Tom Price: “the time to pass pension reform is now. Today, with Senator Johnny Isakson and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr.…”

“the time to pass pension reform is now. Today, with Senator Johnny Isakson and the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Westmoreland), I spoke with Delta employees and retirees at the Delta Pension Reform Support Day in Atlanta. The sense of urgency for a solution to our Nation's pension crisis could not have been more evident. In the face of high fuel costs and a post-9/11 world, financial losses continue to hinder legacy airline carriers' ability to fully fund their pension plans. Having airlines keep their commitments to their employees and not burden taxpayers is what this is all about. Pension reform is financial security for thousands of airline employees. Retiring with a pension of only a fraction of what you expected is not truly a retirement. A lifetime of work should not be rewarded with wondering how you will make ends meet. Mr. Speaker, the case has been made. Pension reform is needed now. The employees with whom I spoke today have put forth much effort to make a difference. They realize the crisis their pension plans are in, the American public realizes the crisis that pension plans are in, and it is time we fixed the problem before it is too late and before the burden is put on the backs of the American taxpayers. Without objection. ____________________”