madam speaker , i rise in strong support of this bill .  this bill strengthens our nation 's retirement system and comes at a critical time as economic conditions are requiring companies to confront new challenges .  this legislation provides steps to help employers plan and manage finances accurately , to determine pension liabilities and to ensure pensions are funded and benefits are paid .  i want to discuss an important section of the bill regarding multi-employer pension plans .  under current law , multi-employer pension plans are loosely regulated and have few requirements for timely disclosure of information .  for the first time ever , beneficiaries and contributing employers of these multi-employer pension plans will have transparent information to make accurate funding decisions .  the legislation creates a system for identifying financially troubled plans and improving their funding status .  furthermore , new notice and disclosure requirements will provide participants with clearer and more specific financial information .  workers and retirees must be provided with an annual update on the plan 's assets , liabilities , financial condition and funding policies .  underfunded plans are required to file financial information with the pgbc and provide notice to workers and retirees .  existing financial disclosure documents are updated to provide more information , particularly about plan mergers and actuarial assumptions .  multi-employer plans must notify a contributing employer of their withdrawal liability upon request .  madam speaker , i urge colleagues to back this bill and take a very important opportunity to put employees ' pension plans on a solid foundation .  