Professional Documents
Culture Documents
This letter is in response to your correspondence, dated November 22, 2017, to the U.S. Census
Bureau's Freedom oflnformation Act (FOIA) Office. We received your request in this office on
November 27, 2017, and have assigned to it tracking number DOC-CEN-20~8-000346. We are
responding under the FOIA to your request for:
I) All records, including but not limited to emails, notes, and memoranda,
reflecting, discussing, or otherwise relating to the possible appointment
of Thomas Brunell as deputy director of the Census Bureau, including
but not limited to:
The timeframe for this item is January 20, 2017 through the date that searches
are conducted for records responsive to this FOIA request.
2) All records, including but not limited to emails, notes, and memoranda,
reflecting, discussing, or otherwise relating to communications between the
Census Bureau and
census.gov
Ms. Jamila Benkato, DOC-CEN-2018-000346
December 11, 2017
Page2
3) ·In addition to the records requested above, we also request records describing
the processing of this request, including records sufficient to identify search
terms used and locations and custodians searched, and any tracking sheets
used to track the processing of this request. If your agency uses FOIA
questionnaires or certifications completed by individual custodians or
components to determine whether they possess responsive materials or to
describe how they conducted searches, we also request any such records .
prepared in connection with the processing of this request.
Enclosed is one (1) document (40 pages) that are responsive to items la, 1b, and le; with
withholding determinations noted. We withheld portions of this document pursuant to FOIA
Exemption 6, Title 5, United States Code, Section 552(b)(6). Exemption 6 protects from
disclosure information about individuals, the release of which would constitute a clearly
unwarranted invasion of personal privacy. There is no charge for these records.
In further response to your request for expedited processing granted on November 30,
2017, we continue to gather numerous documents that are possibly responsive to your
request. Due to the volume of records that need to be processed before release, it will be
very difficult to meet the expedited timeframe. We are still reviewing these documents and
will continue to process your request with all practical speed, and will in the future provide
additional responsive records on a rolling basis as well as a final determination and any appeals
rights you may have under the FOIA to their release.
Based on the above information, this constitutes a partial denial of your request. You have the
right to appeal this partial denial of the FO IA request. An appeal must be received within 90
calendar days of the date of this response letter. Address your appeal to the following office:
In addition, you may contact the Office of Government Information Services (OGIS) at the
National Archives and Records Administration to inquire about the FOIA mediation services
they offer. The contact information for OGIS is as follows:
P, CIPP/G
ation Act/Privacy Act Officer
Information Act Office
Enclosure
Enclosure
article Page 1 of 1
article
LeadingTrump Censuspick
causesalarm
www.politico.com
Misty Reed, PhD, PMP , Special Assistant, Communications Directorate, U.S. Census Bureau
Office 301.763.0228 Cell-- misty.l.reed@census.gov
census.gov Connect with us on Social Media
https://outlook.office365.com/ 11/30/2017
Alert: alma Adams Page 1 of 1
Tue11/21, 2:07 PM
This was the only alert I found in quorum that I haven't al ready forwarded.
SaraConnelly
CongressionalAffairs Specialist
Office of Congressionaland Intergovernmental Affairs (OCIA)
U.S. CensusBureau
census.gov
Connect with us on SocialMedia
https://outlook.office365.co 11/30/2017
QuorumAlerts from today - Alan Lang (CENSUS/OCIAFED) Page 1 of3
To:TaraTadlock(CENSUS/OCIA
FED)<tara.a.tadlock@census.gov>;
1attachments(16KB)
QuorumAlerts 11.21.docx;
https://outlook.office365.co 11./30/2017
QuorumAlerts from today - Alan Lang (CENSUS/OCIAFED) Page 2 of3
CITESCENSUSDATA
FacebookPostfrom Rep.DonBeyer(D-VA-8)I US House
November 21, 2017 I 6 Likes I 9 Shares
Nonpartisan Tax Policy Center estimates that 82 million househo lds would see tax hikes under the
Senate GOP tax bill in a decade. The US Census Bureau says there are only 126 million US households ,
total.
