The Pension Protection Act of 2006 gave companies seven years to bring their pension funds into balance with 100% of the money needed to pay for the benefits promised.

FORBES: Market Scan

This would have potentially serious consequences for the balance sheets of Japanese banks, insurers, pension funds and households that are the main holders of government debt that totals more than 200% of GDP.

WSJ: Review & Outlook: Japan Discovers QE Has Risks

When the majority of Americans believe that cutting defense is a better way to balance the budget than busting public unions and robbing state pension funds, it becomes quite clear that the GOP, intoxicated by Tea Party zeal, has overstepped whatever perceived mandate they thought they possessed.

FORBES: Wisconsin Republicans Sneak Through Union-Busting Bill without Democrats