Joyce Meyer, President Trump’s nominee for undersecretary of commerce for economic affairs, told the Senate Commerce Committee she would prioritize accuracy, timeliness and efficiency at the Bureau of Economic Analysis and the Census Bureau if confirmed.

Senator Gary Peters pressed Meyer on preparations for the 2026 census test — a dress rehearsal the committee described as necessary to prepare for the 2030 decennial count. Peters said the Census Bureau had not yet begun hiring for the 2026 test and that bureau updates to him had been limited. Meyer replied that she is not yet in the role and therefore lacked operational visibility but committed that, if confirmed, she would work with the committee to prioritize staffing and resources for the 2026 test and the 2030 census.

On statistical independence and integrity, senators emphasized that BEA and the Census Bureau must produce data free from political influence. Meyer said she would rely on her decades as a data user and the expertise within the agencies to preserve accurate, reliable statistics. She noted the importance of transparent revisions and described three priorities she would pursue if confirmed: ensuring integrity and accuracy of data, leveraging technology to improve the speed of analysis, and achieving efficiency across federal statistical offices.

Senator Peters asked Meyer whether the president could unilaterally conduct an immediate new census that excluded noncitizens without new legislation. Meyer declined to give a legal opinion during the hearing, saying she was not yet in the role and would, if confirmed, “look forward to continuing to work with you and the committee in regards to these issues.”

The committee set deadlines for written questions and Meyer pledged to cooperate and provide timely responses if confirmed. No formal action related to the census or BEA was taken at the hearing.