The combination of rules allows companies to go for years on end without putting any money into their pension plans.

Despite a strong economy, pension plans are reporting even larger shortfalls than last year. Clearly we need new rules that will require companies to fund the pension promises they make,

Unfortunately, the financial health of the PBGC is not improving,

Unfortunately, the financial health of the P.B.G.C. is not improving.

The problem will become much worse. To call upon taxpayers - most of whom don't have defined-benefit pensions - to pay for the benefits of those who do would be fundamentally unfair.

fuel, wages, health care, utilities and aircraft leases.