May 8, 2017, Washington, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders, IAM International President Robert Martinez, Jr., and other advocates will speak at a “Keep Our Pension Promises Act” news conference on Tuesday, May 9, 2017 from 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. in Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 106.

Sanders and U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur are introducing the “Keep our Pension Promises Act of 2017” (KOPPA) to protect earned pension benefits and strengthen multiemployer pension plans for employers and workers. KOPPA will restore ERISA’s anti-cutback rule, which prevented reductions in benefits paid to retirees, and adequately fund the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corporation (PBGC). Congress passed legislation in 2014 allowing “deeply troubled” multiemployer plans to slash retirement benefits for current retirees.

“Allowing cuts in promised benefits is a ticket to poverty,” said Martinez. “The Keep Our Pension Promises Act restores the retirement security the 113th Congress stole from seniors in the dead of night. We call on anyone in Congress who stands with working families to co-sponsor and rally support behind this important piece of legislation introduced by Sen. Sanders and Congresswoman Kaptur.”

This press conference will be one of many “Keep Our Pension Promises” events hosted across the country by retirees and members of Congress. Click here for additional events

What: Keep Our Pension Promises Press Conference

When: Tuesday, May 9, 2017; 12:30 to 1:30 p.m.

Where: Dirksen Senate Office Building, Room 106, Washington, DC 20510