Representative Ellen Tauscher, whose district includes Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory, has issued a press release on the Energy Department’s decision to ignore the conclusions of the National Academy of Sciences:
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: April Boyd, 202/225-1880
April 14, 2003
Statement by Rep. Ellen Tauscher on Polygraph Testing
Below is a statement by Rep. Ellen Tauscher on the Department of Energy’s notice in the Federal Register today that the agency will reissue identical regulations on polygraph testing:
“I am shocked that in spite of the National Academy of Sciences coming forward and saying that there is no scientific basis for indiscriminate polygraph testing, Secretary Abraham still intends on pursuing lie detector tests as a matter of Energy Department policy.Ê
“Polygraph testing can be useful for specific investigative purposes, but cannot be effectively used on a widespread basis. I continue to fear that the widespread use of polygraphs only promotes a false sense of security and does nothing to foster good science at our national labs.
“In fairness to science and the men and women who work at our labs, I urge Secretary Abraham to immediately reconsider this decision.”
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