Protect the Truth Behind U.S. Jobs Reports

The Firing of the BLS Commissioner Undermines Trust in Our Economic Data I am writing to express grave concern over the recent firing of the Commissioner of the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), which came shortly after the release of a disappointing monthly jobs report. While the President may have the legal authority to dismiss the Commissioner, doing so under these circumstances sends a dangerous message: that honest reporting of economic data may cost a public servant their job. The Threat of Politicized Labor Statistics This move sets a chilling precedent. If future BLS Commissioners believe their job security depends on producing politically favorable reports, the public will have no reason to trust the agency’s data. That data drives decisions made by policymakers, businesses, investors, and working families. If compromised, it could trigger cascading failures in economic planning and public trust. Congress Must Enact Legal Protections for BLS Independence I urge you to take swift action to protect the integrity of the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Congress should enact legislation that: • Requires the President to show just cause before removing the BLS Commissioner, • Mandates that any cause for dismissal be submitted to Congress for review, and • Institutes a mandatory delay period before a removal can take effect, to allow for oversight. Call for Immediate Oversight Hearings Congress must also hold immediate oversight hearings into this dismissal. We need clarity about why the Commissioner was removed, and strong assurance that future BLS leadership will not be subject to political pressure. Preserving the apolitical nature of this agency is essential to maintaining public confidence in the federal government’s economic reporting. Rebuilding Trust Before It’s Too Late This is not a partisan issue—it’s about the basic reliability of facts. If Americans begin to doubt the objectivity of our labor statistics, the damage to our institutions may be lasting. I urge you to speak out now and help restore protections to ensure the BLS remains independent, accurate, and beyond the reach of political manipulation.