Senators Schatz and Nelson's Senate Letter to Commerce Secretary Ross Regarding Census Citizenship Question

Issue Date: July 02, 2018


On July 2, 2018 Senators Schatz, Nelson, and fifteen other Senators sent a letter to Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross. The letter expresses the Senators' concern regarding reports that the Secretary's decision to include the last-minute, untested citizenship question was inconsistent with testimony, written responses, and informal conversations Mr. Ross had with several Members of Congress explaining his decision. In the letter, the Senators request additional information and answers to ensure that political factors did not play a role in the Secretary's decision regarding a constitutionally mandated activity that is traditionally nonpartisan.