Congressmen Seek Additional Silica Information from Mississippi

WASHINGTON - U.S. Representatives have contacted health officials in Mississippi, requesting follow-up information related to testimony given last year as part of an ongoing two-year federal investigation into allegedly fraudulent silica claims.

In separate March 5 letters, Rep. Joe Barton (R-Texas) and Rep. Ed Whitfield (R-Ky.) asked the directors of the Mississippi medical licensing board and the state's division of radiological health to provide updates on actions both agencies have taken since a June 6 hearing before the House Committee on Energy and Commerce's Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations.

Both letters note that the Committee's investigation over the past two …