H. R. 3920, The Trade and Globalization Act of 2007

H.R. 3920, THE TRADE AND GLOBALIZATION ACT OF 2007 -- (Extensions of Remarks - November 14, 2007)

SPEECH OF HON. BETTY McCOLLUM OF MINNESOTA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 13, 2007

* Ms. McCOLLUM of Minnesota. Madam Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3920, the Trade and Globalization Act of 2007, and commend the Ways and Means, and Education and Labor committees for their hard work on this legislation.

* The health of the American economy depends in large part on trade with foreign markets. As globalization, technology, and trade agreements continue to remove barriers to free trade, we must work to ensure that our workers, farmers and small businesses do not suffer unfairly for this economic growth. This legislation moves the Trade Adjustment Assistance, TAA, program in a new direction with that sentiment in mind.

* The current TAA program was created in a different era, and fails to address the realities of trade in the 21st century. The Trade and Globalization Act expands eligibility for TAA training programs, temporary income support and healthcare assistance to include manufacturing workers who currently are ineligible for benefits for technical reasons, and to service workers who are increasingly losing their jobs to outsourcing. It also significantly increases funding for these programs, without adding to the deficit, or raising taxes on American families. An updated TAA program will allow all trade-displaced workers to acquire the skills they need to reenter the workforce, and the flexibility to choose their most effective path.

* Workers facing the loss of a good job face significant challenges beyond the loss of income. To help families prepare for their transition, this bill requires employers to provide adequate notice to their employees before a layoff, and provides an incentive for states to reform their unemployment insurance programs to realize the needs of low-income, part-time and female members of the workforce.

* Additionally, this bill recognizes that trade can have significant impacts for entire regions of our country, and that American businesses are critical to helping workers adapt to the global economy. That is why this legislation provides incentives for firms to redevelop and hire workers in those communities disproportionately affected by international trade.

* We owe our prosperity to our greatest national asset-our American workers. I urge you to join me in passing this much needed legislation that will assist these workers who keep America's economy strong.

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