Hurting the middle class to cut taxes for millionaires and billionaires .
http://www.taxpolicycenter.org/publications/distributional-analysis-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-pass ,ed-
senate-finance-committee/full
SaraConnelly
CongressionalAffairs Specialist
Office of Congressionaland Intergovernmental Affairs (OCIA)
U.S.CensusBureau
https://outlook.office365.com/ 11/30/2017
Quorum Alerts from today - Alan Lang (CENSUS/OCIA FED) Page 3 of3
Office 301.763.5720
Cell
sara.buettner.connelly@census
.gov
census.gov
Connectwith us on SocialMedia
https://outlook.office365.com/owa/ 11/30/2017
Fwd: Hill traffic on census pick - Alan Lang (CENSUS/OCIAFED) Page 1 of 3
To:Alan Lang(CENSUS/OCIA
FED) <alan.lang@census.gov>;
Main:301-763-3030
Offic~
Cell:......
michael.c.cook@census.gov
Beginforwardedmessage:
Got it--thx
Main: 301-763-3030
Office: 301-763-4083
Cell:
michael .c.cook@census.gov
census .gov
Connectwith us on Social Media
https://outlook.office365.com/ow 11/30/2017
Fwd: Hill traffic on census pick - Alan Lang (CENSUS/OCIAFED) Page 2 of3
Lots of traffic on the hill about the rumored Censuspick. Pleasesee below.
Jennifer C. Shopkorn
SeniorAdvisor
Communications Directorate
U.S.CensusBureau
Jennifer.Shopkom@census .gov
census.gov Connectwith us on SocialMedia
POLITICOARTICLE
Tweet from Rep. Lacy Clay (D-M0-1) I US House
November 21, 2017
#Censusshould not be about politics, its about doing what the #Constitution
requires...countingeveryone,includingminoritiesand new immigrants.#FullCount
#Census2020LeadingTrumpCensuspickcausesalarmvia @POLITICO
https://outlook.office365.com/ow 11/30/2017
Fwd: Hill traffic on census pick - Alan Lang (CENSUS/OCIAFED) Page3 of3
In responseto reports that the Trump Administration's top pick for deputy director of the
U.S.CensusBureauis ThomasBrunell, author of the book Redistrictingand Representation:
Why Competitive ElectionsAre Badfor America,CongresswomanCarolyn B. Maloney (NY-
12), author of the 2020 American CensusInvestment Act and co-chair of the Congressional
CensusCaucus,issuedthe following statement:
"I am deeply disappointed that the Administration is consideringThomas Brunell for the
position of Deputy Director at the CensusBureau.The Deputy Director should be apolitical
and have strong managementexperience.Mr. Brunell falls far fall short in these areasand
hasgone so far as to write that 'Competitive Electionsare Badfor America'. Someonewho
~oesn't seem to believe in democracyshouldn't be allowed anywhere near the federal
agencythat is at the heart of our democratic system.The 2020 Censusis already in
jeopardy and a pick like this will only make things worse."
https://outlook.office365.com/ow 11/30/2017
Keeping up on public infonnation Page 1 of 1
Reply I
s Tue11/21,5:44 PM
TaraTadlock(CENSUS/OCIA
FED); AlissaA Bonner (CENSUiS/OCIA
FED+l more
Given the fairly large amount of press attention that Census received today about potential
appointments and our budget , I'd like to ask everyone to pitch in and help monitor all avenues
of media relating to those two topics .
I'm certainly not Mr. Social Media or Mr Quorum, so I need any assistance I can get monitoring
those mediums. I'd like to capture everything we can, including tweets, press releases,floor
statements and probably things that you are aware of that I am not.
The point of this is to provide this information to Alan, s,o that he can keep senior leadership
apprisedof developmentsasthey occur.
https://outlook.office365
.com/ow 11/30/2017
Meng Ltr to POTUS re: Politico article Page 1 of 1
https://twitter .com/RepGraceMeng/status/933386834545168389
SaraConnelly
CongressionalAffairs Specialist
Office of Congressionaland Intergovernmental Affairs (OCIA)
U.S. Census Bureau
census.gov
Connectwith us on SocialMedia
https://outlook.office365.corn/owa/ 11/30/2017
, . . ~e: Quorum Alerts from today Page 1 of 6
Thanks again,
Stuart
On Nov 22, 2017, at 11:10 AM, Sara Buettner Connelly (CENSUS/OCIA FED)
<sara.buettner.connelly@census.gov> wrote:
Stuart,
I hope you are well. In response to your email yesterday to us I'm forwarding this email of
"alerts" from Quorum. I try to daily send a "roll-up" of all instances of a lawmaker mentioning
census +/-ACS.Over time Tara has asked/approved me to add more CAO staff to the distro.
