109 HR 5718 IH: To amend the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to the trade U.S. House of Representatives 2006-06-29 text/xml EN Pursuant to Title 17 Section 105 of the United States Code, this file is not subject to copyright protection and is in the public domain.

I 109th CONGRESS 2d Session H. R. 5718 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES June 29, 2006 Mr. Hayes introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on Ways and Means A BILL To amend the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to the trade adjustment assistance program, and for other purposes.

1.

Short title

This Act may be cited as the Trade Adjustment Assistance Reform Act.

2.

Eligibility of displaced textile and and apparel workers for trade adjustment assistance

Section 222 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2272) is amended— (1)in subsection (a)— (A)in the matter preceding paragraph (1), by striking A group and inserting Subject to subsection (d), a group; and (B)in paragraph (2)(B), by amending clause (ii) to read as follows: (ii)there has been or is likely to be an increase in imports of articles that are like or directly competitive with articles which are or were produced by such firm or subdivision. ; and (2)by adding at the end the following: (d)

Textile and apparel workers

In the case of workers in a firm that produces textiles or apparel products, the Secretary shall make the determination under subsection (a) of the eligibility of such workers for trade adjustment assistance under this chapter without regard to paragraph (2) of subsection (a). .

3.

Study and report on use of funds for administrative expenses

(a)

Study

The Secretary of Labor shall conduct a study on the feasibility of allowing States to use a greater portion of funds received under the adjustment assistance for workers program under chapter 2 of title II of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2271 et seq.) for administrative expenses. In conducting the study, the Secretary shall compare applicable requirements under the adjustment assistance for workers program with requirements under other similar programs, such as programs under the Workforce Investment Act of 1998 (29 U.S.C. 2801 et seq.). (b)

Report

Not later than 180 days after the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary shall submit to Congress a report that contains— (1)the results of the study conducted under subsection (a); and (2)recommendations for legislation, administrative actions, or other actions the Secretary considers appropriate.

4.

Increase in funding for training

Section 236(a)(2)(A) of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2296(a)(2)(A)) is amended by striking $220,000,000 and inserting $300,000,000.

5.

Increase in credit for health insurance costs of TAA and PBGC pension recipients; simplification of eligibility determinations

(a)

In general

Subsection (a) of section 35 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is amended by striking 65 percent and inserting 80 percent. (b)

Conforming amendment

Subsection (b) of section 7527 of such Code is amended by striking 65 percent and inserting 80 percent. (c)

Effective date

The amendments made by this section shall apply to amounts paid in taxable years beginning after the date of the enactment of this Act. (d)

Joint program To simplify TAA process

The Secretary of the Treasury and the Secretary of Labor shall each, after consultation with each other, carry out compatible and coordinated programs to simplify the process for individuals to become eligible for a trade readjustment allowance, the credit allowed under section 35 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, and the program for the advance payment of such credit under section 7527 of such Code.