I am very happy to conduct this hearing today. For many years, I should tell you, Senator Voinovich and I have worked together to improve all aspects of the Federal workforce.

I believe that one of the key tenets of the Federal merit systems is the ability of Federal employees to report waste, fraud, and abuse without fear of retaliation.

I am proud to cosponsor this legislation with Senator Collins.

The Domestic Partnership Benefits and Obligations Act will balance the scales of justice.

In May, our Subcommittee held a field hearing up in Philadelphia on how the Census Bureau plans to address the challenges of obtaining a complete and an accurate counting, particularly in urban communities in the 2010 decennial.

I think a little more than one out of five for address canvassing employees had, as we say, unclassified fingerprints and were only subject to name background check.

Well, that is encouraging.

the technology that we are using for the 2010 is not the most cost effective way

I learned that in my very own home state of Delaware, nearly 12,000 residents were missed in the 2000 Census.

All right. Thank you.

One of the things that is so important if you want to address problems, the first step is acknowledging that you have one.