Commerce nominee grilled about census management

The Senate Commerce Committee today gave Commerce Secretary-designate Don Evans a cordial reception during his opening confirmation hearing, but Democrats urged Evans not to prevent the release of statistical sampling census data.

Sen. John Kerry, D-Mass., pressed Evans to clarify whether he would allow the Census Bureau, which the Commerce secretary oversees, to allow the release of controversial statistical sampling data to be used for redistricting, if bureau experts deem the adjusted numbers most accurate.

"You will have the discretion to decide... whether that sampling will be used to count the American people," Kerry said.

Evans responded he has yet to receive the expert recommendation on this matter and said he is working to clarify whether he, or the Census Bureau director, could make that decision.

"I'm not yet clear as to what authority I will have or not have," Evans said, promising he would be "very open and straightforward" about his decision- making.

Despite the questioning, many panel members, including Democrats, pledged their votes to confirm Evans. Many of the senators also used the hearing to highlight their priorities, such as programs administered by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, oceans and fisheries regulation and technology issues.

In response to a question from Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., about the non-political selection of delegates on trade missions, Evans said he would leave those decisions to career employees and submit more detailed procedures within 30 days. "I'm not one who is confused at all about what service and trust mean," Evans said.