The media/etc sources are listed below, some more applicable than others. I will also send a roll-
up today (so far there's only Sen. Bennett's tweet and facebook post from last night) . I'm happy
to Include you on that email and any future emails if that's of interest .
Press Release
https://outlook.office365.com/ow 11/30/2017
Re: QuorumAlerts from today Page 2ofp
'
Floor Statement
Newslettersto Constituents
Letter
Social
Tweet
FacebookPost
MediumPost
lnstagramPost
YouTubeVideo
Reports
GAO Report
CRS Report
CBO Report
CommitteeReport
White House Documents
ExecutiveOrder
PresidentialMemorandum
. ··--· ---··-----·-- ·--·-- --
Documents
--- - - --·----·· -- -·-·- · ·-·-- - -- - -··· -· .-.. ·-- ··-----·-·-··-··..-------···--
CommitteeDocument
SaraConnelly
CongressionalAffairs Specialist
U.S. CensusBureau
Office 301.763.5720
sara.buettner.connelly@census.gov
census.gov
Connectwith us on SocialMedia
POLITICOARTICLE
#Census should not be about po litics, its about doing what the #Constitution
requires ...counting everyone, including minorities and new immigrants . #FullCount #Census2020
Leading Trump Census pick causes alarm via @POLITICO
RT @blakehounshell : Can't make it up : The leading pick to run the Census Bureau is the author of
a book called "Redistr icting and Repre... https :// t .co/El 75sB2m4r
https://outlook.office365.com/owa/ 11/30/2017
Re: Quorum Alerts from today Page 4 of ,6
Pay attention folks: it appears th is administration is considering politicizing the census to impact
the drawing of congressional districts. In states like NC, we know all too well the consequences of
politicizing our electoral process.
Press Release from Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY-12) I US House on November 21, 2017
In response to reports that the Trump Administration's top pick for deputy director of the U.S.
Census Bureau is Thomas Brunell, author of the book Redistricting and Representation: Why
Competitive Elections Are Bad for America, Congresswoman Carolyn B. Maloney (NY-12), author
of the 2020 American Census Investment Act and co-chair of the Congressional Census Caucus,
issued the following statement:
"I am deeply disappointed that the Administration is considering Thomas Brunell for the position
of Deputy Director at the Census Bureau. The Deputy Director should be apolitical and have
strong management experience. Mr. Brunell falls far fall short in these areas and has gone so far
as to write that 'Competitive Elections are Bad for America'. Someone who doesn't seem to
believe in democracy shouldn't be allowed anywhere near the federal agency that is at the heart
of our democratic system. The 2020 Census is already in jeopardy and a pick like this will only
make things worse."
https://outlook.office365.com/owa/ 11/30/2017
E.e:Quorum Alerts from today Page 5 of6
.. .
CITESCENSUSDATA
Hurting the middle class to cut taxes for millionaires and billiona ires.
Press Release from Rep. Jacklyn "Jacky" Rosen (D-NV-3) I US House on November 21, 2017
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Today, Congresswoman Jacky Rosen (NV-03) released the following
statement after co-sponsoring the Veterans Job Opportunity Act (H.R. 3345). This legislation,
introduced by Rep. Al Lawson (FL-5), would establish a small business start-up tax credit for
veterans who create businesses in underserved communities. According to the U.S. Census
Bureau, more than one in 10 small businesses in Nevada are Veteran-owned, with over 23,000
Veteran-owned businesses helping to create jobs and stimulate the economy . "Part of keeping
our promise to our veterans is helping our heroes transition back to civilian life when they return
home from the ir service," said Rosen. ''This bill gives our veterans a tax credit and helps them
build towards the American dream of opening a small business they can call their own. I am proud
to cosponsor this bill, which will not only benefit our veterans but will help create jobs and
provide an economic stimulus in our underserved communities." BACKGROUND:The Veterans Job
Opportunity Act, H.R. 3345, would provide a 15% tax credit for veterans who open a small
business in underserved communities and allows the tax credit to be claimed for the purchase or
lease of property, equipment, and mater ials in the creation of a small business.
