Bill · H.R. 4907· House(119-HR-4907)
Statistical Agency Integrity and Independence Act of 2025
- Introduced
- 8/5/2025
- Last activity
- 8/5/2025 — Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- Sponsored by
- George Whitesides
- Cosponsors
- - 5 - 0
- Introduced
- In Committee
What this bill would do
The Statistical Agency Integrity and Independence Act of 2025 aims to protect the integrity and independence of Federal statistical agencies. It proposes establishing fixed six-year terms for the heads of specific agencies, including the Bureau of the Census and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. These heads would be protected from arbitrary removal by the President, who could only remove them for cause such as neglect of duty or malfeasance. The bill also grants agency heads final authority over technical decisions, methodologies, and the timing of data releases. Additionally, it prohibits using political tests for employee appointments or promotions.
Yes· 3 of 6
Does this make what the government does easier for the public to see?+5
The bill requires that any changes to data release schedules include a public, written explanation.
Does this give the federal government more power?+3
The bill restricts the President's ability to remove agency heads to only specific for-cause reasons.
Would business owners be better off under this?+3
Credible and impartial data allows businesses to make more informed economic decisions.
The opposite
No question was scored the opposite.
Who it would affect, and how
Potential Positive Impacts for People
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Increased Data Credibility: By insulating agency leadership from political influence, censorship, or manipulation, the bill seeks to ensure that the data used by people, financial markets, and businesses is credible and impartial (Section 2(a)).
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Protection of Professional Decisions: Agency heads would have final authority over methodologies, procedures, and the content of statistical reports, which protects the scientific integrity of the data produced (Section 6(a)).
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Consistent Data Releases: The bill requires the timing of data releases to be made public in advance, preventing political interference regarding when information is shared with the public (Section 6(a)(3)).
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Fair Employment Practices: The act prevents the use of political tests or qualifications when appointing, evaluating, or promoting qualified employees within these agencies (Section 6(b)).
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Stability in Leadership: Through staggered terms and the ability to serve after a term expires until a successor is confirmed, the bill aims to provide stable leadership for critical government functions (Section 4(b) and Section 4(c)).
Potential Negative Impacts for People
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Restrictions on Presidential Oversight: The President is limited to removing agency heads only for specific causes—namely proven inefficiency, neglect of duty, or malfeasance—which limits the ability to remove leaders for reasons other than these specific criteria (Section 5(a)).
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Limitations on Data-Based Removal: A determination of cause for removal cannot be based on the substance, conclusions, or timing of any statistical data or reports released by the agency (Section 5(b)).
Groups and Interests Ranking
Every group the model scored this bill for, from -10 to +10. Hover a score for the reason it gave.
- Governance And Ideology
- Improves Government Transparency+5Increases Federal Power+3Improves Due Process+2
- Demographic And Interest Groups
- Good For Business Owners+3Good For Union Workers+2
- Economy And Finance
- Improves Consumer Protection+2
- 2/10/2026
- 1 Cosponsor added.
- 8/5/2025
- Referred to the Committee on Education and Workforce, and in addition to the Committees on Oversight and Government Reform, and the Judiciary, for a period to be subsequently determined by the Speaker, in each case for consideration of such provisions as fall within the jurisdiction of the committee concerned.
- 4 Cosponsors added.
- Introduced in House
Robert GarciaDemocrat · California
Steven HorsfordDemocrat · Nevada
Chrissy HoulahanDemocrat · Pennsylvania
Greg LandsmanDemocrat · Ohio
Haley StevensDemocrat · Michigan