[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 71 (Thursday, June 4, 1998)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1015]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

[[Page E1015]]



                 IN SUPPORT OF SAMPLING FOR 2000 CENSUS

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. MARTIN FROST

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, June 4, 1998

  Mr. FROST. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to bring attention to the 
importance and the need for a fair and accurate census count in the 
year 2000. The Constitution commands that a census of the nation's 
population be taken every ten years. Through its failure in accuracy, 
the 1990 census provided us with many valuable lessons, although better 
designed and executed than any previous census.
  An accurate census is of the utmost importance, because the effects 
from inaccuracy can be detrimental to the population. As a result of 
inaccuracy, the 1990 Census caused many Americans to be denied an equal 
voice in their government. Federal spending employing population based 
formulas--for schools, crime prevention, health care, and 
transportation--were misdirected. The census provides the structure to 
base information and knowledge about the American population, and can 
only be done in an efficient, effective manner.
  The census provides information for virtually all demographic 
information used by educators, policy makers, journalists, and 
community leaders. Census data directly affects decisions made on all 
matters of national and local importance, including education, 
employment, veterans' services, public health care, rural development, 
the environment, transportation and housing. Federal, state and local 
governments use census information to guide the annual distribution of 
$180 billion in critical services. Congressional seats are 
reapportioned and legislative districts are drawn based on census data.
  The 1990 census was a difficult undertaking, and in spite of 
unprecedented efforts to count everyone, accuracy in the 1990 Census 
fell short of the accuracy achieved in the 1980 Census. According to 
the Census Bureau, the 1990 Census missed 8.4 million people and 
double-counted 4.4 million others. In Texas alone, the 1990 Census 
missed more than 482,700 people, with children representing nearly half 
of Texas' undercount. Like the national results, a disproportionate 
number of the undercounted Texans were minorities--4% of African 
Americans were missed; 2.6% of Asians were undercounted; 5.4% of 
Latinos and persons of Hispanic origin were missed; and 2.8% of Native 
Americans were undercounted in Texas.
  With all of the information we have gathered, regarding our past 
mistakes, it is of the greatest urgency that we utilize the most 
effective, efficient method for counting. Experts from the Census 
Bureau and three National Academy of Sciences panels concluded that 
lower accuracy and undercounts were caused through a number of societal 
trends. Congress has already addressed the issue of inaccuracy in the 
Census through the Decennial Census Improvement Act of 1991, signed by 
President Bush, requiring the National Academy of Science to study 
``the means by which the Government could achieve the most accurate 
population count possible.'' Specifically considered was inter alia, 
``the appropriateness of using sampling methods in combination with 
basic data-collection techniques or otherwise, in the acquisition or 
refinement of population data for different levels of geography. . . 
.'' The legislation passed in both the House and under suspension of 
the rules by unanimous consent in the Senate.
  An accurate count in the 200 Census is far too important for 
partisan, political disputes. We need to ensure that we utilize the 
most scientific methods available. It is what every American deserves.

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