BLS Nominee Tells Lawmakers Agency Data Follows Established Procedures, Not Political Direction
The nominee said data collection and analysis rely on documented methods and internal review rather than political direction during a congressional hearing.
abcnews.go.comU.S. lawmakers that the agency's reports are produced through established scientific procedures. The nominee stated that data collection and analysis follow longstanding methodological standards rather than political direction.
During the hearing, the nominee answered questions about how the agency maintains consistency in its statistical outputs. Lawmakers asked whether external pressure could affect published figures. The nominee said the agency's processes rely on documented methods and internal review steps.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics releases monthly employment and price data used by government agencies and private organizations. The nominee described how sample selection, seasonal adjustments, and verification steps are applied before numbers are finalized. No changes to current procedures were announced at the hearing.
