Continued operation of TAA and NAFTA-TAA programs

EMPLOYMENT AND TRAINING ADMINISTRATION ADVISORY SYSTEM U.S. DEPARTMENT OF LABOR Washington, D.C. 20210 CLASSIFICATION: TAA/NAFTA-TAA CORRESPONDENCE SYMBOL: OAS DATE: January 17, 2002

TRAINING AND EMPLOYMENT GUIDANCE LETTER NO. 10-01

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 regarding
   the TAA and NAFTA-TAA programs’ authorization and continued operations.

2. References. Section 285(c) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended; 71
   Comptroller General Decision 378; and Training and Employment Guidance Letter No. 4-01.

3. Background. The sunset date for the TAA and NAFTA-TAA programs,
   Section 285(c) of the Trade Act, as amended, has been modified beyond September 30, 2001, due to the enactment of the FY 02 Appropriations legislation for the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, P.L. 107-116 on January 10, 2002.

A bill to extend and change the TAA and NAFTA-TAA programs through September 30, 2006, has been proposed and passed by the Senate Finance Committee, and a bill to extend the TAA and NAFTA-TAA programs for 2 years has been

RESCISSIONS: [blank in source]
EXPIRATION DATE: Continuing

approved in the House. Congress adjourned in late December without taking final action on either of the trade programs’ reauthorization proposals. 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 or continuing resolutions. (See 71 Comptroller General Decision 378)

4. Action Required. States are instructed to continue operating the TAA and
   NAFTA-TAA programs as funds have been appropriated pursuant to P.L. 107-116. States should request funds for program benefits, services and administration in accordance with existing procedures. The Employment and Training Administration will advise the states of further developments as they occur.

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