PBGC is currently underfunded by over $33 billion, while their duty to manage and pay out benefits is expanding.

Today we are going to take a hard look at the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation, which is responsible for insuring the pensions of nearly 44 million Americans.

Decisions made by PBGC management and a lack of oversight and governance by previous PBGC boards have contributed to the agency's financial condition.

Given the state of the economy, the question of PBGC's viability is more urgent than ever.

We remain vigilant for any abusive behavior by the ENDF, particularly with regard to the upcoming general elections in 2010.

despite a bungled election in Zimbabwe, the two major political parties were able to come to an initial agreement.

But in order to truly understand and address the piracy problem we need to know what's behind it.

Now, this heightened level of attention to the Horn of Africa is long overdue.

The recent spike in piracy is an outgrowth of the state collapse and lawlessness and economic desperation that have plagued that country for well over a decade.

it may well be at that level, and it requires that kind of attention.

This hearing has been convened at a moment when Somalia is undergoing yet another dramatic political crisis.

I'm very concerned that the fledgling transitional government is losing support, as well as losing ground with this recent fighting.

I've been worried specifically about the overcrowding and lack of adequate resources in Dadaab.

These press reports of Ethiopian troops crossing back into Somalia are very alarming to me.

I underscore that our overall policy efforts are aimed at promoting political reconciliation in Somalia, political stability in that country.

A nonstarter for Somalia?

My sense is that well-timed statements and phone calls and engagement from senior government officials, be it the President, Secretary of State, or even Members of Congress, could help bolster ongoing United States efforts in Somalia.

to have an accurate picture, this is the man who was the head of the Islamic Courts, which we identified as being obviously a problematic entity, who has now taken on the task of trying to unify the various elements within Somalia at…