Patty Murray: “I rise in strong support of S. 4, the National Competitiveness Act. In the Pacific Northwest I have met with many…”

“I rise in strong support of S. 4, the National Competitiveness Act. In the Pacific Northwest I have met with many workers in industries as diverse as timber, commercial fisheries, agriculture, aerospace manufacturing, and computer technology. These workers have one overriding concern--job security. Timber harvests have declined. Many salmon stocks have been decimated. Workers in natural resource industries are being advised to look elsewhere for employment. On the shop floor of the giant aerospace manufacturing plants in my State, workers talk about jobs moving abroad. These concerns reach our children, who are dropping out of school in record numbers. They no longer feel there is a reason to continue their education. During the next several months Congress will be considering fundamental changes in Federal unemployment policy. I whole heartedly agree with the administration's assessment that the current premise for our unemployment system has outlived its purpose. Generally, workers are no longer laid off only during periodic cycles. The Washington State Employment Security Department estimates that about three-quarters of laid off workers will not be rehired. These unemployed workers must be trained in skills necessary for reemployment in good jobs to replace the ones they lose. Opponents of this scoff at a national policy to stimulate job creation. I believe they just don't get it. This country is competing in a global economy.”