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WASHINGTON – Today, Education and the Workforce Committee Chairwoman Virginia Foxx (R-NC) sent a letter to the Government Accountability Office’s (GAO) Comptroller General Gene Dodaro raising concerns about the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ (BLS) methodologies and accuracy in reporting labor market conditions. Foxx’s inquiry to the GAO comes as the Biden administration continues to tout the success of its economic agenda, which is in stark contrast to the millions of American workers who are struggling to make ends meet. Reliable and timely labor market data is vital for informed policy decision-making.
 
In the letter, Foxx writes: “I believe the time has come to review the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and its methodologies. Such an evaluation is especially important now as the Biden administration continues to tout the successes of ‘Bidenomics’ while American families and businesses suffer… While these surveys have historically been a trusted source of labor market data, some economists have raised concerns regarding the reliability and timeliness of the information [BLS] provide[s].”
 
The letter continues: “Specifically, these economists express concerns that BLS might be overcounting jobs that have not actually been added, as it has with previous economic turning points. This is particularly concerning as the Biden administration’s misguided policies have driven our economy toward a recession… It is essential that BLS’ data collection and reporting methodologies are equipped to capture the nuances of our rapidly changing economy and workforce, particularly as interest rates are skyrocketing and the federal deficit continues to climb.”
 
Foxx concludes by seeking answers on the following:

• To what extent are the data presented in BLS’ Employment Situation Report accurate, useful, and timely for the purposes of monitoring labor market conditions?
• What options exist to improve the data’s accuracy, usefulness, and timeliness?

To read the full letter, click here.

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