On the recordJune 2, 2015
I thank the gentleman. I want to express my strong support for my neighbor and good friend Judge Poe's amendment because, again, our most important right as Americans is to be left alone. In fact, the data, and I agree with my ranking member that this data is important, but it can be included as a part of the Census itself. Any really essential questions the Department of Commerce can include within the core questions of the Census. They don't have to send this long intrusive and detailed and very invasive survey out to every American and subject Americans to the threat of a $10,000 fine if they don't comply. I support the gentleman's amendment as a further reflection of our commitment on this subcommittee and in this Congress to protect America's right to privacy and to be left alone by their government, as Mr. Mason and Mr. Jefferson intended. I urge Members to support Mr. Poe's amendment. And remember, if the government needs this data, they can just put it in the basic Census itself.
