Washington, D.C. (Feb. 10, 2020)—On Wednesday, February 12, 2020, Rep. Carolyn B. Maloney, Chairwoman of the Committee on Oversight and Reform, will hold a hearing with the Director of the Census Bureau to examine the current status of preparations for the 2020 Census.
“I am deeply concerned that the Census Bureau is not ready for prime time, and that millions of people in minority, immigrant, and rural communities are in danger of not being counted in the 2020 Census,” said Chairwoman Maloney. “We are holding a hearing this week to hear directly from the Bureau about its strategy to recruit more Census workers, dispel fears, and make sure everyone is counted. The Constitution requires a complete and accurate count, and we will do everything in our power to ensure the Bureau delivers.”
WHERE: 2154 Rayburn House Office Building
WHEN: Wednesday, February 12, 2020
TIME: 10:00 a.m. EST
A livestream of the hearing will be available here.
BACKGROUND
- This year’s Census count has already begun in Alaska, and is set to begin across the country on April 1. The Census Bureau must be prepared to conduct an accurate, fair, and complete Census.
- The Committee is very concerned that minority, immigrant, and rural communities are in danger of being undercounted in the 2020 Census, which could cause these communities to lose their voice in Congress and to miss out on federal funds for healthcare, schools, roads, and other essential services.
- The Committee is also concerned the Census Bureau has fallen behind in recruiting hundreds of thousands of Census workers and developing the technology needed for the first online census.
- The Census Bureau must address fears, distrust, and disinformation that could reduce Census participation in many communities, including fear caused by the Trump Administration’s immigration policies and the illegal—and failed—attempt to add a citizenship question to the 2020 Census.
WITNESSES
The Honorable Dr. Steven Dillingham, Director, United States Census Bureau
Mr. J. Christopher Mihm
Managing Director, Strategic Issues, Government Accountability Office
Mr. Nick Marinos, Director, Information Technology and Cybersecurity, Government Accountability Office
