Protect Federal Data Integrity and Restore Removed Statistics
21 so far! Help us get to 25 signers!
I am deeply concerned about the alarming trend of data removal and manipulation occurring within our federal agencies since January 2025. The integrity of our national statistics is crucial for informed policymaking and public trust in government.
The scale of this data purge is staggering. Approximately 8,000 webpages and 3,000 datasets have been removed or altered following executive orders targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. This isn't just about ideology; it's about the very foundation of evidence-based governance.
Critical information on transgender issues, racial diversity, climate change, and public health has been compromised or eliminated entirely. For example, the CDC's pregnancy monitoring system has been dismantled, leaving us without vital maternal health data. Climate change information has vanished from government websites, hindering our ability to address this global crisis. Even our understanding of food insecurity has been impacted, with the termination of essential surveys.
The consequences of this data manipulation extend far beyond paperwork. It affects real people and real lives. Without accurate information on diverse populations, how can we ensure equitable policies? How can we track progress on critical issues like workplace discrimination or healthcare disparities?
Experts now advise treating federal government data with skepticism - a troubling development for a nation that once prided itself on statistical rigor. The claim that the administration remains committed to publishing accurate data while simultaneously purging information deemed ideological is deeply contradictory and concerning.
I urge you to take immediate action to restore the integrity of our federal data systems. We need legislation that protects the independence of our statistical agencies, ensures transparency in data collection and reporting, and reverses the damage done to our national information infrastructure. The future of evidence-based policymaking - and indeed, our democracy - depends on it.
Time is of the essence. With each passing day, we lose more valuable data and the ability to make informed decisions. Please prioritize this issue in upcoming committee meetings and push for hearings to investigate the full extent of the data manipulation. Our nation's ability to address critical challenges hangs in the balance.