Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and Its Role in US Trade Policy

This report discusses the role of trade adjustment assistance (TAA) in US trade policy, from its inception as a legislative option in the early 1950s, to its core role as an alternative to import relief that many argue has served to promote the long-term US trade liberalization agenda. It will also consider the extent to which TAA has been linked to both renewal of trade agreements authority, and passage of trade agreement implementing legislation. TAA has become an integral part of an increasingly complex US trade policy. Understanding the origins of TAA, the historical congressional debate, and legislative options taken by Congress over the past 50 years may help inform the debate over TAA in the 112th Congress.

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