on their feet.
