DIRECTIVE	:	GENERAL ADMINISTRATION LETTER NO. 08-98
TO	:	ALL STATE EMPLOYMENT SECURITY AGENCIES
FROM	:	DAVID HENSON Director Office of Regional Management
SUBJECT	:	Continuation of Trade Adjustment Assistance (TAA) and NAFTA-Transitional Adjustment Assistance (NAFTA-TAA) Programs

1. Purpose. To provide State Employment Security Agencies with guidance in the event that the Trade Act's sunset date is not amended before October 1, 1998.

2. References. Section 285(c) of the Trade Act of 1974, as amended, 71 Comptroller General Decision 378.

3. Background. Section 285(c) of the Trade Act provides a sunset date for the TAA and NAFTA-TAA programs of midnight on September 30, 1998. A bill amending this date, which has been approved by the appropriate committees of both the Senate and the House of Representatives, is pending. It is unknown when this bill will be enacted. The President has signed a continuing resolution which provides funding for the Department's programs through October 9, 1998. Funds for the TAA and NAFTA-TAA programs have been included in the continuing resolution, thus extending the programs through the duration of the continuing resolution, October 9, 1998. See 71 Comptroller General Decision 378.

4. Action Required. The States are to continue their administration of the TAA and NAFTA-TAA programs through October 9, 1998. The Employment and Training Administration (ETA) will advise the States of further developments as they occur.

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