[Congressional Record Volume 145, Number 86 (Thursday, June 17, 1999)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1308]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




        LEGISLATION TO AMEND PROVISIONS OF THE TRADE ACT OF 1974

                                 ______
                                 

                        HON. JOHN J. DUNCAN, JR.

                              of tennessee

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, June 17, 1999

  Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduced legislation which will 
amend the provisions of the Trade Act of 1974.
  I think that everyone will agree that reimbursement of training costs 
under the Trade Readjustment Act (TRA) is of critical importance to 
those individuals who have been negatively impacted by the North 
American Free Trade Act (NAFTA). I have seen firsthand companies 
relocating and jobs being lost because of this Act.
  Currently, an individual cannot be reimbursed by TRA funds for any 
training costs which have been incurred prior to the approval of the 
training program under the TRA.
  In fact, an individual in my District encountered this problem. My 
constituent was laid off due to job relocation and started school just 
days prior to the certification of the TRA petition. Since the TRA 
makes no provisions to retroactively approve training, the individual 
did not receive a reimbursement. His only other choice would have been 
to deny his training an entire semester which would have meant he would 
be out of work even longer.
  The legislation I introduced today would prevent this from occurring 
again by providing a retroactive 30-day period, preceding the date the 
Secretary approves the TRA petition, during which someone could be 
reimbursed for training expenses under the act.
  This is the only way for individuals who try to plan ahead and then 
find themselves in this type of situation to take advantage of the 
funds allocated under TRA.
  I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this modest 
proposal.

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