Rep. Lewis Condemns Senate Republicans for Failure to Pass Omnibus Trade Act
Washington, DC - Congressman John Lewis, 5th District, GA, issued the following statement expressing concern over Senate Republicans lack of compassion for the American worker:
Recently, Congressman Lewis led 75 House Members in requesting prompt action of House and Senate leaders to extend TAA before it expires on December 31, 2010. The House responded with unanimous approval. Unfortunately, the Scrooges in the Senate have seen fit to block the much needed assistance that would benefit thousands of American workers this holiday season.
The Trade Adjustment Assistance program provides key services and assistance to workers, businesses, and farmers who have been negatively impacted by trade. When Congress updated the program in 2009, TAA was improved to include not just manufacturing, but also service-sector jobs. As a result of the bipartisan improvements to the bill, more than 4,600 Georgians have benefited from TAA and certain Metro-Atlanta service-workers many who are just beginning to reap the benefits of the new program. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that failure to move this extension will cost states more than $260 million impacting thousands of workers.
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