[Congressional Record Volume 156, Number 52 (Wednesday, April 14, 2010)]
[Senate]
[Pages S2274-S2275]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                              CENSUS 2010

  Mr. BURRIS. Madam President, in 1790, Secretary of State Thomas 
Jefferson became the first government official to perform the essential 
duties laid out in Article One Section Two of the U.S. Constitution.
  He oversaw a team of marshals, who fanned out across all 13 United 
States to conduct the very first U.S. census.
  In those days, it took quite a long time to gather an accurate count 
and certify the results.
  But, in many ways, that first census laid the cornerstone of our 
democracy.
  It codified the principle that our system of government depends upon 
accurate representation of the people.
  And, even today, that's exactly what the census is all about.
  It determines the size of the House of Representatives, and ensures 
that congressional districts and electoral votes are distributed 
accurately.
  It helps target Federal funding for schools, hospitals, community 
centers, infrastructure projects, and a whole host of other programs.
  In short, it helps our government work the way it is intended in each 
community, so everyone's voice can be heard.
  It is about nothing less than who we are as a country.
  It is about enfranchisement, and civic duty, and ensuring the success 
of the American system of self-government.
  That is why our Constitution mandates that the census take place 
every 10 years.
  And that is why, 220 years after Thomas Jefferson started this 
tradition, we are once again asking all Americans to stand up and be 
counted.
  Our country has grown by leaps and bounds since Jefferson's time. 
Making sure we get an accurate count can be a complicated process, but 
it has never been more important, especially for low-income and 
minority communities, which are in the greatest need for the resources 
that will be allocated based on this census.
  The problem is that many of these communities also have low 
participation rates--so they are often undercounted, and receive less 
funding than they deserve.
  That is why we need make a special effort to reach out to these 
communities.
  We need to let everyone know how important it is to participate, so 
we can get a clear, accurate snapshot.
  Fortunately, unlike in Jefferson's day, the 2010 census will not take 
several months to complete--it will take about 10 minutes.
  This year's form is one of the shortest in history--and it bears a 
close resemblance to the original questionnaire that was used in 1790.
  Filling it out will be quick and easy--but it will make a world of 
difference.
  I ask my fellow Americans to join me in doing their civic duty, as 
required by the Constitution. Take 10 minutes to fill out and return 
this census form. It could be the most productive 10 minutes of the 
decade. It will make your vote count for more on election day. It will 
make sure hospitals, fire departments, and police departments are up to 
the task of serving your community. It will secure adequate funding for 
roads, bridges, rail lines, and other important infrastructure. And it 
will help us reaffirm the unwavering commitment shared by all 
Americans--to a representative government--a government of the people, 
by the people, and for the people; a government that serves not only 
the best interests of this great country but of the world.

  I yield the floor and suggest the absence of a quorum.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll.
  The bill clerk proceeded to call the roll.
  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the 
order for the quorum call be rescinded.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.
  Mr. BROWN of Ohio. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to speak as 
in

[[Page S2275]]

morning business for no more than 5 minutes.
  The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tempore. Without objection, it is so 
ordered.

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