By John S. McClenahen Before it leaves for its summer vacation on Aug. 2, the U.S. Senate could approve compromise legislation that gives the White House the fast-track negotiating authority it has lacked for eight years and laid-off workers ...
ByJohn S. McClenahen Before it leaves for its summer vacation on Aug. 2, the U.S. Senate could approve compromise legislation that gives the White House the fast-track negotiating authority it has lacked for eight years and laid-off workers trade-adjustment assistance that includes more money for job training and a new health-care benefit. The package already has the approval of Adam Smith. No, not the 18th century Scottish economist of that name, although he might have approved of its fast-track authority provision, which allows Congress to approve or reject, but not amend, trade agreements the president negotiates with foreign countries. The Adam Smith this time is Rep. Adam Smith, a Democrat from Washington state, one of 215 members of the House voting to approve the bill, which passed by a three-vote margin. Because it did not contain benefits for workers, Smith opposed the original version of the legislation, which the Bush Administration has dubbed trade-promotion authority. "In today's economy, workers need to upgrade the skills constantly," Smith argues. "This bill triples the assistance available to laid-off workers through the Trade Adjustment Assistance program. [And] for the first time ever, there will be a health-care benefit to offset the high cost of health-care premiums."
