[Congressional Record Volume 166, Number 42 (Tuesday, March 3, 2020)]
[House]
[Pages H1442-H1443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




             PARTICIPATION IN THE 2020 CENSUS IS IMPORTANT

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from 
Oklahoma (Ms. Kendra S. Horn) for 5 minutes.
  Ms. KENDRA S. HORN of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to 
highlight the importance of participation in the upcoming 2020 Census, 
and specifically the critical importance of getting a full count of 
Tribal Nation citizens.
  Census results affect our communities every day. As the official 
count of how many people live in our communities, the Census determines 
everything from plans for highways, to funding for special education, 
and support for our firefighters.
  The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of 
billions of dollars in Federal funding flow into communities every year 
for the next decade.
  Think of our local schools: Census counts help determine how money is 
allocated for Head Start early education programs and for grants that 
support college access and education programs for children with 
disabilities.
  But that is not all. The Census determines Federal funding for 
SoonerCare, foster care programs, housing assistance, infrastructure 
investments, and so much more. We have to make sure that every 
Oklahoman is counted so that our communities receive the support they 
need.
  This past week, I was proud to introduce bipartisan legislation 
encouraging Federal, State, local governments, and Tribal Nations to 
work together as partners to encourage participation in the 2020 Census 
among American Indians and Alaskan natives.
  Today, Oklahoma is home to 39 Tribes. The Census ensures we make a 
strong investment in Oklahoma and provide resources to Tribal Nations 
that fulfill the Federal-Indian trust responsibility. Funding for 
critical healthcare programs, housing initiatives, and education is at 
stake.
  For too long, Tribal Nations have been shortchanged in Federal 
funding

[[Page H1443]]

due to a Census that has historically undercounted Native American 
populations.

                              {time}  1015

  In the 2010 Census, the Census Bureau estimates that American Indians 
and Alaska Natives were undercounted by approximately 4.9 percent, more 
than double the undercount rate of the next closest population group.
  The negative consequences of undercounting cannot be quickly 
corrected. The Census occurs only once every 10 years, and as a result, 
undercounting Tribal nations can significantly reduce Federal funding 
levels for important programs for an entire decade.
  Over 300 Federal programs rely on data derived from the Census, and 
Tribal nations rely on many of them. They include Native American 
schools and education programs; Native American workforce programs; 
Tribal health programs; Tribal housing programs; water and sewage 
projects; and transit, infrastructure, and economic development 
programs.
  We must ensure Native voices are heard and counted. The Census is an 
opportunity, not a threat.
  Responses to the 2020 Census are confidential, protected by law. 
Personal information is never shared by the Census Bureau with any 
other government agencies or law enforcement, and responses cannot be 
used against individuals by government agencies or in court in any way.
  All households will receive official Census mail by April 1, and 
individuals and families can respond online, by mail, by phone, or in 
person.
  It is critically important that all Oklahomans participate in this 
Census.
  Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues from the Native American Caucus, 
including co-chairs Congressman   Tom Cole from Oklahoma and 
Congresswoman Deb Haaland from New Mexico, who have helped to highlight 
the importance of getting a full Census count among Tribal nations.
  Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues and communities to work together as 
partners with Tribal nations to encourage participation in the 2020 
Census and to inform the public that the 2020 Census is safe, easy, and 
important.

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