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[Pages H1442-H1443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
PARTICIPATION IN THE 2020 CENSUS IS IMPORTANT
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from
Oklahoma (Ms. Kendra S. Horn) for 5 minutes.
Ms. KENDRA S. HORN of Oklahoma. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to
highlight the importance of participation in the upcoming 2020 Census,
and specifically the critical importance of getting a full count of
Tribal Nation citizens.
Census results affect our communities every day. As the official
count of how many people live in our communities, the Census determines
everything from plans for highways, to funding for special education,
and support for our firefighters.
The results of the 2020 Census will help determine how hundreds of
billions of dollars in Federal funding flow into communities every year
for the next decade.
Think of our local schools: Census counts help determine how money is
allocated for Head Start early education programs and for grants that
support college access and education programs for children with
disabilities.
But that is not all. The Census determines Federal funding for
SoonerCare, foster care programs, housing assistance, infrastructure
investments, and so much more. We have to make sure that every
Oklahoman is counted so that our communities receive the support they
need.
This past week, I was proud to introduce bipartisan legislation
encouraging Federal, State, local governments, and Tribal Nations to
work together as partners to encourage participation in the 2020 Census
among American Indians and Alaskan natives.
Today, Oklahoma is home to 39 Tribes. The Census ensures we make a
strong investment in Oklahoma and provide resources to Tribal Nations
that fulfill the Federal-Indian trust responsibility. Funding for
critical healthcare programs, housing initiatives, and education is at
stake.
For too long, Tribal Nations have been shortchanged in Federal
funding
[[Page H1443]]
due to a Census that has historically undercounted Native American
populations.
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In the 2010 Census, the Census Bureau estimates that American Indians
and Alaska Natives were undercounted by approximately 4.9 percent, more
than double the undercount rate of the next closest population group.
The negative consequences of undercounting cannot be quickly
corrected. The Census occurs only once every 10 years, and as a result,
undercounting Tribal nations can significantly reduce Federal funding
levels for important programs for an entire decade.
Over 300 Federal programs rely on data derived from the Census, and
Tribal nations rely on many of them. They include Native American
schools and education programs; Native American workforce programs;
Tribal health programs; Tribal housing programs; water and sewage
projects; and transit, infrastructure, and economic development
programs.
We must ensure Native voices are heard and counted. The Census is an
opportunity, not a threat.
Responses to the 2020 Census are confidential, protected by law.
Personal information is never shared by the Census Bureau with any
other government agencies or law enforcement, and responses cannot be
used against individuals by government agencies or in court in any way.
All households will receive official Census mail by April 1, and
individuals and families can respond online, by mail, by phone, or in
person.
It is critically important that all Oklahomans participate in this
Census.
Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleagues from the Native American Caucus,
including co-chairs Congressman Tom Cole from Oklahoma and
Congresswoman Deb Haaland from New Mexico, who have helped to highlight
the importance of getting a full Census count among Tribal nations.
Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues and communities to work together as
partners with Tribal nations to encourage participation in the 2020
Census and to inform the public that the 2020 Census is safe, easy, and
important.
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