The administration’s announcement that it is collecting less consumer price data comes as the President’s reckless tariffs are causing prices to rise
WASHINGTON – Today, Senator Ruben Gallego (D-AZ) led eight of his colleague is calling out the administration and demanding answers regarding the recent announcement that the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) will reduce Consumer Price Index (CPI) data collection.
“This is not a minor administrative adjustment. Inaccurate and incomplete data will have serious downstream consequences,” the Senators wrote in a letter to the Secretary of Labor. “Inflation measures based on BLS data guide cost-of-living adjustments for tens of millions of Social Security recipients, wage increases in collective bargaining agreements, and policymaking at the Federal Reserve. Payments on roughly $2 trillion in inflation-indexed Treasury bonds are tied to these figures, as are tax brackets and numerous private-sector contracts.”
The Senators also noted that the timing of this decision is particularly dangerous for families and consumers. “At a time when Americans are already feeling the strain of rising costs due to President Trump’s reckless tariffs and failure to effectively crack down on price gouging, reducing the quality of this data is misguided,” they wrote.
READ MORE: Senators Seek Answers on Inflation Stats
The Senators requested answers to a series of questions, including:
- Please identify each change to a statistical program of the BLS since January 20, 2025, the reason for the change and the impact on the accuracy or availability of data. Are additional reductions in data collection planned? If so, which regions, states, localities or sectors will be affected? Please share any analysis conducted of each change on the credibility and accuracy of the statistical program.
- Are there plans to reduce collection for other major economic indicators, including but not limited to data on Gross Domestic Product, consumer spending, employment, and wages?
- Does BLS intend to use alternative technologies or internet-based tools to fill current data collection gaps? If so, please describe such plans and the analysis of the change on the credibility and accuracy of the statistical program.
- Has BLS communicated with the Federal Reserve regarding any concerns about the accuracy or reliability of inflation data?
- Has BLS consulted with the Social Security Administration regarding the potential impact on benefit calculations?
The letter was signed by Senators Patty Murray (D-WA), Ron Wyden (D-OR), Maria Cantwell (D-WA), Mark Warner (D-VA), Kirsten Gillibrand (D-NY), Elizabeth Warren (D-MA), Cory Booker (D-NJ), and Gary Peters (D-MI).
Read the full letter HERE.
6/10/25