Gowdy Statement on 2020 Census Briefing

WASHINGTON, DC – House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy released the following statement after the Committee held a Member briefing with Dr. Ron Jarmin, Acting Director of the U.S. Census, Mr. Michael Walsh, Deputy General Counsel of the U.S. Department of Commerce, and Dr. Jennifer M. Ortman, the Assistant Division Chief of the American Community Survey Office for the U.S. Census Bureau, regarding the 2020 decennial census questions.

“The Census is critical not only for purposes of constituting our government, but for apportioning the resources and services our government provides. It is also incredibly important we count each person with accuracy, security, and professionalism, and in a fashion worthy of the world’s greatest democracy. Irrespective of the region in which you may live, or the political ideation you identity with, everyone should want to ensure the 2020 Census is a success. 

I want to thank Dr. Jarmin, Mr. Walsh and Dr. Ortman for taking the time to appear before our Committee today. We look forward to further discussing the progress being made in preparation for the 2020 Census during our hearing on May 8, 2018.”

• Census questions are statutorily required to be presented to Congress two years before the Census begins. The Census Bureau provided the 2020 Census questions to Congress on March 29, 2018.
• On March 22, 2018, Chairman Gowdy and Subcommittee Chairman Meadows sent a letter to Secretary Ross requesting the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Census Bureau hold a briefing with Members of the Committee regarding the 2020 decennial census questions.
• On May 8, 2018, the Committee will hold a hearing on the 2020 Census.