###
Sara Connelly
https://outlook.office365.com/ow 11/30/2017
Re: Quorum Alerts from today Page 6 of_6·
, ·,
Office 301.763.5720
Cell-
sara.buettner.connelly@census.gov
census.gov
https://outlook.office365.com/owa/ 11/30/2017
Alerts re: Politico article mentions Page 1 of 1
I attached them as copies rather than onedrive. The state one took literally 3 seconds but I'll
need a bit more time to put it in the format as the Federal one. Be aware that not every single
one is about the politico article . And I may have misled you about the number of state-level
alerts--there's only 21.
SaraConnelly
CongressionalAffairs Specialist
Office of Congressionaland Intergovernmental Affairs (OCIA)
U.S.CensusBureau
Offlc~
Cell--
sara.buettner .connelly@census.gov
census.gov
Connectwith us on SocialMedia
https://outlook.office365.corn/owa/ 11/30/2017
POLITICO
ARTICLE
I've asked @POTUSto not appoint Thomas Brunell as deputy director of the U.S.#CensusBureau.We
need experienced and nonpartisan individuals to fill key positions at the agency and Thomas Brunell does
not possessthose qualifications.
CONGRIS1KONAL
ASIANPACIRC
Alilmn:AN CAUCUS
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21,2011
November
Donald.J. Tnnnp
President
The WhiteHouse
1600PcansylvaniaAvaiue
Washingtoni1
DC 20500
DearPresident
Trump:
Mr. Brunell has madoa oan:m of ad\'OCStiq for ndistricling based on ideological 4ftd political
idmtity.Hispositiononredislridingis fimdamentally at oddswiththenonpartisanprinciples
underpimlinghow representative are CRatedin Ibiscountry.I am coacomedthatif Mr.
dlstric:IS
Brunellis appointedDeputyDirector,he wouldhaveuncheckedauthorityto influencehowthe
U.S.CensusBureaucolltclSda1afoi 1he2020DecennialCensusmulhowthat data Iscompiled
and releasedto Ibopublic,lh1, necessaryprecursorto thtsde0CIUrial
redistrictingprocess.
,,,,~
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FacebookPostfrom Sen.Michael Bennet(D-CO) I USSenate
The censusis a vital part of our vibrant democracy.We need a director who is committed to acting
impartially and ensuringfull participation.
https:llwww.politico.com/story/2017/11/21/trump-census-pick-causes-alarm-252571
The censusis a vital part of our vibrant democracy.We need a director who is committed to acting
impartially and...
#Census should not be about politics, its about doing what the #Constitution requires ... counting
everyone, including minorities and new immigrants. #FullCount #Census2020 Leading Trump Census
pick causes alarm via @POLITICO
RT @blakehounshell: Can't make it up: The leading pick to run the Census Bureau is the author of a book
called "Redistricting and Repre... https:llt.co/E175s82m4r
https://www.politico.com/story/2017 /11/21/trump-census-pick-causes-alarm-252571
Pay attention folks: it appears this administration is considering politicizing the census to impact the
drawing of congressional districts. In states like NC, we know all too well the consequences of politicizing
our electoral process.
FacebookPostfrom Rep.Alma Adams (D-NC-12)I USHouse
Payattention folks: it appearsthis administration is considering politicizing the censusto impact the
drawing of congressionaldistricts. In states like NC,we know all too well the consequencesof politicizing
our electoral process.
