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 the Bureau's early operations are generally on schedule, concerns remain about recruiting enough census workers and addressing Internet security issues. The GAO has made over 100 recommendations over the past decade, but many remain unimplemented. The Census Bureau director assured the House Oversight Committee that the Bureau is on track for a complete and accurate count, which will impact $1.5 trillion in federal funding, emergency preparedness, and the apportionment of US representatives. The census began in January in remote parts of Alaska, with the rest of the country to be counted in the spring.

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

• Lack of funding and resources

• Political interference

• Cost, quality, schedule, and security issues

• Natural disasters

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

• Over 100

• Over 150

• Over 75

• Over 50

What is the Census Bureau's current status according to its director?

• Behind schedule and over budget

• Facing major operational challenges

• In need of additional resources

• On mission, on target, and on budget

What is one of the impacts of the Census Bureau's population count?

• Determining state tax rates

• Influencing local school curriculums

• Setting national healthcare policies

• Affecting federal funding and emergency preparedness

When did the Census Bureau start its population count in remote parts of Alaska?

• In March

• In April

• In February

• In January