[Congressional Record Volume 153, Number 171 (Tuesday, November 6, 2007)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2335]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             TRADE AND GLOBALIZATION ASSISTANCE ACT OF 2007

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                             HON. AL GREEN

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                      Wednesday, October 31, 2007

  Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I support H.R. 3920, The Trade 
and Globalization Assistance Act of 2007. H.R. 3920 would expand the 
Trade Adjustment Assistance program, which assists workers who lose 
their jobs because of foreign trade. Trade Adjustment Assistance, TAA, 
was first established in 1962, in recognition of the fact that some 
workers would lose their jobs as a direct result of our national trade 
policies. The program is designed to assist these trade-dislocated 
workers by providing them with the opportunity to train for new 
careers. Although the program currently includes about 80,000 certified 
workers enrolled in training, there are thousands of other trade-
displaced workers who deserve but have been unable to obtain training 
through the TAA program.
  H.R. 3920 makes many long-sought improvements to TAA. The bill allows 
for industry-wide certification in certain instances, a change that 
will eliminate the delays and inconsistent results in the current firm-
by-firm process. The bill also includes a number of changes that will 
simplify and improve the process by which eligible workers obtain 
training.
  We must continue to provide our strong support to workers who are 
faced with the unfortunate event of losing their employment. H.R. 3920 
is an excellent bill that will provide much needed and overdue help to 
displaced and unemployed workers. These programs are essential to the 
viability and livelihood of thousands of hard-working Americans. As a 
proud supporter of America's workers, I understand the vital importance 
of ensuring the social welfare of our labor force. I will continue to 
work with my colleagues to preserve their social and economic care. 
America's workers deserve America's support.

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