Federal statistics are vital to public policy and essential to the nation’s economic well-being. Businesses, investors, and governments at all levels rely on trustworthy data to assess conditions, allocate resources, and make plans. The ability of federal statistical agencies to produce objective and credible information — free from political or other undue influence — is critical to effective decision-making, as well as to public trust in government.  

For over 50 years, the National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine’s Committee on National Statistics has evaluated and guided federal statistical programs and methods across administrations of both parties. Since 1992, it has issued a regularly updated report articulating the core principles and practices that enable statistical agencies to fulfill their mission with integrity and efficacy. Among those principles is that statistical agencies must execute their missions without being subject to pressures to advance any political or personal agenda.

We urge federal leaders to respect and safeguard the integrity and objectivity of our federal statistical agencies and the information they produce, and to uphold the professional standards and statutory protections that allow these agencies to serve the nation effectively, impartially, and in the public interest.

Marcia McNutt
President, National Academy of Sciences  

Victor J. Dzau
President, National Academy of Medicine  

Related Resources

• Principles and Practices for a Federal Statistical Agency: Eighth Edition