WASHINGTON, DC -In an ongoing effort to ensure a successful 2010 Decennial Census, Majority Leader Steny Hoyer, Majority Whip James Clyburn and the Chairmen and Ranking Members of the committees of jurisdiction for the census joined together to send a letter to Senators Barack Obama and John McCain today emphasizing the need for the next Administration to make the 2010 census a top priority.
Text of letter to Senators Obama and McCain below.
October 7, 2008
The Honorable Barack Obama
Democratic Nominee for President
Obama for America
P.O. Box 8102
Chicago, IL 60680
The Honorable John McCain
Republican Nominee for President
John McCain 2008
P.O. Box 16118
Arlington, VA 22215
Dear Senator Obama and Senator McCain:
We are writing to encourage the next President of the United States to make a successful 2010 Decennial Census a top priority of his Administration.
As you know, the census is a constitutionally mandated obligation of incomparable significance to the preservation of our democracy, representative fairness, understanding our communities, and the equitable distribution of an estimated $300 billion in federal funds (including vital programs like Medicaid, the State Children’s Health Insurance Program, the Federal-Aid Highway Program, Federal Transit Formula Grants, Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, the Community Block Development Grant Program, Title I Education Grants, and Head Start). The American people will rely on the 2010 Decennial Census to count every person living in the United States, our territories, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and all federal civilian and military personnel serving abroad.
Unfortunately, early implementation of the 2010 Census has encountered numerous setbacks and problems that threaten its accuracy and reliability. With the 2010 Census rapidly approaching, the nation cannot afford any further complications. A complete and accurate count of the nation’s population is essential, and the President’s active engagement and leadership will be necessary to ensure a successful census. We trust that you recognize the severity of the situation and we hope that the next Administration, Democrat or Republican, will work from the very outset to ensure an accurate 2010 Decennial Census.
Thank you for your consideration and attention.
Sincerely,
STENY H. HOYER
Majority Leader
JAMES E. CLYBURN
Majority Whip
HENRY A. WAXMAN
Chairman, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
THOMAS M. DAVIS, III
Ranking Member, Committee on Oversight and Government Reform
ALAN MOLLOHAN
Chairman, Appropriations
Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies
WM. LACY CLAY
Chairman, Oversight and Government Reform
Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives
MICHAEL TURNER
Ranking Member, Oversight and Government Reform
Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census, and National Archives
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