WASHINGTON - U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho) introduced legislation today to defend Americans’ fundamental right to privacy. The Freedom from Government Surveys Act would make the American Community Survey (ACS) voluntary and remove unwarranted fines inflicted on non-respondents. 

“It is unacceptable for the federal government to punish Idahoans for protecting their personal, private details from intrusive surveys,” said Risch. “My Freedom from Government Surveys Act abolishes burdensome and unnecessary fines on Idahoans who exercise their right to privacy." 

Risch is joined by U.S. Senators Mike Crapo (R-Idaho), Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), and Cindy Hyde-Smith (R-Miss.) in introducing the Freedom from Government Surveys Act. 

“As U.S. citizens, we have a fundamental right to privacy,” said Daines. “I’m proud to join my colleagues in introducing this legislation that will remove fines for Americans who exercise their right to not be subjected to prying ACS surveys.”

“The people of Wyoming have a right to privacy and should not be bombarded by excessive government surveys,” said Lummis. “I’m proud to join Senator Risch and my colleagues in protecting Americans from facing fines for choosing not to complete intrusive and lengthy surveys.”

The ACS is administered annually by the U.S. Census Bureau to a random selection of 3.5 million American households. Respondents must divulge sweeping demographic information and sensitive, private, and personal details about their home, work, and health. 

Under current law, Americans who neglect or fail to respond to the ACS are subject to harassment by the Census Bureau and monetary fines. The Freedom from Government Surveys Act would put an end to these punitive actions.

Some of the most invasive ACS questions include: 

• Does [the respondent] have difficulty dressing or bathing?
• What time [does the respondent’s] trip to work usually begin, and how many minutes [does] it usually take [the respondent] to get from home to work?
• In the past 12 months, what were the actual sales of all agricultural products from this property?
• About how much do you think this house and lot, apartment, or mobile home (and lot, if owned) would sell for if it were for sale?
• Which fuel is used most for heating this house, apartment, or mobile home?