1. United States
2. Wash.
3. Letter

I am deeply concerned about the potential permanent loss of critical economic data due to the ongoing government shutdown. The White House's recent announcement that the October jobs report and inflation data may never be released is alarming and unacceptable. This data blackout could have severe consequences for our nation's economic policy decisions. The Bureau of Labor Statistics has been unable to collect necessary data for over 40 days now. This disruption threatens to leave policymakers, particularly at the Federal Reserve, without crucial information as they prepare for their December meeting. The potential loss of October's Consumer Price Index (CPI) and jobs reports would create a significant gap in our understanding of the current economic landscape. While private sector alternatives like ADP's weekly job estimates exist, they are not adequate substitutes for the comprehensive government data we rely on. The integrity of our federal statistical system is at stake, and its damage could have long-lasting effects on economic decision-making. I strongly urge you to take immediate action to ensure the release of the October jobs report and inflation data. If collection has been compromised, I implore you to support efforts to include this missing data in future releases, as suggested by former BLS commissioner Erica Groshen. This approach would be far preferable to permanently losing this valuable economic information. Furthermore, I request that you work towards resolving the government shutdown swiftly to prevent further damage to our statistical agencies, including the Bureau of Economic Analysis and Census Bureau. The continued functioning of these institutions is vital for informed policymaking and maintaining the health of our economy. Time is of the essence. Please act now to protect our nation's economic data integrity and ensure that policymakers have the information they need to make sound decisions for the American people.