Senate Confirms Thompson as U.S. Census Director

WASHINGTON— Today, Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee Chairman Tom Carper (D-Del.) released the following statement after the full Senate confirmed the nomination of John H. Thompson to be the next Director of the U.S. Census Bureau.

“The Census Bureau has been without a Senate-confirmed Director for nearly a year, when then-Director Bob Groves departed last August to be the Provost of Georgetown University. I am therefore very pleased that my Senate colleagues quickly confirmed Mr. Thompson to serve as Census Director.  Mr. Thompson has a strong background in statistics and issues related to the census. He has spent several years working in management positions at the Bureau.  He brings a wealth of experience and service to his new role, and his previous tenure at the Bureau means he is also familiar with the agency’s unique culture and mission.  Most importantly, he understands the important link between a well-run agency and a successful enumeration. The cost of the 2010 Decennial Census totaled $14 billion, making it the most expensive count in history.  At a time when the federal government is facing an unprecedented budget deficit, it is critical that we do what all that we can to ensure an accurate and cost-effective decennial census.  I appreciate Mr. Thompson’s willingness to tackle this challenge. I look forward to working with him as he leads the Bureau in its planning for a more cost-efficient 2020 Decennial Census.”