Mike Levin: “We clearly need to reform and reauthorize TAA. We also need to be sure that we reform trade policy. One is not a…”

“We clearly need to reform and reauthorize TAA. We also need to be sure that we reform trade policy. One is not a substitute for the other. We need to do both. In the continuing resolution that was passed last February, Congress included language prohibiting the United States Department of Labor from issuing final regulations concerning the TAA program. Critically and problematically, these regulations would contravene Congress's legislative intent in the important policy areas and cause confusion among State and local operators of the TAA program. In short, these regulations would change the very nature of this program, a program specifically committed to ensuring that workers adversely affected by trade get the assistance and training they need to obtain new, good-paying, family-wage jobs, as I said before. For example, these rules would, number one, compel States to implement a 'rapid reemployment' strategy; two, permit States to establish monetary caps on training for dislocated workers; three, compel States to integrate the TAA program into the Workforce Investment Act system; four, permit the privatization of the administration of programs; and, five, abolish merit staff standards. These rules are extremely troubling. They undermine the program and, more generally, the intent of Congress.”