Chuck Grassley: “I want to speak about the trade adjustment assistance amendment that Senator Baucus and I have introduced. It is…”

“I want to speak about the trade adjustment assistance amendment that Senator Baucus and I have introduced. It is amendment No. 404, and it is called the Trade and Globalization Adjustment Assistance Act of 2009. My colleagues are used to hearing me talk about the importance of trade. Trade creates good, well paying jobs for American workers, farmers, and service suppliers. Those jobs are more important than ever in this time of economic difficulty. So we need to keep working hard to open new markets for U.S. goods and services. But if we are going to engage in international trade, we need to make sure we are looking out for U.S. workers who are affected by foreign competition. Our trade adjustment assistance program is the primary program the Federal Government has for helping those workers. Unfortunately, the program is out of date. It isn't doing enough to help the workers who need it. And that is why I have joined with Senator Baucus to update it. Today's amendment is the culmination of months of hard work on the part of Senator Baucus and myself. And this work reflects years of oversight and careful thought. It is also the product of close collaboration and intensive negotiations with our counterparts on the House Ways and Means Committee, Chairman Rangel and Congressman Camp. I want to thank my colleagues for their cooperation and good will. This amendment truly is a bipartisan, bicameral product.”