That could mean fewer members of Congress for states with large immigrant populations and less money from federal programs. The Trump administration, as well as the 18 states, local governments and others challenging Ross’s decision, told the court that the decision was so important it warranted exceptional treatment. The New York brief says Ross acted directly against the advice of career Census Bureau experts. The challengers had wanted to depose Ross about his reasons for adding the question, and Furman had agreed. But the administration went to the Supreme Court for a stay of that decision, and the justices said the Cabinet secretary could not be questioned.

Source: Washington Post February 15, 2019 18:39 UTC