CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Sen. Jay Rockefeller says the U.S. Department of Labor needs to make changes in the nation's black-lung program to ensure timely benefits to people who suffer from the disease.

Rockefeller's comments came Friday as he released a Government Accountability Office report that made a series of recommended changes to the program.

The West Virginia Democrat said he planned to use the report to introduce related legislation.

Among the recommended changes are the creation of an independent panel to reduce the number of cases sent back for reconsideration, and the use of video conferencing to reduce hearing wait times.

Black lung is caused when dust particles accumulate in the lungs. Last year, about 40,000 people received more than $250 million in benefits.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (AP) - Sen. Jay Rockefeller says the U.S. Department of Labor needs to make changes in the nation's black-lung program to ensure timely benefits to people who suffer from the disease.

Rockefeller's comments came Friday as he released a Government Accountability Office report that made a series of recommended changes to the program.

The West Virginia Democrat said he planned to use the report to introduce related legislation.

Among the recommended changes are the creation of an independent panel to reduce the number of cases sent back for reconsideration, and the use of video conferencing to reduce hearing wait times.

Black lung is caused when dust particles accumulate in the lungs. Last year, about 40,000 people received more than $250 million in benefits.