They spoke for about three minutes and Palmeiro’s attorneys were on the phone with him, Davis said.

“What we are concerned about, obviously, is the integrity of the committee process when we swear people in. We have an obligation to look further into it, and I explained that to him, and he said he understood,” the congressman said.

In confirming that he would cooperate with the committee, Palmeiro said in a statement that if it has any additional questions, “I am ready and willing to answer each and every one of them.”

Palmeiro’s agent, Arn Tellem, did not return a telephone call from the AP.

Baseball spokesman Rich Levin said the documents would be released as requested “in a timely manner,” but did not give specifics and did not know if they would be made public once received.

The No. 2 official in the players’ association, Gene Orza, declined comment when asked whether the union was concerned about Palmeiro’s willingness to supply information.

Davis was critical of the union, commissioner Bud Selig, and the sport’s steroid policy at the March hearing. He and Waxman have proposed legislation that would establish uniform drug programs and punishments in the major U.S. professional sports.

But Davis praised baseball’s handling of the Palmeiro case.

“He did get an appeal under this procedure. He filed it. And obviously they didn’t cut him any slack,” Davis said. “I’m satisfied that baseball proceeded as they said they would.”

Among the questions that Congress can’t answer are what all of this will mean for Palmeiro’s Hall of Fame candidacy.

One of Palmeiro’s former teams, the Texas Rangers, canceled a planned ceremony before Friday night’s game against the Orioles to honor him for reaching 3,000 hits. Major league rules don’t allow suspended players on the field after batting practice.

MORE FROM BASEBALL

Baseball Section Front

Handicapping the Halladay chase Blyleven: Pitching to be had beyond Halladay DeMarco: Red Sox should take measured approach CTB: A prediction — Lackey will sign with Yankees   CTB: Indians unlikely to deal Wood this offseason   CTB: Mets could be interested in Royals’ Guilllen Complete list of free agents Circling the Bases: Blogging on news, rumors, buzz SCORES, SCHEDULES, STANDINGS, STATS Latest baseball videos Baseball Section Front   Add Baseball headlines to your news reader: