Thank you Mr. Speaker

The Senate is considering the President’s request for Trade Promotional Authority right now and at the same time connected to it, Trade Adjustment Assistance - help for workers who have lost their jobs.  I rise today to urge the Senate to pass the strongest possible Trade Adjustment Assistance package.  Workers desperately need help dealing with the new economy.  It is the land of opportunity for all of us but there are also challenges.  Workers must continually have access to training and education to update their skills.  They also need the health care benefits necessary to carry them during periods of unemployment, and they also need income assistance to help them as they move forward and try to find new jobs.

I am a strong supporter of trade.  As a New Democrat it is one of our top priority issue to open trade throughout the world and give us access to other markets.  Connected to that however, we have to help the workers of our country deal with the challenges and opportunities that come along with that.  There must a strong health care component, there must be job training and education available.  If the Senate were to put together that type of package, and pass a Trade Promotion Assistance bill with a strong Trade Adjustment Assistance piece I am very confident they would be able to pass it in the House and they would move forward on two critical policies for this country.

Thank you Mr. Speaker.