WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, an amendment submitted by Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (D-NY) that requires the Census Bureau to start planning to count Americans Abroad as part of the 2010 Census passed in the House. The amendment to the Commerce, Justice, State Appropriations bill for FY 2001 allocates $2.5 million for the Census Bureau to begin planning to include private citizens living aboard in the 2010 decennial census.

"Currently, there are between three and six million private American citizens living abroad, all of whom are eligible to vote and pay taxes," Rep. Maloney said today. "Many of these American Citizens were not counted in the 2000 Census. Although military personnel and dependents along with other federal employees and contract employees are included in the 2000 census, private citizens living overseas have been skipped."

"Today's win on the House floor means that these Americans, including those living and working abroad, are counted. They provide vital services by facilitating the growth of American companies overseas, and they are agents who further our national interests abroad. I am grateful for Chairman Miller's support of this amendment."

It is estimated that there are three to six million Americans living abroad who contribute significantly to U.S. economic growth each year. We do not have a more accurate number about how many Americans are living abroad precisely because we have not included them in previous censuses.

In the appropriations for FY 2001, Congress instructed the Census Bureau to begin planning for a more inclusive count of Americans overseas in the 2010 census. This amendment follows on that instruction by providing $2.5 million for research and planning activities associated with counting Americans overseas. Mrs. Maloney is also a sponsor of H.R. 680 which would provide for a special census of Americans living abroad in 2004.

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