Trade Adjustment Assistance for Workers: Legislation in the 107th Congress

Publication Date: October 2002

Publisher: Library of Congress. Congressional Research Service

Author(s):

Research Area: Labor

Type:

Abstract:

Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for workers offers extended unemployment benefits and job training to workers left jobless when imported goods have contributed importantly to their job loss. A similar program was begun with the adoption of the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). This Transitional Adjustment Assistance Program (NAFTA-TAAP) not only aids trade-affected workers but also helps those who lose jobs because their firms have relocated production to Canada or Mexico. The authorizations for both programs expired on January 10, 2002, but the programs continue to operate normally with the $416 million appropriated for FY2002. On August 6, 2002, President Bush signed the Trade Act of 2002 (H.R. 3009), a bill that includes the Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act of 2002 which will reauthorize and reform the program. The new program goes into effect for certifications made on or after November 4, 2002. The Administration's FY2003 budget request includes total funding of $462 million for TAA and NAFTA-TAAP. This report will be updated as legislative action occurs.