JOHN LINDER: “I rise in support of H.R. 472, the Local Census Quality Check Act. This legislation is a key element of our commitment…”

“I rise in support of H.R. 472, the Local Census Quality Check Act. This legislation is a key element of our commitment to assure that every single American is counted in the year 2000 census. Post-census local review gives officials in every city, county, township and village the opportunity to review the initial results before they become official. This only makes sense. These officials approved the new subdivision that is not on the map. They know the places that mailed forms or a manual count would not reach. They are the best editors that the Census Bureau could ever ask for. This bill empowers them to speak out for their local citizens and prevent mistakes before they occur. Some of my colleagues across the aisle have argued that local officials are already being consulted. I support those efforts, too. But today less than half of the Nation's local governments have participated in the precensus programs. Unfortunately, some are using this important legislation to fight old battles that were resolved by the Supreme Court earlier this year. As much as my colleagues across the aisle may disagree, this debate is not about sampling, it is about getting it right the first time.”