Miller-White Bill Would Add Internet Questions to Census

(July 21, 1998)  Two Congressmen introduced legislation on Monday that would add two questions about computer ownership and Internet access to some census forms, starting in the year 2000.

Rep. Dan Miller (R-FL) and Rep. Rick White (R-WA) introduced HR 4270, an untitled bill that would add two questions to the long form census questionnaire, beginning in the year 2000:

• Does your household have a personal computer?
• Is your household currently connected to the Internet through a personal computer or other device?

The long form is mailed to one out of every six households in most neighborhoods, and one out of two households in rural areas. Other households receive the seven-question short form.  Rep. Miller is Chairman of the Census Subcommittee.

"Right now the census gives us information that's more relevant to planning the 1930's New Deal than preparing for the Information Age," White said in a press release. "We can't expect to find the right policies for the 21st Century if we don't know how Americans really use computers and the Internet."

"In the Commerce Committee hearings on electronic commerce this summer, we've learned a lot about how the Internet works and what it means for the businesses that operate on it," said White. "To turn that information into sound policy, we need information about how individuals use the Internet. The census doesn't give us that information today - our bill will fix that."

HR 4270.
Introduced: July 20, 1998.
Source: Office of Rep. White.

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Mr. MILLER of Florida (for himself and Mr. White) introduced the following bill; which was referred to the Committee on __________

A BILL

To require that, as part of the 2000 decennial census of population, certain questions be asked concerning the availability of a personal computer in the home and access to the Internet.

Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of the United States of America in Congress assembled,

SECTION 1.  INFORMATION TO BE REQUESTED.

(a)  IN GENERAL.---The long form used in carrying out the 2000 decennial census of population shall, in addition to any other information requested, contain the following questions (or question to the same effect):

(1)  Does your household have a personal computer?

(2)  Is your household currently connected to the Internet through a personal computer or other device?

(b)  DEFINITION.---For purposes of this Act, the term "census of population" has the meaning given such term by section 141(g) of title 13, United States Code.