Baucus, Collins unveil legislation to extend trade assistance

The senators pointed to ongoing negotiations on an Asia-Pacific trade deal with 11 other nations as well as the trade talks with the European Union that began earlier this month and would create a $5 trillion trade zone. 

Baucus used the bill’s introduction to make another push for passage of trade promotion authority, which the Obama administration says it supports. 

“TAA and trade promotion authority are two sides of the same coin, and we need to renew and extend both as soon as possible,” he said. 

Collins said that the TAA programs bolster trade-affected industries in Maine such as the pulp and paper manufacturing sector, lobstermen and blueberry growers.  

“Indeed, TAA is a crucial lifeline for those in trade-impacted industries, who through no fault of their own lose their jobs,” she said.  

“TAA provides these workers with job training and other critical services necessary to prepare for and obtain suitable employment.”

In fiscal 2012, Maine received $9.1 million in TAA funding.  

The legislation would extend the program last authorized in 2011 when Congress passed three trade deals with South Korea, Panama and Colombia.