Mike Levin: “I think the approval of the U.S.-Peru FTA that came out unanimously from Ways and Means is the antithesis of CAFTA. Let…”

“I think the approval of the U.S.-Peru FTA that came out unanimously from Ways and Means is the antithesis of CAFTA. Let me talk about the facts on TAA, which relates to those who are dislocated. We received a letter dated October 23, 2007, from the Secretary of Labor, and she said it is important, and I quote, ``that the negative impacts that are borne by a few are offset in the form of assistance to persons and firms that may be adversely affected.'' I just want to say the facts are very different. It isn't a few. Trade isn't the only source of dislocation, but it is one of those and a substantial source. It's not a few. It's hundreds of thousands of people. We have lost 3 million manufacturing jobs in this country in recent years. The President, or at least the administration, has sent a letter indicating their strong opposition, and I want to go over the facts quickly. It says, and I quote, that this legislation converts TAA from a trade-related program to a universal income support and training program. That is simply not true, and I will come back to that when I talk about services.”