Labor Dept. Agrees to Release Mine Safety Inspector Notes

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The Labor Department reversed its policy of withholding from FOIA grants of mine inspections, the notes taken by safety inspectors. The policy change had been urged by Rep. Henry Waxman, D-CA, in a January 11 letter. Waxman said the withholding might “protect the mine owners from embarrassing disclosures but it undermines accountability and mine safety.” Subsequently, three House Republicans including the new majority leader, Rep. John Boehner, R-OH) made the same request to Labor Secretary Elaine Chao. (2/7/06)