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1 [1] (April 23, 2025)

handle is hein.crs/dlcnsspna0001 and id is 1 raw text is: Congressional Research Service Inforrn ing the legis laive debate since 1914 S Updated April 23, 2025 The Decennial Census of Population and Housing: An Overview Every decade in the year ending with 0, the U.S. Census Bureau conducts the decennial census of population and housing. The decennial census is mandated by Article I, Section 2 of the U.S. Constitution, in order to determine each state's apportionment of seats in the House of Representatives. Under current law, the Census Bureau must inform Congress of the general subjects to be addressed three years prior to the decennial census, and of the actual questions to be asked two years prior to the decennial census (13 U.S.C. §141). Data from the decennial census are used for many purposes, including to inform various policy decisions, guide federal funding, offer the public insights on population trends, and help the private sector make informed business decisions. Due to the significance of the decennial census for apportionment in particular, Congress has historically shown interest in and provided oversight of the decennial census. This In Focus provides an overview of some of the issues involved in the decennial census, including funding, data collection, and testing. It concludes with a discussion of oversight opportunities for Congress. 2030 Decennial Census The Census Bureau begins planning for an upcoming decennial census more than a decade prior to the census year. The Census Bureau has begun executing its planning timeline for the 2030 census provided in Figure 2. In 2023, the Census Bureau established the 2030 Census Advisory Committee (CAC), comprised of members representing various stakeholder groups and interests, to review and provide feedback related to 2030 census plans. The Census Bureau has utilized similar advisory committees in the past. The 2030 CAC was terminated on February 28, 2025. Other aspects of plans for the 2030 decennial census, including field testing and technological innovations, are discussed throughout this In Focus. Budget Trends During each decade, annual funding levels for the Census Bureau have generally increased as the decennial April 1 Figure 2. 2030 Census Planning Timeline census day draws near. Figure 1 shows this general increase in Census Bureau appropriations adjusted for inflation throughout the decades leading up to the 2000, 2010, and 2020 censuses; and Census Bureau appropriations leading up to the 2030 decennial census so far. Figure I. U.S. Census Bureau Funding FY1991-FY2024 Adjusted for inflation D10 acemocc $24 Source: Office of Management and Budget, Analytical Perspectives: Budget of the U.S. Government Fiscal Years 1998-2025. Notes: All values adjusted to constant dollars using the CPI Inflation Calculator from the base year in October to October 2024. Bar colors are arranged by decennial census cycle. Data Collection The primary methods for the Census Bureau to collect data from households are through self-response to a survey via the internet, through mail via a paper form, or by phone. To support data collection, the Census Bureau maintains a Master Address File (MAF), which is intended to contain an updated inventory of all known living quarters in the United States and Puerto Rico. EARLY PLANNING PHASE 2019-2021 DEVELOPMENT AND PEAK PRODUCTION INTEGRATION PHASE AND CLOSE-OUT PHASE 2025-2029 2029-2033 Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2030 Census Planning Timeline. https://crsreports.congress.gc

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