John Kline: “I thank the gentleman, my chairman, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in very strong support of H.R. 4, the…”

“I thank the gentleman, my chairman, for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in very strong support of H.R. 4, the Pension Protection Act of 2006. This legislation provides security and peace of mind for working families across our Nation. Many Americans have worked their entire lives for their pensions, and nothing is more important to them than making sure these obligations are met. This legislation protects the interest of workers, retirees, and taxpayers, and it helps employers continue to offer these benefits. As vice chairman of the Employer-Employee Relations Subcommittee, I have worked over the last few years with my colleagues to reform these antiquated pension laws. This legislation reflects our negotiations with House and Senate leaders concluded in recent days. I am proud to have championed the inclusion of airline relief in this final package. {time} 2215 The Pension Protection Act strikes the necessary balance between the many diverse groups with an interest in a healthy pension system. The passage of this bill protects the pensions of more than 9,000 Northwest Airline pension plan participants who live in my district alone. I am honored to represent these individuals here in Congress and to support this much needed legislation on their behalf and on behalf of all my constituents. Without this legislation, Mr. Speaker, it is not a matter of if the airline terminates its plans; it is a matter of when.…”