Integrity, Objectivity, Impartiality, Utility, and Confidentiality

• Activity Number: 90 - Late-Breaking Session I: National Governments, Coerced Narratives, Creative Language, and Alternative Facts
• Type: Invited
• Date/Time: Monday, July 31, 2017 : 8:30 AM to 10:20 AM
• Sponsor: JSM Partner Societies
• Author(s): Nancy A. Potok*
• Companies: Chief Statistician of the United States, U.S. Office of Management and Budget

Abstract

The Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 established the position of the Chief Statistician in the Office of information and Regulatory Affairs within the U.S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB). The Chief Statistician works on behalf of the Director of OMB to carry out the responsibilities of the Act, including assuring the integrity, objectivity, impartiality, utility, and confidentiality of information collected for statistical purposes. OMB has the authority to develop and oversee the implementation of Government-wide policies, principles, standards, and guidelines concerning collection, processing and dissemination of statistical data. Over time, OMB Statistical Directives have put in place a strong system of protections around statistical data that has been honored by multiple Administrations, regardless of political party. What are some of these protections, and how has the U.S. Federal Statistical System maintained its independence? What have been the biggest challenges faced by the system?