House passes measure to block United plan

WASHINGTON, June 25 (UPI) -- The U.S. House of Representatives has passed a measure to block a federal body from spending money to take over United Airlines' pension obligations.

However, a United spokeswoman said the measure, aimed at the Pension Benefit Guaranty Corp., would have no immediate impact and has only a slim chance to become law due to Senate and White House opposition, the Chicago Tribune reported Saturday.

The amendment, passed 219-185 with the support of 31 Republicans, puts the House on record as being against the agreement, which would allow United to wipe out nearly $10 billion in unfunded pension liabilities. The amendment was attached to a funding bill for the Departments of Labor, Education and Health and Human Services that passed 250-151.

"There are just a lot of concerns about whether or not these companies have unfairly targeted the workers to bear all of the brunt of their management decisions," said Illinois Democrat Jan Schakowsky, a co-sponsor of the amendment.