Political Quotes

“Mr. President, I understand the concerns raised by Senator Kohl, and agree that these are serious issues that need to be addressed. While I believe that short-term, targeted pension funding relief is critically important and should move as quickly as possible, I would welcome the opportunity to work with my colleagues to pursue longer term solutions addressing the many challenges facing our defined benefit pension system, including PBGC governance. I plan to hold hearings in the HELP Committee this year addressing the state of the defined benefit system and the PBGC. I look forward to discussing with Senator Kohl the ideals and goals reflected in the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation Governance Improvement Act of 2009, and I thank him for bringing this important legislation to my attention. I hope that we can work collaboratively on legislation to improve the security of defined benefit pensions and the agency that insures these plans, as well as on broader initiatives to build greater retirement security for all working families.”