The U.S. Census Bureau recently disbanded its external advisory committees, including the Census Scientific Advisory Committee, the 2030 Census Advisory Committee, and the National Advisory Committee on Racial, Ethnic, and Other Populations. Members of these committees, who provided technical expertise to the agency, were informed that their purposes were deemed fulfilled by Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. These committees operated on a voluntary basis, with members only receiving reimbursement for travel and lodging expenses.

The decision to dissolve these committees has raised concerns among experts and advocates. Arturo Vargas, the chair of the 2030 census advisory committee, expressed surprise and disappointment, noting that external stakeholder input is crucial for the Census Bureau to make informed decisions and course corrections. Vargas emphasized that community feedback plays a vital role in ensuring the accuracy and effectiveness of the Census Bureau’s operations.

The Commerce Department, under the leadership of Secretary Lutnick, who was appointed by President Donald Trump, oversees the Census Bureau. The move to disband these advisory committees has been met with criticism and skepticism regarding the potential impact on the Bureau’s ability to receive diverse perspectives and valuable insights from external experts.

The termination of these advisory committees is seen as a significant setback for the Census Bureau, as it may limit the agency’s ability to consider unintended consequences and make informed decisions in its operations. The decision has sparked discussions about the importance of external input in shaping the future direction of the Census Bureau.