The text of appropriations legislation has been released that would finally fund part of the federal government for Fiscal Year 2024, including the U.S. Census Bureau, following multiple continuing resolutions (CRs). The bill is expected to be voted upon in the U.S. House and Senate before the end of the day on March 8, 2024.
The Commerce Justice Science (CJS) portion of the legislation (one of six pieces in the bill) would provide $1.382 billion for the Census Bureau in FY 2024, including $328.5 million for the Current Surveys and Programs account at the Census Bureau, and $1.054 billion for the Periodic Censuses and Programs account. The Periodic money would �remain available until September 30, 2025.�
The $1.382 billion for FY 2024 is approximately:
- $28 million more than the amount provided by the House CJS Appropriations Subcommittee ($1.354 billion);
- $119 million less than provided by the Senate Appropriations Committee ($1.501 billion);
- $224 million less than the President�s budget request ($1.606 billion); and
- $103 million less than appropriated in FY 2023 ($1.485 billion).
In a report accompanying the bill, there are several provisions of note:
- On cybersecurity: �Cyber Vulnerabilities.-The agreement directs the Census Bureau to prioritize cyber protections and high standards of data differential privacy, while also maintaining the accuracy of the data. The Census Bureau is expected to keep the Committees updated on these efforts.�
- On the Population Estimates program, under the Current Surveys and Programs account: �The agreement provides up to $6,200,000 to support the Population Estimates program and to improve the annual estimates upon which communities across the country rely.�
- On the Census Household Panel, formerly known as the Ask US. Panel: �The Census Bureau is directed to provide a report to the Committees, not later than 90 days after enactment of this act, on the Ask U.S. Panel Survey’s methodology, data collection processes, implementation, incurred and projected costs, procurement strategy, and plans to address any recommendations made by the Department’s Office of Inspector General (OIG).�
A provision in the House bill that would have excluded undocumented immigrants from the state population totals used to apportion seats in the U.S. House of Representatives after each future decennial census was not included in the report.
None of the proposed House CJS amendments were included in the final bill, either.
Thanks to the most recent CR, the Census Bureau is funded until March 22.
Census stakeholders are already looking ahead to the FY 2025 appropriations process. The Census Project released its FY 2025 funding recommendation for the Census Bureau, underscoring the need for $2 billion in FY 2025. The Biden Administration�s budget request is scheduled to be released on March 11. The Census Project will summarize the President�s request once details are available.
