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The Hill
5 days ago
- Politics
- The Hill
America's public data needs rescuing from Trump
America's public data is part of our country's critical infrastructure, every bit as important as our highways, bridges, railways, and dams. Roughly 300,000 public federal datasets, including GPS, weather, Census, and economic data, are an essential resource for policymakers, companies, state and local governments, and ordinary Americans. Now the Trump administration is disrupting our data infrastructure in unprecedented ways. Data experts across the country are alarmed by these changes, but they're also seeing the opportunity for positive change. The months ahead will determine whether we end up with an unreliable, inaccurate and deeply flawed data ecosystem, or a new infrastructure that is better and stronger than what we had before. The administration began making changes to America's data systems within a month of the inauguration. It began by deleting government websites and datasets, which an ad hoc army of 'data rescuers' scrambled to save. In the last five months, the changes to data infrastructure have gone deeper. The administration has cut staffing and funding for data-providing agencies, altered or dropped specific surveys and data collections, disbanded advisory committees for the Census Bureau and other agencies that collect data, laid the groundwork for major changes to long-established data programs and removed data relating to sexual orientation and gender identity. On July 3, The Lancet published research finding that 114 of 232 federal public health datasets studied, or 49 percent, 'were substantially altered,' primarily in how they referred to gender and sex. My nonprofit organization has just published a white paper on the current challenges and opportunities for America's data infrastructure. Drawing on more than 200 sources and numerous discussions with data experts, we found a growing movement to reinvent America's data infrastructure, not just preserve it. Advocates are simultaneously trying to rescue datasets and data programs while also envisioning something greater: a national data ecosystem that is more accessible, accurate, complete and secure. Here are some of the best emerging opportunities to shape America's data future. Working with Congress. The Foundations for Evidence-Based Policymaking Act (the Evidence Act), which President Trump signed into law in 2019, embodied a strong bipartisan commitment to public data for public use. In May, Rep. William Timmons (R-S.C.) introduced a bipartisan resolution to convene a new Commission on Evidence-Based Policymaking like the one that shaped the Evidence Act. There is an opportunity to build on the Evidence Act by strengthening the processes required to alter major data collections, writing more precise specifications for the most high-value data programs, creating clear guidelines for making government data AI-ready and more. Reinventing federal data governance. The president's budget for 2026 recommends consolidating three statistical agencies: Census, the Bureau of Economic Analysis, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Many statisticians support this proposal and see it as an opportunity to make further, long-needed changes. The American Statistical Association has launched a project on Modernizing the Federal Statistical System with recommendations to come by the end of the year. Other expert groups could explore additional opportunities for structural reform. Working with the states. States already collect data for national statistics on health, education and more, but variations in methods and data quality can make that data hard to use. Ongoing efforts to standardize state data could make it more reliable and leave the country less dependent on federal data collections. Forming new collaborations. People and organizations that care about America's data are working together in new ways. For example, the Population Reference Bureau has launched a Federal Data Forum to promote information sharing and collaboration. Several foundation collaboratives are supporting projects to improve national data sources, both across the board and in sectors including science and health. We have launched a U.S. Data Action Hub, with about 70 resources so far, to track the growing number of organizations and initiatives working to protect America's data. Reinventing data advocacy. Advocates are realizing that they have to make a stronger case for public support to preserve, fund and improve vital data sources. America's Essential Data is compiling examples of data used by police officers, students, ranchers and business owners, among others. The Census Project has stepped up its advocacy for the American Community Survey, an indispensable resource for businesses and entrepreneurs as well as state, local and tribal governments. Other groups are advocating for funding to support labor statistics and health statistics. Efforts like these are creating new coalitions that can protect our current data infrastructure, push for future improvements and provide evidence for lawsuits to protect essential data, like the recently successful lawsuits brought by physicians and organic farmers. Developing new data sources. Data scientists are exploring alternatives to the federal data that's now at risk. They're looking for new ways to analyze national and state administrative data, which tracks government transactions and records, to gain new insights into the population. Crowdsourcing and citizen science projects can engage the public in creating new data sources. And AI has opened new opportunities to create structured, usable data based on internet searches, mobile applications and social media. America's data systems are facing a crisis, but like any crisis, this one can open up new possibilities. Federal data serves a huge constituency that ultimately includes every American. By thinking creatively and working together, we can preserve the country's most important data resources, improve what needs to be made better and ultimately create the robust, reliable data ecosystem America deserves.