https://www.politico.com/story/2017/11/21/trump-census-pick-causes-alarm-252571
In responseto reports that the Trump Administration's top pick for deputy director of the U.S.Census
Bureau is Thomas Brunell, author of the book Redistricting and Representation:Why Competitive
ElectionsAre Badfor America, CongresswomanCarolyn B. Maloney (NY-12),author of the 2020 American
CensusInvestment Act and co-chair of the CongressionalCensusCaucus,issuedthe following statement:
"I am deeply disappointed that the Administration is consideringThomas Brunell for the position of
Deputy Director at the CensusBureau.The Deputy Director should be apolitical and have strong
management experience. Mr. Brunell falls far fall short in these areas and has gone so far as to write that
'Competitive Elections are Bad for America'. Someonewho doesn't seem to believe in democracy
shouldn't be allowed anywhere near the federal agencythat is at the heart of our democratic system. The
2020 Censusis already in jeopardy and a pick like this will only make things worse."
CITESCENSUS
DATA
Nonpartisan Tax PolicyCenter estimates that 82 million householdswould see tax hikes under the Senate
GOPtax bill in a decade.The USCensusBureau saysthere are only 126 million UShouseholds,total.
Hurting the middle classto cut taxes for millionaires and billionaires.
http:ljwww.taxpolicycenter.org/publications/distributional-analysis-tax-cuts-and-jobs-act-passed-senate-
fi nanee-committee/fu 11
REP.ROSENCO-SPONSORS
LEGISLATION
TO HELPVETERANS
STARTSMALLBUSINESSES
###
NH Former Rep. Susan Ford (D-NH Grafton 3}
Source Committee
Date November 22, 2017
Document Type Tweet
Region New Hampshire General Court
Title
Content RT @thehill: Trump pick for top Census job claims competit ive
elections are "bad for America" https: // tco /ACcRWcRxaf
http s://t.co/p44ftN7 ARx
Issue Areas
Person Mentions
Bill Ment ions
Source URL https://twitter. com/sueford06/status/933387108546465803
Bill Mentions
Source URL https://twitter.com/Sendiane/status/933016861951778816
SC Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter {D-SC-066)
Source Committee
Date November 21, 20 17
Document Type Tweet
Region South Carolina Legislature
Title
Content RT @AriBerman: Trump's report ed pick t o run Census, who
wrot e book called "Redistr icting and Represen tatio n: Why
Compet itive Elect... https:/ /t.co/oz lQrcCfle
Issue Areas
Person Mentions
Bill Mentions
Source URL http s:/ /tw itt er.com/gcobbhunter/status/933006404113268737
Re:CongressionalAlerts
Thanks again.
Alan Lang
Acting Ch_ief, Office of Congressional and
lnte~govemmental Affairs , U.S. Census Bureau
U.S. Department of Commerce
Office : 301-763-1950
Alan,
Tara asked me to send this. I hope this is what you were looking for .
Sara Connelly
CongressionalAffairs Specialist
Office of Congressionaland Intergovernmental Affairs (OCIA)
U.S. CensusBureau
Office 301.763.5720
Cell
sara.buettner.connelly@census.gov
census.gov
Connectwith us on SocialMedia
OCIADally Update
CAOAlerts: 11/22/17
IAOAlerts: 11/22/17
Thanks, everyone!
Alan Lang
Acting Chief, Office of Congressionaland
IntergovernmentalAffairs, U.S. Census Bureau
U.S. Departmentof Commerce
Office: 301-763-1950
Connect with us: lfll flJ iaj ~
https://outlook.office365.com/ow 11/30/2017
. Re: CongressionalAlerts Page 3 of3
Thanks!
Tara
Tara Tadlock
CongressionalAffairs Office Branch Chief
Office of Congressionaland IntergovernmentalAffairs (OCIA)
U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Departmentof Commerce
Office: 301-763-7798
Cell:
tara.a.tadlock@census.gov
census.gov Connectwith us on Social Media
INTERGOVERNMENTAL ALERTS
I wanted to share with you what OCIA is tracking regarding Federal and State lawmakers in the
news or on social media following yesterday's Politico article.
Please let us know if you have any quest ions, and we will continue to track and update this
document .
Tara Tadlock
Congressional Affairs Office Branch Chief
Office of Congressional and Intergovernmental Affairs (OCIA)
U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Commerce
Office: 301-763-7798
Cell:
tara.a.tadlock@census.gov
census.gov Connect with us on Social Media
https://outlook.office365.com/owa/ 11/30/2017
OCIA Daily Update
"Competitive Elections are Bad for America."??!! What? We must make noise.
https:/ /t.co/E4ehGxOpk0