Trade Adjustment: Alleged Improprieties in Commerce's Trade Adjustment Assistance Program

In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed Department of Commerce allegations of improprieties related to the Trade Adjustment Assistance Program (TAAP), specifically: (1) the use of the Department's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) to issue a damaging report on TAAP; (2) the International Trade Administration's (ITA) suppression of a contractor's study of TAAP; (3) ITA evasion and contravention of Trade Act requirements; and (4) financial hardships imposed on certain Trade Adjustment Assistance Centers (TAAC).