In a recent government meeting, President Biden highlighted significant advancements in pension security for union workers, emphasizing the impact of the Butch Lewis Act. This legislation, passed as part of the American Rescue Plan, aims to protect the pensions of millions of union workers and retirees, particularly in states like Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Michigan. Biden announced that since the law's enactment in March 2021, over 1.2 million pensions have been safeguarded, with more than $1.6 billion already disbursed to retirees whose benefits were previously at risk.

The President expressed his commitment to restoring dignity and respect to the workforce, stating that a job is about more than just a paycheck; it’s about the ability to provide for one’s family and secure a stable future. He criticized the notion that corporate success automatically translates to benefits for the middle class, asserting that the middle class is the backbone of the American economy.

Biden also addressed the ongoing economic recovery, noting the creation of 16 million jobs during his administration and the resurgence of manufacturing in the U.S. He underscored the importance of investing in American workers and infrastructure, citing the bipartisan infrastructure law that has allocated $18 billion to Pennsylvania alone.

The meeting served as a platform for Biden to rally support for labor rights and to call out the lack of bipartisan cooperation in Congress, particularly regarding pension protections. He reiterated that every Republican in Congress voted against the Butch Lewis Act, framing this as a failure to support working families.

As the administration continues to implement the Butch Lewis Act, Biden's message was clear: the government is committed to ensuring that workers receive the benefits they have earned and to fostering an economy that prioritizes the middle class.