Congressmen criticize treatment of sick nuclear workers
By Laura Frank, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published July 25, 2008 at 2:07 p.m.
Updated July 25, 2008 at 2:07 p.m.
Two Colorado congressmen say it was "completely irresponsible" for the Department of Labor to fail to explain decisions that make it more difficult for sick and dying nuclear weapons workers — or their survivors — to qualify for federal compensation.
This week, the Rocky Mountain News reported that the Labor Department, which oversees the program, derailed aid to workers by keeping reports secret from them, constantly changing rules and delaying cases until sick workers died.
The Rocky detailed the actions in a special report called "Deadly Denial." The newspaper shared details of its findings with Labor Department executives 46 days ago. However, those officials never responded.
On Thursday, Rep. Ed Perlmutter, D-Golden, and Rep. Mark Udall, D-Eldorado Springs, sent a harsh letter to Labor Secretary Elaine Chao asking for answers.
The letter said:
"Federal agencies are established to serve the taxpayer and be accountable to them for decisions regarding programs within an agency's responsibility. It is simply not acceptable to not respond to requests to explain decisions made regarding this program."
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July 25, 2008
4:26 p.m.
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Who_Me writes:
Tough investigative reporting - gee, maybe the reporter could have asked what each of these reps were doing about this tens of years ago. Why the harsh words now? How the government dumped on the workers is news now? Total fluff piece, wish I hadn't read it because that time is now lost forever.