The Senate has approved an extension of a program that helps workers displaced by foreign competition. The bill is a version of the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, and will provide income support and some health coverage to workers who are displaced by trade deals. The President had said that he would not sign free trade agreements with South Korea, Columbia or Panama without the bill. The program will provide $900 million in assistance through 2013.
See "Worker Aid Agreement Passes Senate", The New York Times, September 22, 2011