Time of India
30-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
China, Iran exploited jurisdictional chaos for drone activities? Luna drops bombshell at UFO hearing
Subcommittee on Military and Foreign Affairs Chairman William Timmons (R-S.C.) delivered opening remarks at 'Securing the Skies: Addressing Unauthorized Drone Activity Over Military Installations.' In his opening statement, Chairman Timmons brought to attention hostile adversaries' many coordinated attempts to use unauthorized drones to collect intelligence and surveil sensitive U.S. military equipment. He called out the Biden Administration's lack of leadership and mitigation of the issue and praised President Trump for taking action to protect military installations from exposure. Chairman Timmons concluded that full accountability, expedited technological upgrades, and enhanced oversight are needed to further reform military readiness and protect U.S. sovereignty. Show more Show less
Yahoo
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
After much demand, U.S. Rep. William Timmons to host telephone town hall
SOUTH CAROLINA, S.C. (WSPA) — U.S. Representative William Timmons (R-SC 4th District) is set to host a telephone town hall on Tuesday night. The event comes less than one week after the congressman referred to town halls as a product of the South Carolina Democratic Party.'These so-called 'town halls' orchestrated by the SCDP are nothing more than staged political pep rallies for their left-wing agenda,' Timmons said. 'I am focused on delivering President Trump's America First agenda, not performative gatherings.' Rep. Timmons announced his plans to host a telephone town hall on Monday night, following President Donald Trump's first 100 days in office. 'Looking forward to speaking with you and answering your questions,' Timmons said on social media. According to Merriam-Webster, a town hall is defined as an event where a 'public official or political candidate addresses an audience by answering questions posed by individual members.' U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs hosts virtual town hall A recent billboard in Greenville claimed the last in-person town hall held by Timmons was more than three years ago. Greenville City Council At-Large Representative Russell Stall said that while he is not affiliated with the group behind the display; he is concerned. 'Our biggest responsibility and our biggest privilege is listening to the voice of the people,' Stall said. 'I am very concerned that we are not seeing that here.' The advertisement directed readers to a website that criticizes Timmons' decisions and alleged lack of involvement with his constituents. On April 22, U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn (D-SC 6th District) held an in-person town hall at Wofford College. People travelled from across the region to hear answers they feel they have not gotten from Congressman Timmons, who represents the district. Clyburn even criticized Timmons for not holding an in-person town hall. The town hall is slated to start at 5:45 p.m. Constituents interested in speaking with Rep. Timmons can sign up online. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
24-04-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Staged political pep rallies': U.S. Rep. William Timmons speaks out about in-person town halls
SOUTH CAROLINA (WSPA) — South Carolina Congressman William Timmons (R-SC 4th District) is speaking out about a series of in-person town Timmons claimed the town halls are targeting him and other Republicans who have not held them. 'These so-called 'town halls' orchestrated by the SCDP are nothing more than staged political pep rallies for their left-wing agenda,' Timmons said. A recent billboard in Greenville claimed the last in-person town hall held by Timmons was more than three years ago. U.S. Rep. Sheri Biggs hosts virtual town hall On Tuesday, U.S. Representative Jim Clyburn (D-SC 6th District) held an in-person town hall at Wofford College. People travelled from across the region to hear answers they feel they have not gotten from congressmen Timmons, who represents the district. Additionally, Clyburn criticized Timmons for not holding an in-person town hall. 'I am focused on delivering President Trump's America First agenda, not performative gatherings,' Timmons told 7NEWS. Timmons did not share any plans to host a town hall. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Lawmakers under fire for pushing bill to allow dangerous substances in everyday products: 'Lethal if inhaled'
Proposed legislation in the U.S. House of Representatives would reopen a loophole closed last year that officially halted the quick approval of "forever chemicals." It has been criticized because it would allow the toxic substances to be "used and sold with little effective scrutiny," The Guardian reported. Clay Higgins, R-Louisiana, and William Timmons, R-South Carolina, introduced the resolution. Higgins represents a district that borders the so-called Cancer Alley, where industrial companies — and an "identifiable and preventable" human health crisis — reign. He cited a threat to chemical manufacturers and refiners in a news release about the bill. Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances do not break down and have been linked to birth defects, immune disorders, and cancer, as well as a host of other health problems. They are used to make nonstick cookware, waterproof clothing, cosmetics, and more and have been found everywhere. The Guardian pointed out that a PFAS approved before the loophole was closed was noted by the Environmental Protection Agency to be "lethal if inhaled" and "corrosive to the skin." Even minimal exposure to some PFAS could lead to "irreversible injury," and single or repeated exposure could lead to "life-threatening, permanent, or major injury." Humans are exposed to PFAS via everyday items but also through contaminated air, soil, drinking water, and seafood. Some states, including New Hampshire, are moving to ban them from certain uses, while others, such as Tennessee, are going the way of this resolution. The "low-volume exemption" loophole allowed PFAS to reach the market in less than a month if their annual production did not reach 22,000 pounds. Companies used it as "a preferred route … to push highly toxic chemicals through with virtually no regulation," and over 600 chemicals followed this path from 1985 to 2020, all per The Guardian. "The loophole allowed PFAS and chemicals produced in small enough quantities to be sent to the marketplace with virtually no review from federal regulators," according to the newspaper. In addition to state bans, companies such as 3M are phasing out their use of forever chemicals. Still, advocates argue that a total ban is necessary to ensure complete protection for people, animals, and the planet. In the meantime, you can reduce your exposure by avoiding nonstick cookware, opting for natural products, and filtering your tap water. Do you worry about having toxic forever chemicals in your home? Majorly Sometimes Not really I don't know enough about them Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
