Trump says he will ask for a delay to the 2020 census

(CNN) President Trump said he will ask for a “major delay” to the 2020 Census to make sure it is completed safely and accurately.

“During this difficult time we’re also working to ensure that the 2020 Census is completed safely and accurately. We may be asking for an extension because obviously they can't be doing very much right now. They wouldn't even be allowed to do it. So the Census, we are going to be asking for a delay, a major delay,” Trump said. 

Trump said that the Census Bureau will ask Congress for a 120 day extension — an extension he feels is not long enough.

“In addition as millions of Americans continue to complete their questionnaire online, the Census Bureau asked Congress for a 120 day extension. I don't know if you even have to ask them. This is called an act of God. This is called a situation that has to be — they have to give it and I think 120 days isn't nearly enough,” Trump said.

Why the Census Bureau is asking for an extension: The late revisions to the census data collection timeline means officials need more time to compile the data that is used to apportion members of Congress among the states, as well as the data that states use to draw congressional districts. 

Federal law requires some of that data be compiled before the end of this year, so being granted the extension would allow the final counts to be delivered to the President in April and July of 2021.

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