Members of the 10-man crew who work in the asbestos-filled tunnels underneath the Capitol complex attended Tuesday’s Senate Environment and Public Works Committee hearing that examined the health effects of asbestos exposure. [IMGCAP(1)]

The crew members did not testify but did sign a petition urging Congress to ban asbestos and invest in research to treat the health problems it causes.

Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), who reintroduced legislation this year to ban asbestos, testified about the effects of asbestos and recognized the tunnel crew for joining the effort to ban it.

The crew also was asked to stand during the hearing by Chairwoman Barbara Boxer (D-Calif.), who told the panel she supports banning asbestos.

Lawsuit Update. In court papers filed on Monday afternoon, the Government Printing Office officially denied it had discriminated against four female employees who did not receive promotions at the agency.

Tarsha Kelley-Jones, Barbara Reynolds, Shirley Wilson and Michele Stevenson applied and were not selected for a printing services specialist position. In early January, the four filed separate-but-connected lawsuits against the GPO, claiming they had been denied the position on the basis of race, age and gender.

The four women are seeking $300,000 in damages, as well as front and back pay and court costs. All have requested a jury trial. The U.S. attorney’s office is representing the GPO in the case.

— Elizabeth Brotherton