Lawmakers introduce Freedom from Government Surveys Act
WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Representative Greg Steube (R-Fla.) joined with Senator James E. Risch (R-Idaho) this week in introducing the Freedom from Government Surveys Act. This bill reforms the Census Bureau by making voluntary the American Community Survey (ACS) and abolishing financial penalties for non-respondents.
“No American should ever be penalized or harassed for exercising their right to privacy,” said Rep. Steube. “Every year, the Census Bureau forces more than 3 million citizens to either pay a steep fine or answer deeply personal questions about their private lives. I am honored to partner with Senator Risch on this bill to rein in Washington and protect Americans from unreasonable inquiries.”
The Freedom from Government Surveys Act is the House companion to legislation introduced by U.S. Senator James E. Risch.
“It is unacceptable for the federal government to punish Idahoans for protecting their personal, private details from intrusive surveys,” said Senator Risch. “My Freedom from Government Surveys Act abolishes burdensome and unnecessary fines on Idahoans who exercise their right to privacy.”
Background: The U.S. Census Bureau conducts the ACS every year for the purpose of collecting information on localities in the United States. Approximately 3.5 million Americans are surveyed as part of the ACS. Under current law, citizens who refuse to participate in or complete the ACS often face harassment from the Census Bureau and the possibility of financial penalties.
Examples of ACS survey questions:
• “Does [the respondent] have difficulty dressing or bathing?”
• “What time [does the respondent’s] trip to work usually begin, and how many minutes [does] it usually take [the respondent] to get from home to work?”
• “In the past 12 months, what were the actual sales of all agricultural products from this property?”
• “About how much do you think this house and lot, apartment, or mobile home (and lot, if owned) would sell for if it were for sale?”
• Which fuel is used most for heating this house, apartment, or mobile home?”