SPECIAL INTERESTS: Defense contractors, airlines and a food company are among those singled out for special treatment under a massive pension overhaul bill.

A LIFE RAFT: The legislation has the lofty goal of reinforcing the employer-based pension system that is the retirement lifeblood of some 44 million Americans.

HIDDEN HELP: The provisions designed to help specific companies or industries aren’t always obvious: Often the obtuse legislative language does not name the targeted benefactor. Some of these companies get special breaks in complying with the laws on pensions.

THE ENTIRE BILL: H.R. 4, can be accessed on the Web at thomas.loc.gov.