On the recordSeptember 22, 2011
Madam President, the conflict here with regard to the amendment that has been proposed is that on our side of this debate, we think this should be a broad array of help for workers. If a worker loses his or her job and we can provide eligibility for trade adjustment assistance, we shouldn't limit that just to the 17 countries with which we have a trade agreement. Say if we have a problem with massive job loss as a result of what China is doing, either because they are cheating on currency or not playing by the rules--as we know they have not in many instances. I have a table here that indicates that in fiscal year 2012, when you look at the estimated number of workers certified under trade adjustment, whether they are import-related certifications or whether they are all other certifications, you add it up and there are more than 287,000 people who are impacted. A lot of those are impacted by way of unfair trade from China. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The time of the Senator has expired.
