Labor, SEC Join to Streamline Retirement-Fund Protection

By Christopher Twarowski Washington Post Staff Writer Wednesday, July 30, 2008; Page D02 The Labor Department and the Securities and Exchange Commission agreed yesterday to step up their cooperation in protecting $5.8 trillion in 401(k) plans and other retirement assets held by American workers, retirees and their families in employee benefit plans. In part, the agreement grants the Labor Department access to the SEC's investigation files and enforcement information. SEC officials will also have access to Labor's files. Both will be able to transfer this material to law enforcement agencies.