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Capitol View®
Tim Pugmire

Bachmann proposes limits on census information

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Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) has introduced a bill that addresses some of her concerns about census data. Bachmann and Rep. Ted Poe (R-Texas) want to limit the amount of personal information solicited by the US Census Bureau. Poe's office put out the following news release on the American Community Survey Act:

WASHINGTON, DC - Congressman Ted Poe (TX-02) and Congresswoman Michele Bachmann (MN-06) introduced the American Community Survey Act to limit the amount of personal information solicited by the US Census Bureau.

The American Community Survey is a mandatory survey from the US Census Bureau sent out yearly to a random sampling of 3 million households. However, the current survey solicits unnecessary personal information. The American Community Survey Act would make the survey voluntary and only require people to answer four questions: a) name; b) contact info; c) date of response; d) number of people living or staying at the same address.

"After learning how intrusive the questions in the Census survey are, I feel that it is important that the Census Bureau stick to counting people and not intrude into the personal lives of the American people," said Congressman Poe. "The primary purpose of the survey is to determine our population, not inquire how much you pay for your utilities, if you have emotional problems or if you had a job last week. This legislation will eliminate these types of irrelevant questions and ensure our right to personal privacy."

"Under the U.S. Constitution, a count of the nation's population is required to be conducted every ten years. This is not only a legitimate purpose, but essential in order to apportion representatives in Congress and direct taxes," said Congresswoman Bachmann. "But throughout the years, additional questions of a more personal nature were added so that the federal government could have more detailed information to make and implement its ever-expanding public policy. A lot of Americans - myself included - have real concerns about the ultimate protection of our sensitive personal information. I am proud to partner with my colleague, Representative Poe, on this important initiative that respects the American people's privacy."