The Impact of Federal Spending Cuts on U.S. Census Bureau Surveys
In a recent initiative that has stirred significant concern among users of federal data, a group formed by Elon Musk aims to reduce federal spending during the anticipated second Trump administration. This effort is critiquing certain surveys conducted by the U.S. Census Bureau, branding them as "wasteful." The implications of these actions are profound for the health of the nation’s statistical infrastructure.
Termination of Key Surveys
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) announced on social media this past week that it has terminated five surveys costing approximately $16.5 million. While it did not specify which surveys were affected, it highlighted that some inquiries included questions about alcohol consumption and home internet usage. The abrupt termination has sent ripples through communities that rely on federal data, raising alarms about transparency and the preservation of vital information.
Ongoing Review and Speculation
The DOGE also indicated that other surveys are under scrutiny and will be reviewed "one-by-one." Speculation surrounds which surveys may face elimination, with experts suggesting that critical tools such as the Survey of Inmates in Local Jails—designed to gather information for the Department of Justice—and the Ask U.S. Panel, in collaboration with the Department of Defense, could be among those at risk.
Legal and Ethical Concerns
There are established processes for altering government surveys, which involve public notice and solicitation of comments. Any changes made without adhering to these procedures could be in violation of the law. Beth Jarosz, a senior program director at the Population Reference Bureau, stressed the importance of public data: “These data belong to the public. The taxpayers paid for the data and they should get the data unless they don’t want it to be collected anymore.” This underscores a broader ethical obligation to ensure that taxpayer-funded data continues to be available for public use.
The Role of the Census Bureau
The Census Bureau plays a crucial role in facilitating Congress and federal agencies in the implementation of laws and the development of policies. Former congressional staffer Terri Ann Lowenthal emphasized that cherry-picking isolated questions doesn’t reflect the organization’s serious and necessary work. Lowenthal remarked that the recent DOGE posts evidence a fundamental misunderstanding of the Census Bureau’s mission and the significance of its data collection efforts.
Readiness for the 2030 Census
Looking ahead, there are growing concerns about the Census Bureau’s preparedness for key test run-throughs scheduled for next year in various locations across the United States. These tests are essential for ensuring a smooth operation of the once-a-decade census. With potential setbacks like federal hiring freezes from the previous administration, there is apprehension regarding the Census Bureau’s ability to fulfill its responsibilities. Lowenthal highlighted, “The time lost in planning for a census can’t be made up easily, if at all. Each step builds upon what has been done previously.”
Broader Concerns About Statistical Integrity
Many researchers and users of federal data are grappling with overarching worries regarding the U.S. statistical system’s health, particularly amid disruptions caused by DOGE’s initiatives. The cancellation of key contracts and the loss of experienced staff members raise alarm bells. According to Georgetown professor Amy O’Hara, the significant departures from the Census Bureau—including around 1,300 employees seeking deferred resignations or early retirement—signal potential instability within the agency. O’Hara, now president of the Association of Public Data Users, stated that these changes induce “anxiety” and “frustration” among data users, who fear the reliability of their resources is under threat.
Leadership Instability at the Census Bureau
The meeting of vacancies and interim leadership within the Census Bureau only adds to this uncertainty. As of early this month, there were 18 vacancies, and the agency has been operating without a Senate-confirmed director since Rob Santos’s resignation earlier this year. The acting chief operating officer, Ron Jarmin, carries the weight of this responsibility, yet the lack of official leadership compounds the challenges faced by the bureau.
Hiring Challenges and Structural Changes
An Inspector General’s report released in March highlighted ongoing difficulties in hiring and retaining staff capable of carrying out essential surveys. Meanwhile, the Commerce Department’s decision to dismantle advisory committees made up of demographers, statisticians, and advocacy leaders has left a gap in expertise and guidance crucial for informed decision-making within the Bureau.
As these challenges mount, the fear that previously relied-upon data may become less accessible or entirely unavailable grows among researchers and policymakers alike. The future of U.S. Census Bureau surveys hangs in the balance, with implications that extend far beyond the statistical community.
