WASHINGTON, D.C. - Senate Republicans today blocked passage of a short-term extension of the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) program, which is designed to provide workers, firms and farmers negatively affected by trade with the help they need to compete in the global economy. Ways and Means Committee Chairman Charles B. Rangel issued the following statement on the Senate Republicans’ obstruction:
"I am stunned by the Senate Republicans’ refusal to extend a simple three month extension of the Trade Adjustment Assistance program. There is no justification putting vulnerable workers and their families in the lurch like this, especially during the holidays.
And there is no justification for using TAA to score political points.
"If we are going to build a bipartisan consensus around trade, it is critical that we overhaul TAA to better help those affected by globalization overcome its challenges. The House passed legislation reforming TAA earlier this year and I am hopeful that the Senate will act soon after we return in January. American workers deserve nothing less."
