Panel backs bill to let agencies share business data

Legislation to enable three federal statistical agencies to share data while protecting confidential information won quick approval from the House Government Reform Committee Wednesday.

The bipartisan bill, H.R. 5215, which cleared the panel by voice vote, would allow the Census Bureau, the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Bureau of Economic Analysis to share the business data they collect.

Lawmakers said that provision would help to eliminate duplication and resolve serious data inconsistencies.

"Because these agencies cannot share data, they often collect the same information separately," said Rep. Steve Horn, R-Calif., the bill's chief sponsor. "This wastes taxpayers' dollars and imposes unnecessary burdens on those who supply the data.

The bill also would take steps to prevent the unauthorized use of confidential data.

"This is particularly important with the Census," said Rep. Carolyn Maloney, D-N.Y. "People will not give us the information if they do not believe that we will ... protect their confidentiality."