Congressman Patrick McHenry (NC-10), Ranking Member of the House Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives, offered four questions today to be asked of Robert M. Groves, President Obama’s nominee to be Director of the U.S. Census Bureau.  Mr. Groves’ confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs will be held on Tuesday, May 12th.

The conduct of the 2010 Decennial Census has been a point of controversy for the Obama Administration.  Attempts by the White House to exert operational authority over the Census led Senator Judd Gregg to withdraw his name from consideration for Commerce Secretary.

The potential for the political manipulation of Census data has been a concern for those seeking a non-partisan and accurate Census.  At his confirmation hearing, Commerce Secretary Gary Locke stated that there were “no plans” to use statistical adjustment for the 2010 Census.

However, the nomination of Mr. Groves raises fresh concerns about the White House’s desire to manipulate Census data for partisan advantage.  As an Associate Director at the Bureau, Mr. Groves’ attempts at “political tampering” with 1990 Census results were well-documented and rightly rejected.

“Mr. Groves must state unequivocally that statistical adjustment of the 2010 Census will not occur under his leadership.  Political tampering with Census results would produce an inaccurate count and permanently end the 219-year tradition of a non-partisan Census,” stated Congressman McHenry.

Congressman McHenry and his fellow Republicans on the subcommittee have joined their Democratic colleagues in supporting the Census Bureau’s unprecedented efforts and unprecedented level of funding to bolster enumeration in harder-to-count communities.

Congressman McHenry encouraged Members of the Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs to ask the following four questions of Mr. Groves:

        1. How would you respond to efforts by the White House to exert political influence over 
        the conduct of the 2010 Census?

        2. Commerce Secretary Locke has testified that the Census Bureau has “no plans” to use 
        statistical adjustment in the 2010 Census. In compliance with federal law, will you rule 
        out statistical adjustment under any circumstances?  If not, describe a scenario that would 
        merit adjustment.

        3. Given its pattern of criminal misconduct, why is ACORN’s role as a Census Partner so 
        essential that the integrity of the 2010 Census should be jeopardized by their involvement?

        4. As Census Director, how will you communicate to Congress any program changes 
        affecting the actual enumeration of the 2010 Census?

###