Seven Democratic members of Congress are urging the Labor
Department to change a proposed rule that they say would harm black lung
patients.
In a letter to the department, the lawmakers say that the rule
would make it harder for miners to receive medical reports prepared by coal
operators' doctors or experts.
The lawmakers, including West Virginia Sens. John Rockefeller
and Joe Manchin, cite a section of the rule that would change evidence
standards in cases before administrative law judges.
The overall rule is aimed at modernizing administrative court
procedures and addressing the increase in whistleblower and other workplace
retaliation claims.
The Labor Department declined to comment on the letter.
