Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. (PBGC) insures the pension benefits of 44 million private sector workers and retirees in over 30,000 employer-sponsored pension plans. It was reported that PBGC¿s governance structure needed improvements. Congress is considering expanding the board of dir. to include additional members. It was also recommended that the board develop policies and mechanisms consistent with corp. governance practices, and develop formal guidelines to clarify the roles and respon. of the board chair, members, and their rep. This report addresses: the steps PBGC has taken to improve policy direction and oversight; and (2) how Congress applies oversight to PBGC and what other oversight mechanisms exist for gov¿t. corps. Illus.

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. (PBGC) employs 800 fed. employees and uses 1,500 private sector employees to insure the pensions of millions of private sector workers and retirees in certain employer-sponsored pension plans. In recent years, PBGC¿s projected financial liabilities and workloads have increased greatly due to a large no. of pension plan terminations. Given this, it is important that PBGC remain well positioned to fulfill its promise to those retirees who depend on it. This is a report on: PBGC¿s recent experience in hiring and retaining key staff and how it compared to other fed. agencies; and the actions PBGC has taken to hire and retain key staff and what additional steps, if any, can be taken. Includes recommend. Illustrations.

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. (PBGC) insures the pensions of more than 44 million workers in over 30,000 employer-sponsored defined benefit pension plans. In response to growing workloads, PBGC has come to rely heavily on contractors to conduct its work. This is a report on: (1) the role that contracting plays in PBGC¿s efforts to accomplish its mission; (2) the steps PBGC has taken to improve its acquisition infrastructure and develop a strategic approach to guide its contracting activities; and (3) the steps PBGC has taken to improve its contact oversight processes to ensure accountability. Includes recommendations. Charts and tables.

The Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp. (PBGC) insures the retirement future of nearly 44 million people in more than 30,000 private-sector defined benefit pension plans. In July 2003, PBGC¿s single-employer pension insurance program was designated as ¿high risk,¿ meaning that it needed urgent attention and transformation. The program remains on the list today with a projected financial deficit of over $13 billion, as of Sept. 2007. Because Congress exercises oversight of PBGC, the author was asked to testify on: (1) the critical role PBGC plays in protecting the pension benefits of workers and how PBGC is funded; (2) the financial challenges facing PBGC; and (3) the PBGC¿s governance, oversight and management challenges. Tables.