Continuing Resolution Threatens Preparations for 2010 Census
October 16, 2007 – U.S. Census Bureau Director Louis Kincannon
testified before Congress on how the Census Bureau's funding levels under
a continuing resolution through Nov. 16 is threatening critical preparations
for the 2010 Census. Speaking for more than an hour before the House Oversight
and Government Reform Subcommittee, Kincannon discussed the impact of the
continuing resolution budget that funds most government activities at previous
fiscal year levels. The Census Bureau is uniquely affected because its budget
almost doubles this year as it ramps up for its 2008 Census Dress Rehearsal
and other key 2010 Census operations and programs.
He discussed:
- The impact of operating under a continuing resolution at funding levels
which are about half of what is needed to continue preparations for the 2010
Census.
- The importance of testing new hand-held computers and data capture operations,
a top priority for the reengineered census. The new system will enhance efficiency
and accuracy, reduce paper and save money, but the Census Bureau cannot use
the new devices without conducting a full systems test.
- Due to the delay in funding, there will be a reduced-scope Dress Rehearsal.
Smaller important operations which have been successful in pervious censuses,
such as group quarter’s enumeration, will also not be tested prior to
the 2010 Census.
- If funding is delayed beyond Nov. 16, it will call into question the ability
to test the hand-held systems at all.
Director’s
Kincannon Statement [PDF-119K]