The Insights Association, the leading nonprofit association representing the market research and analytics industry, released a statement following the confirmation of Howard Lutnick as Secretary of Commerce in the second Trump Administration, focused on his new role in census policy and trans-Atlantic consumer data sharing.
Lutnick was confirmed by the Senate by a 51-45 vote on February 18, 2025.
Howard Fienberg, Senior VP Advocacy for the Insights Association, said that “Howard Lutnick has been confirmed to leadership of the U.S. Commerce Department at a challenging moment for two policy areas under his purview of direct concern to the insights industry: the Census Bureau; and the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework (DPF).”
On the census, Fienberg noted, “the Secretary provided mostly vague responses to questions in the Senate confirmation process, leaving us unclear on his priorities for the Census Bureau at a concerning time where the Bureau must leverage limited resources to maintain its core Constitutional duties in the decennial Census and the American Community Survey (ACS), including the 2026 decennial field tests (which were almost all cancelled in the last decade due to funding fluctuations). The decennial headcount and ACS provide data without which the insights industry could not conduct statistically-representative studies in the U.S. The Census Bureau needs to quit trying to duplicate and compete with private sector commercial activities, as in the Census Household Panel, and refocus attention back on its core responsibilities, particularly in a tough budget environment. With the director position at the Bureau vacant following the resignation of Rob Santos on February 14, and some census data sets disappearing early in the new Administration, Lutnick’s mindful leadership will be even more essential.”
On trans-Atlantic data sharing, Fienberg continued, “Secretary Lutnick will also need to continue support for the EU-U.S. Data Privacy Framework, and its UK and Switzerland extensions, to keep data flowing for the insights industry between Europe and the United States. The DPF allows U.S.-based organizations to self-certify with the Commerce Department, which also administers the program, and publicly commit to adherence so that they may receive data transfers from Europe and still be deemed compliant with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Careful maintenance and defense of U.S. commercial interests will prove essential as activist groups pursue European court cases to undermine or kill the DPF, just like they did for the predecessor agreements (Privacy Shield and Safe Harbor).”
The Insights Association provides services to companies seeking to self-certify to the Data Privacy Framework, including independent dispute resolution. For more information on participating, contact Juliana Wood.
IA also released an earlier statement upon the confirmation of Office of Management and Budget Director Russ Vought and his potential impact on competitive sourcing, census, and federal statistical policy.
About the Author
Based in Washington, DC, Howard is the Insights Association's lobbyist for the marketing research and data analytics industry, focusing primarily on consumer privacy and data security, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), tort reform, and the funding and integrity of the decennial Census and the American Community Survey (ACS).
Howard has more than two decades of public policy experience. Before the Insights Association, he worked in Congress as senior legislative staffer for then-Representatives Christopher Cox (CA-48) and Cliff Stearns (FL-06). He also served more than four years with a science policy think tank, working to improve the understanding of scientific and social research and methodology among journalists and policymakers.
Howard is also co-director of The Census Project, a 900+ member coalition in support of a fair and accurate Census and ACS.
He has also served previously on the Board of Directors for the National Institute for Lobbying and Ethics and and the Association of Government Relations Professionals.
Howard has an MA International Relations from the University of Essex in England and a BA Honors Political Studies from Trent University in Canada, and has obtained the Certified Association Executive (CAE), Professional Lobbying Certificate (PLC) and the Public Policy Certificate (PPC).
When not running advocacy for the Insights Association, Howard enjoys hockey, NFL football, sci-fi and horror movies, playing with his dog, and spending time with family and friends.