Today, Republican Members of the House Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives sent the following letter to the U.S. Census Bureau concerning its partnership with the Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN).

Mr. Thomas L. Mesenbourg
Acting Director
U.S. Census Bureau
4600 Silver Hill Road
Suitland, MD 20746

Dear Mr. Mesenbourg:

On May 4, 2009, Nevada’s Attorney General filed criminal charges against the political advocacy group Association of Community Organizations for Reform Now (ACORN) for its role in voter registration fraud during the 2008 presidential campaign.  While there have been countless indictments brought against ACORN employees, this is the first charge filed against the organization itself.

In light of this serious charge, we write to request that the Census Bureau reconsider its inclusion of ACORN in the Planning Partnership Program for the 2010 Census.  ACORN’s involvement may compromise our shared commitment to an apolitical and accurate census count. 

In response to hearing questions submitted by Members of the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, the Census Bureau has previously stated that it will “not select partner organizations” that could “distract from the Census Bureau’s mission.”  The Bureau also stated that “strong emphasis is placed on early identification and the urgency of swift remedial action” and that “if fraud is suspected, [an] enumerator will be relieved of duty.”  The Bureau must hold partnering organizations to the same reasonable standards as its enumerators.

No one questions the desire of the Census Bureau to ensure the integrity of the census enumeration.  However, if the Bureau believes that ACORN should remain a partner, we request written explanation of why its involvement is so essential that the credibility of the 2010 Census should be jeopardized.

Please submit the requested information to the Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives as soon as possible.  Should you have any questions or need any additional information please contact Chapin Fay at (202) 225-5074.  

Sincerely,


Patrick T. McHenry                                   Lynn A. Westmoreland
Ranking Member                                       Member of Congress
Subcommittee on Information Policy,           
Census, and National Archives

John L. Mica                                               Jason Chaffetz    
Member of Congress                                   Member of Congress

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