Continuation of TAA and NAFTA-TAA programs

U. S. Department of Labor
Employment and Training Administration Washington, D.C. 20210 CLASSIFICATION: TAA/NAFTA-TAA CORRESPONDENCE SYMBOL: OAS DATE: September 19, 2001

TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT GUIDANCE LETTER NO. 4-01

TO: ALL STATE WORKFORCE LIAISONS
ALL STATE WORKFORCE AGENCIES
ALL STATE WORKER ADJUSTMENT LIAISONS
ALL ONE-STOP CENTER SYSTEM LEADS

/s/
FROM: EMILY STOVER DeROCCO
Assistant Secretary

SUBJECT: Continuation of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and North American Free Trade
Agreement Transitional Adjustment
Assistance (NAFTA-TAA) Programs

1. Purpose. To provide State Workforce Agencies with
   guidance in the event that the TAA and NAFTA-TAA programs’ sunset date is not amended before October 1, 2001.

2. References. Section 285(c) of the Trade Act of 1974,
   as amended, and 71 Comptroller General Decision 378.

3. Background. Section 285(c) of the Trade Act provides
   a sunset date for the TAA and NAFTA-TAA programs of midnight on September 30, 2001.

A bill to extend the TAA and NAFTA-TAA programs through September 30, 2006, has been proposed in the Senate Finance Committee, but there has been no similar action in the House. It is unknown when a bill to continue the programs will be enacted.

It is important to note that, even in the absence of reauthorization legislation, the programs will operate as long as funds are provided through appropriations (See 71 Comptroller General Decision 378).

4. Action Required. Contingent upon the enactment of the
   Department of Labor’s FY 2002 appropriation, States are instructed to continue operation of the TAA and NAFTA-TAA programs through September 30, 2002. The Employment and Training Administration will advise the States of further developments as they occur.

RESCISSIONS: [blank in source]
EXPIRATION DATE: Continuing

5. Inquiries. Inquiries regarding these instructions
   should be directed to the appropriate Regional Office.