Dems say DeVos' deputy tried to influence internal inquiry

BOSTON (AP) — Democrats in Congress are accusing the Education Department of interfering with an investigation by the agency's independent watchdog.

Five lawmakers sent a letter to Secretary Betsy DeVos on Tuesday staying her deputy pressured the department's inspector general on Jan. 3 to drop an internal investigation .

When the inspector general said she would continue the inquiry, she was told weeks later she was being replaced. That decision was quickly reversed after it became public.

A department spokeswoman did not immediately provide comment.

The investigation is examining DeVos' decision to reinstate a troubled accrediting agency that was shut down by the Obama administration.

In the letter, lawmakers including Virginia Rep.