John Kuhl: “H.R. 5599 names the new Census Bureau headquarters building in Suitland, Maryland, as the Thomas Jefferson Census Bureau…”

“H.R. 5599 names the new Census Bureau headquarters building in Suitland, Maryland, as the Thomas Jefferson Census Bureau Headquarters Building. As the first Secretary of State, Thomas Jefferson was a strong advocate of a national census, and he supervised the first census in 1790. Early population estimates misjudged the number of Americans in many areas, unfortunately, and it resulted in underrepresentation in many areas of this country in the first Congress. Under Jefferson's leadership, however, the census developed into a more useful and accurate process. Thomas Jefferson's advocacy for a complete and accurate census laid the foundation for the Census Bureau we have today. He believed that an accurate census was essential to ensure that the government represented its people effectively. So it is fitting that the new census building bear his name, and I support the bill and urge its adoption and applaud my colleague, Representative Maloney, on bringing it before the House for its adoption today. But while we debate these matters, the issue persists, and that is the high cost of gasoline.”