Charles Norwood: “I rise today in order to voice my strong and unwavering support for the conference report on H.R. 3018, the Pension…”

“I rise today in order to voice my strong and unwavering support for the conference report on H.R. 3018, the Pension Funding Equity Act, and also to express my sincere appreciation for the hard work and dedication of Chairman Boehner in bringing this important legislation to the floor this afternoon. Mr. Speaker, protecting and strengthening the retirement security of American workers is a top priority for my Republican colleagues and I. Indeed, since coming to Congress in 1995 I have sought a solution to the pension-funding shortfall that will soon face countless American workers. The Pension Funding Equity Act Conference Report before the floor today is critical to protecting the pension benefits of millions of workers and their families. I strongly believe it will provide an effective and temporary replacement to the current 30-year Treasury interest rate, while at the same time allowing Congress the opportunity to craft a long-term solution to this issue in the weeks and months to come. I was pleased to support the Pension Funding Equity Act of 2003 upon its original introduction and passage in the House of Representatives last year, and look forward to working alongside my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to develop permanent solutions to this issue that effects millions of American workers.”