II 110th CONGRESS 1st Session S. 1652 IN THE SENATE OF THE UNITED STATES June 19, 2007 Mrs. Dole (for herself and Ms. Cantwell) introduced the following bill; which was read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance A BILL To amend the Trade Act of 1974 with respect to trade adjustment assistance for textile and apparel workers, 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 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 or subdivision of a firm that produces textiles or apparel goods, 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.

Administrative expenses for States

Section 241 of the Trade Act of 1974 (19 U.S.C. 2313) is amended by adding at the end the following: (d)

Administrative and other costs

Funds that the Secretary provides to a State to cover administrative costs associated with the performance of the State's responsibilities pursuant to section 239 shall be sufficient to cover all costs of the State associated with operating the trade adjustment assistance program, including case worker costs. .

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 $440,000,000.

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.