COLLINS URGES FUNDING FOR TRADE ADJUSTMENT ASSISTANCE PROGRAM

WASHINGTON, D.C.—Senator Susan Collins (R-ME) and Jack Reed (D-RI) spearheaded a bipartisan letter asking Senate appropriators to maintain $16 million for the Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) for Firms program in the 2006 appropriations bill. The TAA for Firms program assists small and medium-sized manufacturing and agricultural companies that are negatively affected by competition from foreign imports. TAA for Firms offers companies technical assistance with marketing, financing, production, product development, distribution, management information systems, and exporting.

"TAA for Firms is a valuable tool in helping the hundreds of small businesses that simply cannot compete with foreign imports," Senator Collins said. "It is important that we continue to fund this program which has proven to save and create jobs and increase revenue for small and medium-sized companies throughout the country."

The Senate version of the Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Appropriations bill currently includes $16 million for TAA for Firms. The letter sent to appropriators requests that this funding be left in the bill as Senate and House conferees consider the bill.

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