The Clinton administration is studying the impact of tax rules on different types of pension plans, said John Seal, acting executive director of the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp., Washington.
Mr. Seal noted defined benefit plans insured by the PBGC have dropped from a high of 100,000 plans in 1985 to about half that today, primarily through shutdowns of small plans. At the same time, large plans - with 5,000 or more participants - have increased to almost 1,100 from 900 in 1985.
"Our goal should be to provide every American worker the opportunity to participate in a pension plan that will provide them with a secure retirement," he said.
A PBGC spokesman could not provide more details.