Watchdog Report Warns Of 'Significant Risks' That Could Affect Census

The Government Accountability Office (GAO) issued a warning about potential risks affecting the cost, quality, schedule, and security of the Census Bureau's operations. While early operations are on schedule, concerns about recruitment and Internet security remain. The GAO has made over 100 recommendations, but many are yet to be implemented by the Department of Commerce. The Census Bureau's director assured the House Oversight Committee that the mission is on target and budget, impacting $1.5 trillion in federal funding and other initiatives. The population count began in January in Alaska, with the rest of the country to follow in spring.

What are the potential risks identified by the GAO that could affect the Census Bureau's operations?

• Lack of funding and resources

• Cost, quality, schedule, and security issues

• Political interference

• Natural disasters

What concern did the GAO express regarding the Census Bureau's workforce?

• Not recruiting enough census workers

• Lack of diversity in hiring

• Overstaffing in urban areas

• High turnover rates

How many recommendations has the GAO made to the Census Bureau over the past decade?

• Over 100

• Over 50

• Over 200

• Over 300

What did the director of the Census Bureau assure the House Oversight Committee?

• The Bureau is reducing its workforce

• The Bureau needs more funding

• The Bureau is on mission, on target, and on budget

• The Bureau is facing major delays

What is the financial impact of the Census count?

• $2 trillion

• $500 billion

• $1 trillion

• $1.5 trillion